Although the other projects have very specific parameters, the teams developing a mine detection system faced the most rigid physical requirements. Why? When the vehicles like a bulk transporter (Project 1) or devices like an intelligent tool (Project 2) don't work, they don't blow up! For this reason students working on a mine detector needed to make sure that the system would not be controlled by a wire, because dragging an umbilical cord in a mine field is undesirable. Of equal concern to them is how to control the system. For example, if it's controlled by radio, enemy combatants could track the signal. The detector should be portable, able to be carried around the battlefield on a soldier's back. And, it should be able to perform in all weathers, including temperatures ranging from -10ºF to 120ºF and in water or snow up to 3 ft. deep.

The following teams are developing mine detection systems:

Team Mejor:
Dave Miller, Mike Ryan, Brian Shula, Ryan Sienko, and Perry Smith

The three-wheeled Spyder, the mine detector designed by Team Mejor, will travel from mine to mine and report back to its home base when finished. It uses an innovative spool and arm locating system that works very much like a real spider uses a web. According to team members, the biggest obstacles in their design were the location sensing systems. For details on the Spyder and how the team solved the sensing issue, visit [here].

Team Beste:
Paul Dockery, Kyle Jones, Matt Stephens, Rachel Turcotte, and John Tritschler

Team Beste is developing the "General Lee," and land mine detection system with a retractable arm. According to team members, the General's strengths are maneuverability, accessibility of its components, and simplicity. Weaknesses include its chassis material, which has proven to be difficult to machine, and sonar ranging. The General's maximum reliable range is only 28 ft. For details on the General Lee, click [here].

Team Migliore:
Matt Burkardt, Brian Hagan, Chris Wagner, Habibah Bell, and Brendon Crotty

Like the other teams, Team Migliore is developing its mine detecting machine based on an aerial system, which can identify "hot spots" based on chemical, metal, sonar, and X-ray detection methods. They are also developing a "sniffer" system that can positively detect the presence of a land mine. The most crucial aspect of this particular vehicle, says team members, is its control, and the fact that it is designed to use two sniffers at once, doubling the range of detection. Check out Team Migliore's design by clicking [here].

Team Paragon:
Steve DeLosh, Brian Masse, Greg Mericsko, Andy Pfister, and Dayna Vayhinger

Team Paragon is developing a three-wheeled vehicle that they say stands out from its competition -- the other teams developing mine detectors -- in three ways: Paragon's vehicle features the ability to operate on various trains of up to a 3º slope. It can perform in any weather, and it has an accurate detection process that ensures the safety of operating personnel. Can they live up to their claims? Is their mine detector really "all that it can be?" For more information on this paragon of a mine sweeper, click [here].

Team Sarvottam:
Mike Annen, Joe Arand, Christina Aune, Mike Grow, and Ryan Romanowski

Precision, cost, manufacturing time, performance time, weight, and safety are some of the variables that Team Sarottam is considering as it develops its mine detection system. The team has opted to use two drive motors and two bearings per wheel. They will also be using a pulley system. How will their design fare against the other teams? They will know very soon. To learn more about this team's mine detector, click [here].

Team Prva:
Brian Hesano, Jason Luecht, Tim Sheehan, Darren Stoffel, and Brian Young

Team Prva is hoping to meet and exceed specifications for the mine detector. They estimate that they will be able to check the "hotspots" in the final test in 5 minutes with their waterproof mine detection system. In addition, all parts of their vehicle will be environmentally friendly and disposable. For details on their vehicle, click [here].

Team Optimo:
Patrick Gulitinan, Mitche Knapke, Katie May, and Jim Morrison

Team Optimo will use separate left-right drivers, variable speed steering, and an H-Bridge to allow direction of the motors to be switched for turning and braking and to increase the accuracy of orientation. Four wheels -- some of the other teams are using three -- provides 3" ground clearance. The Optimo unit will feature gears versus belts. The team has also designed the vehicle to navigate using an odometer and compass. To find out more about Team Optimo's plans, click [here].