| This thesis presents a multi-vehicle platform and framework for robotics education and research. The framework has been designed primarily as a tool for teaching children about engineering in general and robotics in particular. The framework is composed of a unique combination of hardware components and software libraries that allow users to easily design and implement sophisticated robotics behaviors. Several example games are presented including "Obstacle Course," "Scavenger Hunt," "Robot Jeopardy," and "Marco Polo." This thesis also introduces "Marco Polo" as a robotics problem that mimics the pursuit-evasion game often played by children in swimming pools. Specifically, the question of finding an optimal pursuit strategy under the condition of intermittent communication is addressed. Finally, a problem related to "Marco Polo" involving a multi-agent sensor network optimally placed in an environment for the purpose of detecting and intercepting intruders is presented together with a proposed solution methodology and simulation and experimental results. |
