Simple two-wheel ultrasonic guided roaming robot. The primary goal of this robot is to give the appearance of complex thinking with the minimum set of hardware and software.
- Two off-center wheels powered by independant DC motors. Allows for forward, reverse, and turn by differential rotation.
- Forward mounted eye is an HC-SR04 ultrasonic range finder. In place rotation enables mapping in all directions for obstacles.
- Control hardware is a basic KB2040 microcontroller and DRV8833 DC Motor controller.
- The primary goal of this robot is to give the appearance of complex thinking with the minimum set of hardware and software.
- Following the logic of a mouse, MouzerBot seeks out narrow openings that it can pass through. It does this by mapping the distance to objects 360 degrees around it, then proceeding to a randomly selected opening large enough for it to fit through. This prevents it from simply going back and forth between the widest open spaces in the room.
- The robot thus has to have an understanding of its own physical dimensions as well as the absolute size of an opening a known distance away.
- Random, or Brownian, motion plays a big role in this robot's behavior. This should afford it the appearance of being alive with minimal programming.
| Component | Role | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printed enclosure | body | 1 |
| 3D printed wheels | mobility | 2 |
| KB2040 | brain | 1 |
| HC-SR04 | ultrasonic distance sensor (eyes) | 1 |
| DRV8833 | DC motor controller | 1 |
| 500+mAh LiPo single cell 3.7V battery | KB2040 power | 1 |
| AA 4-battery holder (6.0V drive) | DC motor power | 1 |
