Red Rover

The intent of this project is to design a cart workstation that has an autonomous guiding system allowing it to follow a user as they complete work in an open lab/garage space. The Red Rover will follow the user in close range using IR tracking. Sensors will allow the Red Rover to detect objects or people around it to avoid running into them. It should also be able to use Bluetooth to move towards the user across a room while avoiding .

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The scope of the project is as follows:

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• The cart shall receive a Bluetooth signal sent by a user's phone

• The cart shall use a Bluetooth signal traverse across a room or large hallway towards the user while avoiding large obstacles.

• The cart shall be able to correct its course to follow the most direct path possible to the user.

• The cart shall move in forward/back movements and make 90/180deg turns to navigate its environment.

• The cart shall switch to IR/Line-of-Sight tracking when within a ~2m range of the user.

• The cart shall maintain a minimum/maximum distance from the user when using IR/Line-of-Sight close range tracking.

• The cart shall maneuver an active work environment without running into any obstacles taller than 1in within an at least 6ft wide pathway.

• The cart shall move across carpets while carrying a maximum load of 50lbs.

• The cart shall, with all components and wheels needed to motorize and navigate on its own, not exceed the dimensions of 18" wide, 36" long and 39" tall.

• The cart shall have a rechargeable battery that can sustain 1hr of continuous use before needing to be recharged.

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Potential problems include:

 

• Maneuvering in tight spaces while carrying a load. The cart must be able to carry a load while moving and it can't be too loud due to being in a workspace.

• Losing Bluetooth connectivity. People, objects, and walls can all weaken the Bluetooth signal and cause the cart to become lost.

• Power. In order to be functional the cart must remain independent of any wires or cables. It needs enough power to move a load around a presumably carpeted surface for at least a few hours before needing to be recharged.

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