UofTHacks X · 1st Place
Rescue Ranger
2023Autonomous search-and-rescue rover — 1st of 150+ teams at UofTHacks X.
- C++
- OpenCV
- React
- Node.js
- AWS (EC2, S3)
- Google Maps API
- Arduino
- 3D printing
- result
- 1st / 150+ teams
- build time
- 24 hr hackathon
/ the problem
Disaster response needs cheap, deployable rovers that can locate survivors and stream their positions back to responders — end-to-end, hardware to web, in one night.
/ approach
- 3D-printed chassis integrating sensors, motors, and an Arduino microcontroller
- Obstacle-avoidance algorithm in C++
- OpenCV survivor-identification pipeline
- Node.js REST backend on AWS EC2 streaming live rover telemetry; mission data and images stored in S3
- Real-time React + Google Maps dashboard visualizing rover position and findings
/ results
- 1st place out of 150+ teams
- Full hardware→software system delivered in 24 hours
/ architecture
Rover (Arduino + C++ avoidance + OpenCV)
Node.js REST API (EC2, S3)
React + Google Maps live view.
/ media
