08-01-2013, 03:58 PM
The Design and Implementation of an Intelligent, Wireless Robot
[attachment=46725]
Why a Robot
Have been intrigued by robotics always.
Have a major interest in automotive electronics and a robotics project allowed me to gain some experience with current research areas.
A robotics project is useful to the Department, as it could be demonstrated to visitors and create an interest in the course, due to its exciting nature.
Research
400 MHz Intel PXA255 core processor, allowing quick execution of programs.
Allows Wifi connectivity using the Wifistix expansion board.
Several GPIO for sensors accessed using Breakout GS expansion board.
Pre-installed web server which allows control of the robot via a webpage.
An embedded version of Linux is installed on the processor, allowing easy use once a good knowledge of the OS is gained.
Design Implementation
Gaining experience with using Linux and Gumstix was a time consuming part of the project. Once basic knowledge of Linux was achieved using the Gumstix was not that difficult.
Initially a USB connection was used to access the Gumstix, using USBNet.
Through USB, Wifi settings were configured to connect to the “NUIGALWAY” wireless network.
However most programming and testing was carried out using a USB connection.
Power Consumption
A major design issue with the robot is the power consumption of the Gumstix system.
It is powered by a 6V supply, which is obtained using a 7806 6V Regulator with 2 x PP3 (9V) batteries.
With all 3 boards connected the system consumes about 1.2W at 6V.
The batteries tend to drain very fast. This is also due to the power consumed by the Regulator itself.
Max use time of 2 PP3 Energizer Ultra batteries is approximately 2 hours, which proved costly when testing the robot.
[attachment=46725]
Why a Robot
Have been intrigued by robotics always.
Have a major interest in automotive electronics and a robotics project allowed me to gain some experience with current research areas.
A robotics project is useful to the Department, as it could be demonstrated to visitors and create an interest in the course, due to its exciting nature.
Research
400 MHz Intel PXA255 core processor, allowing quick execution of programs.
Allows Wifi connectivity using the Wifistix expansion board.
Several GPIO for sensors accessed using Breakout GS expansion board.
Pre-installed web server which allows control of the robot via a webpage.
An embedded version of Linux is installed on the processor, allowing easy use once a good knowledge of the OS is gained.
Design Implementation
Gaining experience with using Linux and Gumstix was a time consuming part of the project. Once basic knowledge of Linux was achieved using the Gumstix was not that difficult.
Initially a USB connection was used to access the Gumstix, using USBNet.
Through USB, Wifi settings were configured to connect to the “NUIGALWAY” wireless network.
However most programming and testing was carried out using a USB connection.
Power Consumption
A major design issue with the robot is the power consumption of the Gumstix system.
It is powered by a 6V supply, which is obtained using a 7806 6V Regulator with 2 x PP3 (9V) batteries.
With all 3 boards connected the system consumes about 1.2W at 6V.
The batteries tend to drain very fast. This is also due to the power consumed by the Regulator itself.
Max use time of 2 PP3 Energizer Ultra batteries is approximately 2 hours, which proved costly when testing the robot.