Transporting LoCO
Our preferred method for transporting LoCO is a Pelican case in which we’ve modified the foam pads to hold LoCO snuggly while also accommodating some additional tools and parts necessary for LoCO’s longer adventures. You can see images below that break down our loading of the Pelican case with LoCO and the additional hardware we fit inside for long term field trials and the airport. All together, the final weight of this case with the AUV and additional parts is no more than 50.0 lbs.
This method of transport is not fully guaranteed. We would recommend removing all of the rear thruster mounts from the robot and disconnecting entirely before traveling by air. Rough handling by airlines may cause a 3D printed part to snap under stress if it cannot move.
Image 1: The bottom layer of foam resides in the case, as well as the border foam that protects the robot from running
into the sides of the Pelican case. Then, steel weights used for ballasting were added to the left side of the case in
between where the rear propellers will lie, along with an additional piece of foam (labeled #2) to support the propeller
mounts, and finally the cord for the supply that charges LoCO’s batteries. On the right hand side is one of LoCO’s spare
3D printed parts (one that mounts the front propeller).
Image 2: LoCO is placed in the case on top of what is seen in image one. The propellers are oriented to the left and the
cameras are looking to the right. Take note, the batteries are NOT in LoCO for transport. Never transport LoCO in a
Pelican case with the batteries in the AUV. Disconnecting the back thruster support from the main robot during travel is
also advised as stress during transport can weaken or crack the printed material. Some additional notes for
transportation on an aircraft where you will likely be checking LoCO: it may be a good idea to add some zip ties to the
inside of the tube to stabilize the electrical components and any loose wires to the MDF more securely. These may hold
things more secure during rough transport and can be easily cut off once at your destination.
Image 3: Add the center piece of foam (labeled #1) that holds the supply that charges LoCO’s batteries. In this packing
scenario we also added the switch that powers LoCO on to the right hand side, in between the tubes, up near the cameras.
Image 4: Foam pieces (labeled #3-7) were added on top of robotic components as seen below. Number 7 is on the right hand
side on top of the spare 3D part. It has a charging board on top of it in this image. On the left side of the case, fit
between foam pieces #3 and #4 are the desiccant packs. Sandwiched between #5 and the side of the case is a spare
mounting bracket for the two rear propellers. Foam piece #6 is also critical in holding this bracket in place. Once
packaged as seen below and once verified that everything is fit in nice and snug, close the lid and fasten the clasps.
LoCO is ready for transport!
The above Pelican case and configuration is used whenever walking LoCO to a pool across the street from the lab in MN, when being transported in a car, or when traveling on an airplane. When you are ready to deploy and have the robot completely sealed and ready to be brought to the water, we find it is best to hold the center mounting strut in between the tubes and walk the short distance to the water. Additionally, you may be able to hold onto the tubes if your hands are large enough, but use caution as this can become very slippery when the robot is wet.