Explorer is an autonomous mobile robot. It is programmed to randomly move, turn and sleep. The robot has a mechanical bumper sensor that detects obstacles (left/right/front).
Chassis: Aluminium plate and steel rods.
Wheels: 2 + 1 caster wheel.
Micro controller: Basic Stamp II.
Motors: 2 modified Hitec HS-422 servos.
Sensor: Micro switch bumper.
Power supply: 6V and 9V Ni-Cad Rechargeable Batteries.
Design Philosophy: Avoid constructions that demand critical
alignments and use non-permanent attachments.
The robot took several months to design and a few weeks to build. I used 3D software to visualise a lot of different ideas. The key design was a circular base so it could turn on the spot. I found out that threaded rods could be used as a solution to many mechanical problems. It was used to attach the servos, batteries and circuit boards.
The bumper sensor has been the most difficult problem to solve so far. I experimented with a lot of different types, but I finally settled with an aluminium plate and micro switches.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)