Challenge: Kayak See Behind Challenger: Team River Runner Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky University Partner: University of Dayton Student Team: Elliott Anderson, Kevin Lawson, Elliot Ambort, and, Kevin Meyer Faculty: David Dunn, BIll Kaval, Bradley Ratliff, and Eric Janz QL+ Program Manager: Amber Humphrey
Project Summary:
The goal of this project was to create a see-behind system that would alert a kayaker, specifically veterans with PTSD, to approaching paddlers. Our team conducted extensive research that led us to develop a Lidar sensor that would detect incoming kayakers and used Arduino code to filter out the sensor’s data to effectively determine what was approaching the kayaker.
This sensor was connected to an adjustable speaker, which would then gently alert the kayaker of an approaching paddler. To safely use the system on the water, a waterproof enclosure was built and tested, and a clear acrylic dome was built onto the enclosure for the sensor to detect through. This entire enclosure was then mounted on the kayak via DIY kayak rails that allow for easy mounting and access. Copy of 2019_11_11_Dayton_QLPlus1354.JPG7.43 MB Overall, this system will help ease the kayaking experience for kayakers, without detracting from the scenery as the system works passively while the user enjoys being on the river.
QL+ is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.