Robot Car
As part of my electronics and controls coursework in junior year, I helped design and build a robot car that could be wirelessly controlled from a computer to navigate a ramp
Overview:
In my electronics and controls class, we were challenged to engineer a wireless robot capable of ascending a ramp while bearing a payload. The robot's motion was directed by a Raspberry Pi, which received signals via the internet for navigational control.
Solution Strategy:
The robot was constructed with a laser-cut body and 3D-printed wheels mounted on the motors, with a third ball caster wheel at the rear for agile turning. To overcome traction issues on the ramp, rubber bands were applied to the front wheels, significantly enhancing grip.
Technology Implementation:
Control was achieved through selective activation of right and left motors, enabling precise steering. The Raspberry Pi connected to the internet allowed remote operation through Terminal commands, executing simple Python code for movements such as forward, backward, and turning.
Challenges Overcome:
Gaining sufficient traction for the ramp climb posed a significant challenge, which we solved with rubber bands. Additionally, we encountered and resolved a hardware malfunction in our initial motor driver by systematically debugging with a multimeter.
Engineering Approach:
The Raspberry Pi dictated motor operations by sending voltage to the H-bridge, dictating motor direction and state. We utilized an L298N dual H-bridge motor driver to manage the motors' multiple states, enhancing the robot's navigational capabilities.
Project Insights:
This project not only honed our skills in wireless control and robotics but also emphasized the importance of troubleshooting and iterative design in developing practical engineering solutions.
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