Introduction: UMJI-Naval Battle Robot Car

Introduction

Hello! We are INFINITY, a dynamic team of 5 members coming from UM-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, which is located in Minhang district of Shanghai, China.

Joint Institute was founded by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and University of Michigan with the goal of nurturing leaders in engineering area. The VG100 course is introduction to engineering. In this course,we are required to do two projects. This is our first project, called NAVAL BATTLE. Each group is required to design and create a robot car to participate in this game.

Group Arrangement:

Leader: Du Yang

Members: Liu Yating, Wang Xinyi, Cheng Bosen, Hu Honglei

Instructor: Shane Johnson, Ph.D, Irene Wei, Ph.D

Teaching Assistants: Li Jiaqi, Zhou Xiaochen, Liu Xinyi, Ma Zhixian

Competition

The first part is the individual race which is to move the balls in your territory over the barrier to your opponent’s territory.

The top 8 groups will enter the knockout and fight with each other for the champion.

Competition Regulations

  • Robot should be within 350mm*350mm*200mm.
  • Only the motors provided are allowed.

(The concept diagram of the game field is shown above.)

Competition Rules

  • The time limit is 3 minutes.
  • The scores will be counted at the end of the game.
  • The large balls are worth 4 points while small ones 1 point.
  • The balls under the barrier is 0 point.
  • Groups ranks scores first, then large balls.
  • When the ranking is the same, there will be a 1-minute additional match.
  • If you knock out a small ball out of the field, team will deduct 2 points and a large ball is 5 points.


Total Group Score = 90%*(Ball Score/24)+5%*(Design Score/5)+5%*(Competition Score)

Our group got 19 points (3 large balls & 7 small balls), ranked 8 in the individual race and entered the eighth-final, but it’s really a pity that we lose the first race in the dual meet. But, we got the full score of designing.

Here are the videos:

Test:

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzEwMDg3NDU4NA====.h...

Individual Game:

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzEwMTExMDM3Ng======...

Competition:

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzEwMjAwMTI5Mg======...

Step 1: Designing Concept

Shown above is the concept diagram of our design and circuit diagram.

Notice:

  1. The parts in dark gray is made of ABS material.
  2. The parts in light gray is made of Arcylic broad.
  3. Power supply

Mega 4.8V

Servo(S3003) 4.8V

PS2 receiver 4.8V

PS2 controllor 3V

Motor 12V

Function Instruction

The center of our whole system is Arduino MEGA 2560 micro-controller. It receives the signal from infrared remote controller and control the whole system intelligently. We use the wireless PlayStation 2 joystick to fulfill remote control. Through PS2 joystick, we can command the car to complete different tasks efficiently.

The L298N processes the signal transmitted from Arduino MEGA 2560 and then drives two DC motors respectively. The change of analog signal results in the change of rotating speed so that the car can accelerate and swerve.

The servos(NO.1&2), which are attached to a scoop, are controlled by the analog signal. Namely, we can change the angle of scoop as we want to collect the balls and store them in the upper platform. After collecting all the balls in our territory, the servos(NO.3&4) follow the analog signal instruction, control the baffle and pour the balls into others territory at the last second.

The HIGHLIGHT of our car is that we simplify the process of collecting and throwing the ball again and again. What we need to do is just collecting all the balls available and pouring them at the last second. Sounds cool, right?

Step 2: Materials List

Step 3: Programming for Robort Car

Notice:

  1. If you meet questions, you can consult the arduino's website to gain detailed information for programming.

[ https://www.arduino.cc/en/Reference/HomePage ]

2. After programming, don't forget to upload it into Arduino.

Step 4: Install and Reinforce the Frame

Step 5: Install the Motors

  1. Install the motors on the L-shaped supports attached to the lower platform.
  2. Use the wires to connect the motors with the L298N according to the circuit diagram.
  3. Fix the wheels.

Step 6: Fix Servos to the Columns

  1. Fix 4 servos to the columns respectively.

  2. Connect the wires of servos to the Arduino MEGA according to the circuit diagram.

Notice: Improper use may shorten the lives of servos.

Step 7: Cut the ABS Board to Make the Scoop, Baffle and Fences

Notice: Please follow the concept diagram when cutting the board.

Step 8: Install the Scoop

Notice: Install the scoop when the positions of servos are exactly 0 in the serial port monitor.

Step 9: Install the Upper Platform

  1. Install the upper platform.
  2. Attach the ABS fences to the upper platform.

Notice: Please see to it that the scoop spins without the disturbing of upper platform.

Step 10: Install the Baffle

Notice: Please make sure that the positions of servos are exactly 0 shown in the serial port monitor before installing the baffle.

Step 11: Complete the Circuit

  1. Connect all the live & ground wires to bread board.
  2. Follow the circuit diagram to connect all the parts involved in the system.
  3. Install the switches.

Step 12: Then, We Get Our Robot Car!

Step 13: Start to Play!

  1. Link the infrared PS2 controller.
  2. Give power supply to Arduino.
  3. Turn on the switch.

Step 14: Introduction to Controller

Step 15: Emergency Checklist

If your robot car is out of control, carry out the emergency checklist as follows.

  1. Turn off the motor.
  2. Disconnect the infrared connection.
  3. Cut off the power supply of Arduino.
  4. Change the battery.
  5. Turn on the infrared device.
  6. Link the infrared PS2 controller.
  7. Give power supply to the Arduino.
  8. Turn on the motor.