Local Resident Researches Ways To Enhance Communication Between Robots

Sandy Hook native Christopher David, a senior at Lafayette College in Easton, Penn., is studying ways, theoretical and practical, to develop enhanced communication between robots via Ethernet network protocol for computers.

“The goal is to develop microprocessors that with the right software will control a robot, with that robot collecting data that can be transmitted to another robot or a central control communications hub,” said Christopher, an electrical and computer engineering major.

He is working under the tutelage of John F. Greco, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering as part of Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars Program, where students collaborate with faculty on research while earning a stipend. Many go on to publish papers in scholarly journals and/or present their research at industry conferences nationwide.

“The great thing about the EXCEL program,” Christopher noted, “is to get to choose a professor to work with and you get to explore together. It’s fun in that I get what I want to learn in the realm of the project. You get to spend a lot of time outside of the classroom working with your professor. One advantage of Lafayette is that when you need to talk with a professor, they’re right there. You don’t have to go looking for them.”

Right now, Christopher’s goal is to establish simplified networks, with the hope that in time, using wireless Ethernet cards and protocol, the technology will be used to cut costs in assembly lines, such as in the manufacture of automobiles or computers. Another long-term application would be in the field of exploration where data can be transmitted from some hard-to-access location.

“I’ve had to select robot kits and test equipment and learn how to work them and learn how to program the controller,” said Christopher. “It’s a challenging combination of learning hardware and software.”

The supervised research, he continued, has been important in laying the foundation for future independent research on his honors thesis. “I’ve gotten a chance this summer to cross together academic engineering with practical engineering,” he said.

Christopher is president of the Dry Surfers, a special-interest group promoting technology in society, as well as a trombone player in the Pep Band. His real passion away from the lab is the stage, where he has acted as well as stage managed with the Marquis Players, a student group that produces an annual musical to benefit charities.

After graduating from Lafayette, Christopher said he is leaning toward graduate school. “But theater is also in my blood,” he added. “The ideal situation would be combining theater with my engineering, maybe be developing theatrical control systems that grow out of my research this summer off stage. I love being a theater ‘techie’ and Lafayette has given me the opportunity to explore both passions.”