Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | The Illini Wagon |
Ian Watson Neha Joseph Ramya Reddy |
John Li | proposal1.pdf |
|
| Self Driving Wagon Team Members: - Neha Joseph (nehaej2) - Ian Watson (ianjw2) - Ramya Reddy (ramyar3) # Problem College students and urban dwellers often face the challenge of carrying heavy loads while walking across campuses or within walkable cities. Whether heading to a tailgate, a picnic, grocery shopping, or hosting an outdoor event, transporting multiple items can be inconvenient and physically demanding. While existing solutions like rolling carts and backpacks provide some relief, they still require manual effort and become impractical over long distances. With the rise of walkable cities and car-free urban spaces, there is a growing need for a hands-free, autonomous way to carry personal belongings over short distances without relying on traditional vehicles. # Solution We propose a self-driving smart wagon that autonomously follows the user using GPS tracking while carrying their items. # Solution Components ## Subsystem 1 – Robot Controls System The Robot Controls System utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller to receive Bluetooth data, enabling seamless communication with the user. It integrates the Adafruit Ultimate GPS Breakout Board for precise navigation to provide GPS coordinates. Additionally, the MCU interfaces with the motor system to control the vehicle’s motion, ensuring smooth and responsive movement. Components: 1 x ESP32 Microcontroller 2 x Adafruit Ultimate GPS Breakout Board ## Subsystem 2 – Motor Control We will equip the wagon with two 12V DC motors (3420) for propulsion and a servo motor (Tower Pro MG996) for steering, powered by a 12V battery (ML7-12 SLA). The steering system and electronic speed controller (ESC) will be integrated into a custom PCB, with velocity controlled via pulse width modulation (PWM). The wagon's speed, and equally voltage supplied to the DC motors, will dynamically adjust based on its distance from the user. Designed to handle loads of up to 30 lbs with ease, we may explore smaller, more cost-effective components to enhance efficiency while staying within budget. Components: 2x 3420 DC motors for propulsion 1x Tower Pro MG996 Servo motor for steering 1x ML7-12 SLA Battery ## Subsystem 3 – Human Tracking System This subsystem will include a Bluetooth module and a secondary GPS module. The user will carry this system in their pocket. The GPS module will output coordinate data to the Bluetooth module, which will then transmit this data to the MCU. The MCU will also receive location data from the on-unit GPS module (described in a previous subsystem). These two data streams will enable the MCU to calculate distance and directional information, which will be sent to the motor control subsystem. Components: Bluetooth Module (HC-05/HC-06 or RN-41) – transmit coordinate data to MCU The Adafruit Ultimate GPS Breakout Board – send location data to bluetooth module # Criterion For Success Describe high-level goals that your project needs to achieve to be effective. These goals need to be clearly testable and not subjective. Robot can follow a human in an open, outdoor space with no obstacles. Robot is able to follow human around a bend/corner. Robot is able to carry a load between 10-15 lbs. Robot is able to maintain a set level of distance between itself and the human. Robot can be turned on/off. Robot is able to navigate around a singular obstacle placed in its path. A successful project will complete 4 out of 6 of these goals, with the sixth goal being a reach goal. To demonstrate and test the robot, we will run the robot in the main quad with weighted items. |
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