UTSA chemist awarded $300K by NASA to build lab-on-a-robot prototype
Lab-on-a-robot prototype
Lab-on-a-robot prototype
Share this Story(Nov. 6, 2013) -- UTSA chemistry professor Carlos Garcia, UTSA physics professor Arturo Ayon and HJ Science & Technology Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., have been awarded more than $300,000 in NASA funding to build the fourth prototype of a "lab-on-a-robot" (LOAR). The Rover-like prototype will be designed to conduct on-site planetary compositional analysis.
Utilizing wireless technology, the current LOAR is able to navigate to a global position location, acquire an air sample, perform the analysis and send the data to a remote station without exposing the analyst to the testing environment.
Additionally it's equipped with a chemical sensor that sits atop a highly integrated mobile platform. The chemical sensor contains a microchip with the capacity to determine the composition of a sample in a few minutes.
"This lab-on-a-robot could lay the groundwork for the next generation of NASA robotic missions by allowing for the analysis of air samples or biological compounds without the threat of danger to a human operator," said Garcia.
Additionally, the LOAR also could be used commercially to monitor environmental pollutants that could pose a threat to human health or the environment. Evaluation of samples on-site would provide real-time data analysis and reduce the time and costs associated with conventional laboratory techniques.
The original prototype built in 2008 was a collaboration between UTSA chemistry professor Carlos Garcia and UTSA physics professor Arturo Ayon in the Micro-ElectroMechanical systems (MEMS) Laboratory. Subsequent prototypes were joint efforts with the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. A member of that team, Eric Tavares da Costa, will join Garcia's lab to work on the latest LOAR prototype.
The NASA funding will be directed to build the fourth upgraded prototype, using the experience collected during the development of previous versions that were funded through UTSA and the Department of Defense Office of Naval Research.
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Recital Hall, Main CampusJoin us for our annual Winterlude concert series featuring students from across all areas in the School of Music for a half-week of holiday cheer and delight. This three-day celebration continues to showcase both contemporary and traditional holiday works and will include performances by the UTSA Orchestra, Choirs, Bands, Jazz Ensemble, Lyric Theatre, and Dance Studio.
Recital Hall, Main CampusLavender Graduation is a celebration of the academic accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ students. Students are given a stole to wear for Commencement showing their pride. This is a validation and celebration of each student and their identity. The Lavender Student Leadership Award is presented during the celebration.
Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28,) Main CampusJoin us for our annual Winterlude concert series featuring students from across all areas in the School of Music for a half-week of holiday cheer and delight. This three-day celebration continues to showcase both contemporary and traditional holiday works and will include performances by the UTSA Orchestra, Choirs, Bands, Jazz Ensemble, Lyric Theatre, and Dance Studio.
Recital Hall, Main CampusOne of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, Ujima stands for collective work and responsibility. This graduation celebration honors Black students and their academic accomplishments. Students are given a custom stole to remind them to continue to work collectively to better the communities in which they work and live. The UJIMA Student Leadership Award is presented during the celebration.
HEB Student Union Ballrooms, Main CampusThe Doctoral Hooding Ceremony will take place for doctoral graduates at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 8, in the H-E-B Student Union Ballrooms (HSU 1.104).
H-E-B Student Union Ballroom (HSU 1.104,) Main Campus
