The main objective of this project is to construct a buggy robot that follows a magnetic strip on a platform without going off the magnetic line and recognises various road markings.
In order to construct this robot, we have to specify various electronic items needed. After consideration, our group decided to choose reed switches that would determine the motion of the buggy robot on the magnetic field and then the next challenge is to design the chassis. The concept is that the wheels of the buggy robot would be driven by two motors. The direction of the robot would change depending on the speed of each wheel. If the right wheel is slower than the left wheel, it would turn towards right side and if the left wheel is slower than the right wheel, the buggy would turn towards left side.
Reed switches are tiny switches that contain magnetisable, flexible, metal reeds whose end parts are separated by small gap when the switch is open. The reeds are sealed in tubular glass envelope.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
18/03/2010 - Group Meeting
Discussed ideas for designs of the chassis, as well as looking at suitable materials.
16/03/2010 - Results of Research
We have looked over all the research we have currently done into types of sensors and chassis design. After a group mind mapping session it was decided that we would firstly focus on the design of the buggy chassis so we could utilise the easter break to work on primarily individual sections such as programming.
A group meeting was arranged for the following Thursday (18/03/2010) for us to bring in our own individual chassis designs to decide a final framework for the circuit and motors to be housed in.
A group meeting was arranged for the following Thursday (18/03/2010) for us to bring in our own individual chassis designs to decide a final framework for the circuit and motors to be housed in.
09/03/2010 - Group Formed
This is the first day of our group forming for the project. During the first group discussion it was decided that we would firstly research buggy type robotics to draw inspiration from.
We would bring the results of our individual research to the next session.
We would bring the results of our individual research to the next session.
Introducing the Team
Group G is comprised of the following members:
Rohit Shukla
Xavier Johnston
Peter Armstrong
Sampan Singh
Rohit Shukla
Xavier Johnston
Peter Armstrong
Sampan Singh
The Project Specification
The aim of this project is for our group (Group G) to create an intelligent buggy that has two modes of operation.
The buggy will be required to follow a magnetic track laid out in strips in various configurations. It will be expected to read the 'road instructions' and execute the appropriate motion.
The track itself will be made out of magnetic strips of 20 mm width.
The buggy will be required to follow a magnetic track laid out in strips in various configurations. It will be expected to read the 'road instructions' and execute the appropriate motion.
The track itself will be made out of magnetic strips of 20 mm width.
Initial Concepts (Sensors)
In order for the buggy to follow the line it must use sensors. There are many different types of sensors available although not all of them will be useful (such as a thermistor)
More useful types of sensors are Infrared LED's with detectors, LDRs and Reed switches. Each type of sensor has its own advantages and disadvantages.
IR LED with Receivers
The advantage of using an LED with an infrared sensor is that the sensor is very precise and is not likely to get confused. The disadvantage is that the sensors have to be in the right place and have to be programmed properly.
LDR
LDRs are resistors that change their resistance by reacting to light, they are cheap and easy to use however they can be confused by outside sources of light hitting the black tape and making the sensor think that it is white.
Reed Switches
Reed switches are small switches that are switched on in the presence of a magnetic field. They are easy to use as an input because they will give a logic 1 or 0. Unfortunately it relies on the magnetic field of the black tape being strong enough to work the switch. Also the switches are very delicate so great care would have to be taken when using the line following buggy.
More useful types of sensors are Infrared LED's with detectors, LDRs and Reed switches. Each type of sensor has its own advantages and disadvantages.
IR LED with Receivers
The advantage of using an LED with an infrared sensor is that the sensor is very precise and is not likely to get confused. The disadvantage is that the sensors have to be in the right place and have to be programmed properly.
LDR
LDRs are resistors that change their resistance by reacting to light, they are cheap and easy to use however they can be confused by outside sources of light hitting the black tape and making the sensor think that it is white.
Reed Switches
Reed switches are small switches that are switched on in the presence of a magnetic field. They are easy to use as an input because they will give a logic 1 or 0. Unfortunately it relies on the magnetic field of the black tape being strong enough to work the switch. Also the switches are very delicate so great care would have to be taken when using the line following buggy.
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