Factory Rover

updated Nov 21, 2011

Project Scope

Description

• Remote Controlled Mobile Robot for Surveillance
• Would like an Operational Prototype bumping into things by April, 2012
• Educational On-going Project for Industrial Applications
• Design and Implementation to be Repeatable and as much Open Source as practical

Basic Requirements

• PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Camera, e.g. Axis 213. Vertical telescoping would be nice
• 4WD able to navigate over 1" high obstacles and 20 deg incline with full payload
• Docking mechanism for recharging
• 802.11 wifi
• Laptop or SBC (Single Board Computer) for remote control using RDP or VNC
• Minimize cost of first operational prototype (so we aren't afraid to make mistakes)
• Use existing and open source resources as much as possible (so we can recover quickly from our mistakes)
• Machine Shop Conditions, enclosed electronics

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Project Schedule

Initial Estimate, Nov 21, 2011

• Phase 1 - Design and Project Planning (Dec 2011)
• Phase 2 - Mobile Base (Jan 2011)
• Phase 3 - Power System (Feb 2012)
• Phase 4 - Computer System (Mar 2012)
• Phase 5 - Video System (Apr 2012)
• Phase 6 - Operational Prototype (May 2012)
• Phase 7 - Deploy the Prototype (Jun 2012 until recycled)
• Phase 8 - Repeat and Improve the Project (Jul 2012 to Dec 2012)

Phase 1 - Design and Project Planning

• Estimate Energy Requirements
• Estimate Payload Requirements
• Identify I/O Requirements
• Review Available Ready Made, Kit Platforms, Controllers/Computers, Cameras.

Requirements Details for First Prototype

• 1.) How far does it need to go per charge? Battery Life long enough to be usable and allow return to charger
• 2.) How fast does it need to go? H-Mart Produce Section Shopping Cart Speed (slow with lots of stops)
• 3.) What are the size constraints (e.g. if it needs to go down aisles which are 16" wide, that's noteworthy)? Footprint = Laptop + Camera + Tires
• 4.) Are we guaranteed to have wifi coverage everywhere the robot will be roaming around? Yes
• 5.) What resolution camera will you need and will the shop/warehouse lighting be adequate? Prototype will use an existing Axis 213PTZ, has IR for night vision. Additional lighting not required.

Phase 2 - Mobile Base

• Design Overall Concepts for Desired Operational Prototype
• Construct or Purchase the Mobile Base
• Test, Review and Revise Design Concepts Based on current work in progress

Phase 3 - Power System

• Construct or Purchase Batteries, Charger, Hardware, etc.
• Interface Power System to Mobile Base
• Test, Review and Revise Design Concepts Based on current work in progress

Energy Requirements

• 1.) Axis 213PTZ Camera = 12VDC, 2A
• 2.) Motion Controller(s) and Motors = 12VDC, 3A x 4
• 3.) A laptop will have its own battery, but require 20VDC, 10A (or less) for recharge.
• 4.) An SBC(Single Board Computer) will require 12VDC, 2A or less
• 5.) Maximum battery capacity is desired. If stock chassis, then get max that fits within payload limits. Batteries should be modular to change quantity/capacity for payload weight and balance adjustments.

Phase 4 - Computer System

• Construct or Purchase Computer Control System
• Interface Computer Control System to Power System and Mobile Base
• Test, Review and Revise Design Concepts Based on current work in progress
• We should now have a functional remote controlled Robot!

Phase 5 - Video System

• Add PTZ Camera
• Interface Camera to Robot
• Test, Review and Revise Design Concepts Based on current work in progress
• We should now have a functional remote controlled Surveillance Robot!

Phase 6 - Operational Prototype

• Play and Fine Tune the Surveillance Robot Performance

Phase 7 - Deploy the Prototype

• Gain Operational Experience

Phase 8 - Repeat and Improve the Project

• Include Additional Features and Functionality

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