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Hello everyone,
We are Matchbox Tech, a small team developing SandWorm, an experimental autonomous rover for metal detecting.
The idea is simple: let the rover do the repetitive walking and systematic coverage, while the detectorist remains in control of the search and the decision to dig.
WHY WE STARTED
Manual detecting is rewarding, but scanning large areas takes time and energy. SandWorm explores whether a rover can cover a defined search area more systematically, without taking away the human part of detecting.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Define a search area
2. Plan a grid-based route
3. Scan while moving across the area
4. Detect and record promising signals
5. Mark the target location
6. Let the detectorist decide where to dig
CURRENT GEN 2 STATUS
- Gen 2 mobility and metal-detector integration are complete.
- The chassis, electronics and detector are being developed together to reduce interference while moving.
- The system is designed for grid-based autonomous scanning.
- Target marking and mixed-terrain field testing are still in development.
- The current design specification includes up to 20 cm coin detection depth under suitable conditions. Actual depth depends on soil, target size/material and interference.
- Other design targets include approximately 4 hours of continuous operation, IPX6 water resistance and 115 mm minimum ground clearance.
WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED
We had to reposition the detection coil, improve shielding and reduce metal components near the sensing area to solve interference between the detector and the rover.
In mobility tests, straight-line travel was stable, but the steering radius needed improvement. We also found that low-speed torque and control response were important when crossing rocks, roots and small slopes. After recalibrating the motor drive and adding low-speed compensation, the rover became more reliable on uneven ground.
The next step is a full mixed-terrain test combining mobility, detection and data recording.
SandWorm is still an experimental prototype and is not currently available for sale. We are sharing the problems and failures as well as the progress.
Project website:
Project overview:
How it works:
Field tests:
We would be very interested in feedback from people who have experience with detector electronics, coil placement, shielding, mobile platforms or autonomous scanning systems.
Thanks for reading. We are happy to answer questions and share more build photos and test results.
We are Matchbox Tech, a small team developing SandWorm, an experimental autonomous rover for metal detecting.
The idea is simple: let the rover do the repetitive walking and systematic coverage, while the detectorist remains in control of the search and the decision to dig.
WHY WE STARTED
Manual detecting is rewarding, but scanning large areas takes time and energy. SandWorm explores whether a rover can cover a defined search area more systematically, without taking away the human part of detecting.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Define a search area
2. Plan a grid-based route
3. Scan while moving across the area
4. Detect and record promising signals
5. Mark the target location
6. Let the detectorist decide where to dig
CURRENT GEN 2 STATUS
- Gen 2 mobility and metal-detector integration are complete.
- The chassis, electronics and detector are being developed together to reduce interference while moving.
- The system is designed for grid-based autonomous scanning.
- Target marking and mixed-terrain field testing are still in development.
- The current design specification includes up to 20 cm coin detection depth under suitable conditions. Actual depth depends on soil, target size/material and interference.
- Other design targets include approximately 4 hours of continuous operation, IPX6 water resistance and 115 mm minimum ground clearance.
WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED
We had to reposition the detection coil, improve shielding and reduce metal components near the sensing area to solve interference between the detector and the rover.
In mobility tests, straight-line travel was stable, but the steering radius needed improvement. We also found that low-speed torque and control response were important when crossing rocks, roots and small slopes. After recalibrating the motor drive and adding low-speed compensation, the rover became more reliable on uneven ground.
The next step is a full mixed-terrain test combining mobility, detection and data recording.
SandWorm is still an experimental prototype and is not currently available for sale. We are sharing the problems and failures as well as the progress.
Project website:
Project overview:
How it works:
Field tests:
We would be very interested in feedback from people who have experience with detector electronics, coil placement, shielding, mobile platforms or autonomous scanning systems.
Thanks for reading. We are happy to answer questions and share more build photos and test results.
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