Next Generations Products - a Tiny Military Flying Device Houdini 2,0 - Case Study Example

Next Generations Products – the Houdini 2.0 UNDERSTANDING OF THE BRIEF My goal in this paper is to prepare a design brief for a next-generation product designed out of emerging technologies that performs a critical role in military service. The product that has been developed was considered after thorough research in emerging technologies and issues dealing with interaction. I have christened this product as the Houdini 2.0, and in keeping with the legendary magician, it (the product) too has been designed to complete its job accurately in the least amount of time and escape to safe surroundings. In brief the Houdini 2.0 is a tiny military flying device that dashes into a room to detect chemical or biological agents. There are four technologies that have been used in the making of this device – nanotechnology for the nano skin and the super nano battery, flying technology and LCD technology. This paper is essentially divided into two categories, the first being – the usage of the Houdini 2.0, which describes the consumer profile, in this case the military organization, its various applications and live examples of it usability. The second part of the paper describes in detail the technologies that have been used in the making of the product. Here we look at the core technology that has been used and the supplemental technologies that go into the making of the Houdini 2.0. Together, the two sections will give a fair description of practical application of emerging technologies such as nano technology. INTRODUCTION Technology has changed the lives of people and in some places ushered in more advanced economies. Every decade has been known for a particular technology or its deri vatives. In the 1980s, it was the era of personal computing, with the advent of Apple’s computers. In the 1990s, it shifted to other technologies such as software systems and the like. The late 90s typified the era of the dotcom that led to the rise and fall of aspects related to this technology. In today’s 21st century, we now talk about nanotechnology, and its several applications in daily life such as electronics, medicine and energy production. One such application of nano technology in conjunction with other complimentary technologies is in military or defence areas. Imagine a scenario in a war, where a soldier is firing weapons that smart enough to be controlled from the command centre. One of the primary benefits of this technology is the promise of materials that are stronger, lighter and inexpensive. Little wonder that institutions such as Lockheed Martin and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, have collaborated to advance the research in nanotechnology as reported by Siddiqui in Nanotechnology’s promise for Global defense industry. The current agreement between the two institutions is for a one-year period, and will strive to develop expertise in this domain. The ultimate goal is to research areas such as nano-technology enabled biological sensors, bio-degradable materials, and bio-filters for the detection of pollution. THE DEVICE CONCEPT AND CONTEXT In the face of the current situation faced by the world in the form of terrorist activities, it becomes increasingly critical to curb these elements in order to provide a safe and secure environment for citizens. Not a day goes by without terrorist activities damaging life and property. According to Prados and Savranskaya, the US army in its war on terror faced an immense challenge in the hostile environs of Afghanistan, fighting the Taliban. This particular war on terror was very unlike the campaigns that the US executed over the last two decades. In addition to the dangerous elements armed to the teeth, the environment itself posed a challenge that needed a new kind of strategy and newer technologies to help soldiers on the field. One of the basic requirements is for surveillance equipment that can be monitored at a remote location, and is capable enough to provide critical data to military strategists. However, to monitor and neutralize cleverly hidden or camouflaged and underground terror camps is a daunting task. Some countries have already begun the process of utilizing remote sensing satellites that can provide imaging, viewing, control of signals and ground intelligence to ascertain the locations of terror camps in the world. In the midst of this, this proposal describes the possibility of the development of a really advanced, self-contained and extremely tiny flying device that is capable of monitoring and neutralizing terror camps. This device is engineered from the basic concepts of nanotechnology that utilize a nano skin as the core technology and supplemental technologies such as flying technology, super nano battery and LCD technology. They are sometimes confused for tiny saucers that may have UFO observers getting their cameras out. The beauty of this device is in the fact that it can have stealth as a major component. The device is primarily used to gather data. This device has the additional function of being able to replace ground intelligence and special forces. This robotized smart tiny flying device is the next generation special operations forces deployed in terror camps or even behind enemy lines. The one major difference between traditional flying devices and this device is its self-contained nature. Discussions relating to the User The basic requirement of any surveillance equipment, according to Helen and Peterson: Is to provide accurate information and data on illegal activities or otherwise, the device needs to be able to be viable for long periods of time and more importantly be able to be controlled remotely. The Houdini 2.0 has been designed in such a manner that it accomplishes all these tasks effortlessly. The nano skin coated exterior has been chosen due to its extreme sensitivity towards biological and chemical components. These sensors have the capability of detecting even minute components of chemicals in the atmosphere. According to Heller and Peterson: The continuing war on terror has made the usage of these nano-sensors an absolute necessity. Soon, in the near future, it may be highly difficult to slip a bomb into a busy area such as an airport. When these devices become ubiquitous, it also may be highly impossible to produce a bomb or a weapon, virtually undetected. The carbon-fiber reinforced plastic that is material used makes it durable and gives it strength. The usage of microrobot technology for levitation of flying is apt for this kind of a device. Flying as we know it requires some kind of a motor to propel it against gravity. The technology chosen for the Houdini 2.0 to keep it levitated is one of the latest developments in anti-gravity systems. This technology, called the MicroElectroMechanical Systems, and was developed by the Maglev (Magnetically Levitated) Microrobotics Laboratory of the University of Waterloo, Canada. According to Behrad Khamesee, who headed the team that developed the technology: The technology has the capability of defying gravity and flies or levitates, the power of which lies in a magnetic field. Remotely controlled by a laser-beam, it can be manipulated over virtually any space which requires delicate handling. Moreover, the technology is powered at the source which increases its maneuverability manifold. The super nano battery ensures operations over long periods of time between recharges and the remote control device with a built in LCD monitor is able to provide live data and information to the user. The basis utility of the super nano battery is its ability to be recharged quickly and discharge over long periods of time. The basic requirement for our device was compactness, more power and lesser time to recharge, which is provided by super nano batteries. Moreover, any hardware is as good if does not have a relevant software built into it to churn and analyse the data. The Houdini 2.0 is designed in such a manner so that it can make its own decision with a dedicated data bank and decision algorithms. Artificial intelligence built into the device is advanced to such an extent that intelligence, data, and decision algorithms are all captured in one single device. This is critical as the remote controlling authority may not be able to maintain communication all the time. One major development in the Houdini 2.0 is the capability of self-destruction in case adversaries get hold of it. DISCUSSION OF THE PHYSICAL DESIGN In the previous sections, we discussed the justification for the usage of particular technologies. We now move on to talk about the various applications in real life scenarios, where the Houdini 2.0 can save the lives of many people. The basic idea behind the device is to detect minute amounts of biological and chemical agents in the air that can potentially harm human life. Let’s look at how a typical airport functions in the matter of security. According to a report by Prachi Patel-Predd: Travelers go through a metal detector, and some of them are occasionally pulled aside for a pat-down. In addition, hand-baggage and other baggage pass through x-ray machines for possible detection of hazardous materials. The pat-down is reserved only when the homeland security feels that the traveler looks suspicious. There is every chance that a suicide bomber who has strapped himself with explosives and harmful chemicals has the potential of escaping this screening. Now, imagine the same scenario with the Houdini 2.0 in place all around the airport, being monitored constantly through the remote controlled device, similar to CCTVs. A slight detection of any sort of chemicals triggers a set of alarms that instantly allows the capture of the assailant or the suicide bomber and the prevention of a terrorism disaster. This advanced sensor network, which is self powered through the super nano battery and with smart technology to communicate back to the remote control and has the ability to detect minute quantities of chemicals or biological agents. Considering another scenario, in the remote hostile environs of the Hindukush mountain range in Afghanistan, where the war on terror is still being fought relentlessly by US soldiers. A description provided by Ann Scott Tyson, on the environs in Afghanistan: The terrain was so hostile, due to the fact that the US soldiers were never in a situation as this, and there was a surprise round every corner. Guerilla attacks, car bombs, suicide bombers et. al were the flavour of the season. Some of the soldiers only wish they had equipment that could forewarn them of the perils that existed. Due to the nature of the device, it is possible to provide the Houdini 2.0 to every unit in the battalion and training them to use the device is also considerably easy. The basic plotting of the area will still have to be done by satellite imagery. Once a company has moved into the area, all it needs is a few of the devices flying around to detect any form of chemical imbalance in the air. Explosives and chemicals, since they are easily detected by the device, provide the necessary intelligence to the soldier of potential danger around the corner. Once the position is detected, it becomes relatively easier to ensure defensive strategies and execution. PRESENTATION OF THE CONTROL/ MENU STRUCTURE  Though the device has the capability of detecting chemical and biological agents, its use is worthless, if it does not communicate it to a person who can act on this data. The Houdini 2.0 has a hand-held device the size of a mobile cell phone, with a LCD screen that displays the exact location and the nature of the chemical that is found. A further development in the device is that of Global Positioning System software being loaded onto the hand-held device. In this manner, the hand-held device shows a map of the area that is under surveillance and can pinpoint accurately the location of the chemical or biological agent. In addition, the Houdini 2.0 communicates the chemical or biological agent to the hand-held, which in conjunction with its pre-loaded data can detect the kind of agent and various other properties. A live communication channel with the datacenter also helps in detecting previous usage of similar chemicals to discover patterns. To take the concept further, linking this database to the location of manufacture or development of that particular chemical or explosive can ensure that the issue or problem is nipped in the bud at the supply point. In terms of controls, the structure of the device would be as simple as the interface of any mobile cellphone. A mini joystick over time accumulates dust and restricts movements. The terrain that we have developed this device for, is extremely dusty. The remote control structure has a simple spherical button similar to the pearl button found on Blackberries or the round scrolling button on mice. This allows 360 degree movement of the Houdini 2.0 without any constrictions. In addition, there are menu buttons that provide the necessary access to the database and other features such as brightness control, contrast control and so on of the LCD monitor. In addition, there is an alphanumeric pad that is the input methodology. There is yet another function of naming the Houdini 2.0 by code. Multiple detection devices can be controlled by a single remote control and also allows for upto four displays to be shown. Looking at the various areas that can find usability for the Houdini 2.0, little wonder that it would be the next-generation surveillance device of the military. Of course, the development of such a device largely depends on the economic value it represents, which was one of the factors that was considered while building this device. The technologies that have been used are all existing technologies that are slowly coming into the public realm. Works Cited Coleman, Kevin. NanoTechnology and the Fight Against Terrorism. Directions Mag. June 2003 Heller, Jacob and Peterson, Christine. Nanotechnology and Surveillance: A Foresight. Nanotech Institute Policy Issues Brief. Patel-Predd, Prachi. Is That a Bomb in Your Pocket?. Wired.com. November 2005 Prados, John and Savranskaya, Svetlana. National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 57. October 9, 2001 Reporter, Staff. Extremely tiny self-contained remote controlled flying devices monitor and neutralize terror camps. India Daily, Editorial. April 2005 Siddiqui, Huma. Nanotechnology’s promise for Global defense industry. Financial Express, August, 2008 Tyson, Ann Scott. A Sober Assessment of Afghanistan, Washington Post. June 2008 Unknown. Flying Microrobot Defies Gravity. Scientific Computing. April 2009 Unknown. Nano Skins' Show Promise As Flexible Electronic Devices. Science Daily. March 2006 Unknown. Researchers Develop World's First Flying Microrobot For Microscale Applications. Science Daily. April 2009 Read More