# Automated Vehicle Prototype with Preprogrammed Path

For Automated Vehicle Prototype with Preprogrammed Path Following

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Prepared By: Shammah Nei

Project Name:  Automated Vehicle Prototype

Date Prepared: 13/08/2024

## 1. Project Overview

Project Title:  Automated Vehicle Prototype

Project Duration: Four weeks

Project Team:&#x20;

Project Manager - Shammah Nei

Hardware Specialist - Emmanuel Enebili (Innovator)

#### OBJECTIVES

* To design and build a basic automated vehicle prototype that can follow preprogrammed paths.
* To demonstrate the feasibility of low-cost automated vehicles using readily available components.
* To create a foundation for further development in autonomous vehicle technology&#x20;

#### SCOPE

* Development of an automated vehicle capable of following predefined paths.
* Integration of basic obstacle detection using ultrasonic sensors.
* Implementation of a simple control system using Arduino.
* Basic testing in a controlled environment.

## 2. Project Plan

* Timeline: 3 weeks

Milestones:&#x20;

* Week 1: Component acquisition.
* Week 2: Completion of vehicle chassis assembly and basic electronics. Completion of motor control and basic path programming.
* Week 3: Integration of obstacle detection.
* Week 4: Final testing, documentation, and project presentation

Resource Allocation:&#x20;

* Hardware Components: Sourcing and assembly - Emmanuel Enebili
* Software Development: Coding and testing - Emmanuel Enebili

Risk Management:&#x20;

* Component Failure: Maintain a stock of spare components.
* Power Issues: Use stable power supplies and check battery health regularly.
* Programming Errors: Implement version control and thorough testing.

Estimated Costs:

* L298N Dual H Bridge DC Stepper Motor Driver: $3 - $5 (4,800 NGN - 8,000 NGN)
* Arduino Uno: $10 - $25 (16,000 NGN - 40,000 NGN)
* 4 Wheel Drive Robotic Car Chassis: $10 - $20 (16,000 NGN - 32,000 NGN)
* HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor: $2 - $4 (3,200 NGN - 6,400 NGN)
* SG90 Servo Motor: $2 - $5 (3,200 NGN - 8,000 NGN)
* Jumper Wire Set (Male to Female): $3 - $5 (4,800 NGN - 8,000 NGN)
* Soldering Iron: $10 - $20 (16,000 NGN - 32,000 NGN)
* Soldering Lead: $2 - $5 (3,200 NGN - 8,000 NGN)
* Lipo Battery (4): $20 - $50 (32,000 NGN - 80,000 NGN)
* 20W Hot Melt Glue Gun: $5 - $10 (8,000 NGN - 16,000 NGN)
* Glue Candle Stick (2): $1 - $3 (1,600 NGN - 4,800 NGN)
* SFM-27 Electronic Buzzer (1): $1 - $2 (1,600 NGN - 3,200 NGN)

Total Estimated Cost: 110,400 NGN - 246,400 NGN

## 3. Requirements

Functional Requirements:

* The vehicle must follow a preprogrammed path accurately.
* The vehicle should avoid obstacles detected by the ultrasonic sensor.
* The system should allow for easy reprogramming of the path.
* Power management should be efficient to maximize operational time.&#x20;

## 4. Design Documentation

System Architecture:&#x20;

* Control Unit: Arduino Uno
* Motor Driver: L298N Dual H Bridge for controlling the motors
* Sensors: HC-SR04 for obstacle detection
* Power Supply: Lipo batteries
* Actuators: DC motors and SG90 Servo Motor for directional control

UI/UX Designs:&#x20;

* Basic user interface (if applicable) for entering and adjusting the vehicle's path.
* LCD or LED indicators to show the vehicle's status (optional).

API Documentation:&#x20;

* Not applicable for this basic prototype, unless integrating with external systems.

## 5. Development Process

Development Methodology:&#x20;

* Agile Development Methodology with weekly sprints for iterative progress.

Sprint Planning:&#x20;

* Sprint 1 (Week 1): Component assembly and initial system setup.
* Sprint 2 (Week 2): Basic motor control and path programming.
* Sprint 3 (Week 3): Sensor integration and obstacle detection.
* Sprint 4 (Week 4): Final testing and adjustments.

Code Repository:&#x20;

* Hosted on GitHub ([ril/hermes](https://github.com/Renaissance-Innovation-Labs/hermes))
* Repository includes code for motor control, path programming, and sensor handling.

Technical Specifications:

* Microcontroller: Arduino Uno with ATmega328P
* Motors: 4 DC motors with L298N driver
* Sensors: HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor
* Power: 4 x Lipo batteries, 7.4V 1000mAh
* Control Software: C++ (Arduino IDE)
* Chassis: 4-wheel drive with custom mounts for sensors and controllers

## 6. Project Outcomes

Final Deliverables:&#x20;

* A fully functional automated vehicle prototype.
* Source code and technical documentation.
* Test reports and performance data.

Performance Metrics:&#x20;

* Accuracy in following preprogrammed paths (within 5 cm deviation).
* Obstacle detection and avoidance rate (95% success rate).
* Battery life during continuous operation (1 hour minimum).
* Client Feedback: TBD

## 7. Lessons Learned

* Challenges Faced: TBD
* Solutions Implemented: TBD&#x20;
* Best Practices: TBD

## 8. Real-Life Use Cases

Warehouse Automation:&#x20;

* Use Case: Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for transporting goods along predefined paths.
* Benefits: Increases efficiency, reduces human labor, and minimizes errors.

Smart Agriculture:

* Use Case: Autonomous farming vehicles for tasks like planting, watering, or harvesting.
* Benefits: Enhances precision, reduces manual labor, and increases productivity.

Factory Floor Material Handling:

* Use Case: Automated vehicles for moving raw materials or finished products between production stages.
* Benefits: Streamlines production, reduces manual handling, and minimizes accidents.

Automated Delivery Systems:

* Use Case: Small autonomous vehicles for delivering goods within campuses or urban environments.
* Benefits: Reduces the need for human delivery personnel, offers contactless delivery, and can operate 24/7.

Healthcare and Hospital Logistics:

* Use Case: Autonomous vehicles for transporting medical supplies, meals, or medications.
* Benefits: Frees up healthcare staff, reduces contamination risk, and ensures timely delivery.

Search and Rescue Operations:

* Use Case: Autonomous vehicles for search and rescue missions in disaster areas.
* Benefits: Operates in hazardous environments, covers large areas efficiently, and provides real-time data.

Autonomous Surveillance and Patrolling:

* Use Case: Vehicles for patrolling areas like military bases or industrial sites.
* Benefits: Enhances security through constant monitoring, reduces the need for human guards.

Educational Tools:

* Use Case: Use in schools and universities as an educational tool for robotics and automation.
* Benefits: Provides hands-on learning, fosters innovation, and helps understand complex concepts.

Construction and Mining Operations:

* Use Case: Vehicles for transporting materials or performing repetitive tasks.
* Benefits: Enhances safety, increases efficiency, and allows precise control of machinery.

Autonomous Cleaning Robots:

* Use Case: Vehicles for cleaning large facilities like airports or shopping malls.
* Benefits: Ensures consistent cleaning, reduces labor costs, and can operate unsupervised.

Indoor Navigation Systems:

* Use Case: Vehicles for guiding visitors in large buildings like airports or hospitals.
* Benefits: Enhances visitor experience and reduces the need for staff.

Automated Event Management:

* Use Case: Vehicles for distributing materials, transporting equipment, or providing mobile kiosks.

## 9. Appendices

* Additional Documentation:&#x20;

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