Purpose

This project sought to develop an autonomous robotic system designed to sterilize the inside of HVAC systems using UV-C radiation. However, in order to be effective, the robot must first be capable of scaling 90 degree inclines to ensure it is able to travel the full length of the duct work. Additionally, to maximize the efficiency at which the robot kills microorganisms, it utilizes a 556 integrated circuit timer to pulsate the UV-C light. The robot is also equipped with various sensors that measure air temperature, humidity, air quality, and surface temperature to determine the condition of the duct work and detect leaks. In order to pinpoint possible leaks, the robot has a rotation counter and accelerometer that are used to record the distance and direction traveled. This data, along with the data gathered by the sensors, is then transmitted throughout the ductwork, using relay boards (Faraday’s law), to a receiver attached to a computer. Once received, the corresponding location and sensor data is used to create a 3- Dimensional map which displays the values for each of the sensors, as well as create a color coded scale model of the duct work. Finally, in order to detect the possible presence of microorganisms in the duct work, a robotic arm was developed, on the robot, to use a sterile cotton swab to sample the inside of the duct work.