u3a

Worcester

2025 plan for Robot

Mission

User requirements

  • ability to control robot speed and direction
  • remote controlled
  • battery powered
  • modular construction
  • near real time operation

Next steps

  • speed? max/min
  • out of line of sight control
  • auto detect obstacles
  • navigate maze
  • autonomous operation
  • carry out tasks (e.g. golf ball)
  • transport objects (e.g. egg)
  • flashing lights reversing beep
  • work in dark?
  • import map
  • make own map
  • line following?
  • geofencing limits
  • climb and descend ability
  • good turning circle
  • no interference with others control signals
  • encrypt signals
  • jammed up alarm
  • how remote (distance?)
  • location (where am I?)
  • redundancy in sensors
  • redundancy built in
  • all round vision
  • runs for 4 hours without charge

System requirements

  • internet connectivity both controller and robot on same network
  • sensors
  • controller / program
  • awareness
  • powered
  • Charging battery ????
  • on board diagnostics
  • remote display
  • camera

Platform

  • Tank
  • motors
  • relays

Architecture

Controller using html to display and java script to send messages

Robot receiving message via Wi-Fi

  • Modular

Building blocks investigated

  • RPi Pico or Pi Zero DONE
  • Micro-Python on Robot DONE
  • Wifi using stand alone router to control network and fix IP as required DONE
  • Motion detection
  • Motor control
  • distance measure
  • joystick control
  • display control

Process planning

  1. We build incrementally
  2. connected by wire to controller DONE
  3. connected by wifi (messages TBD)
  4. install sensors
  5. install display?
  6. remote display
  7. Autonomous

Test environment

  • our room
  • with added static obstacles including ramps