Specifications

1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Outline of the study
The final objective of this project is to implement a successful electronic system into a
small mechanical unit in an attempt to make it travel throughout an area whilst avoiding
obstacles to evade collisions. In this case the solution will come from the selection of a
suitable microcontroller, drive system and sensors.
Further work may be completed to make this device actually perform a practical task
such as object retrieval; however this is not essential to the outcomes of this project.
The project objective will be satisfied if the software and hardware configuration is able
to control the vehicle within an indoor environment whilst avoiding collision with
obstacles.
1.2 The problem
The overall project objective is stated above as “to implement a microprocessor based
controller in a small mobile robot to achieve straight line driving with implemented
obstacle avoidance.”
The project objective will be satisfied if the software and hardware configuration is able
to control the vehicle within an indoor environment whilst avoiding collision with
obstacles.
This means the unit will have such features as odometer counters for each wheel to aid
in turning and driving in straight lines and hopefully record where it is in regards to its
starting position. At least three sensors will be used to ‘read’ the path to the front and
both sides of the unit. This will be necessary in the path tracking of the unit, i.e.
deciding on which way to turn in an attempt to avoid collision.