Automated Vehicle Prototype with Preprogrammed Path
PROJECT DOCUMENTATION
For Automated Vehicle Prototype with Preprogrammed Path Following
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:
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
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:
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:
Hardware Components: Sourcing and assembly - Emmanuel Enebili
Software Development: Coding and testing - Emmanuel Enebili
Risk Management:
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.
4. Design Documentation
System Architecture:
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:
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:
Not applicable for this basic prototype, unless integrating with external systems.
5. Development Process
Development Methodology:
Agile Development Methodology with weekly sprints for iterative progress.
Sprint Planning:
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:
Hosted on GitHub (ril/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:
A fully functional automated vehicle prototype.
Source code and technical documentation.
Test reports and performance data.
Performance Metrics:
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
Best Practices: TBD
8. Real-Life Use Cases
Warehouse Automation:
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:
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