Vernel Young recognised that automating an office environment can significantly reduce wasted time and possibly lead to increased employee productivity. In light of this, he saw the need to incorporate the use of intelligent agents in the office environment to aid in the movement and delivery of documents and other office essentials around the office.

Vernel’s final year project was to design, build and test a Semi-Autonomous Robot for one-to-one document delivery in cubicle-type office environments. The project was supervised by Dr. Nadine Sangster, Assistant Professor of Design and Manufacturing Engineering (Mechatronics). The project sought to design a mobile robot to perform one-to-one document delivery between cubicles on the same office floor. He executed the entire design process from conceptualisation of the idea to the evaluation of different alternative designs; selection of the most suitable design and a detailed description of the final design, including details on the building and testing of an Alpha prototype. This prototype was a success as a proof of concept and technology demonstrator, and the framework developed for this robot can be further enhanced and applied to other areas, such as health care and hospitality where mobile robots are useful.

The robot consists of sub-systems for localization, planning and navigation in buildings using sensors and a 2D discretized map of the environment. The prototype also incorporates means to communicate with and receive instructions from a user in order to plan and carry out the required task(s). The project was completed in May 2016. Vernel is currently researching computer vision and machining learning as possible candidates for inclusion in the further development of the project.  The Department of Design and Manufacturing Engineering of The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) wishes Vernel success in his future projects.

Biography

Mr. Vernel Young successfully completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing and Design Engineering at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and also holds several professional qualifications, including A+ Certified Professional IT Technician and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. Mr. Young is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Associate in Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree programme in the Division of Technical and Vocational Education of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. He also works as a CVQ/NVQ External Assessor for the Sector Skills Development Agency/National Qualifications Department of the Ministry of Education, Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.