The Autonomous Rover project involved the design and development of a fully autonomous vehicle capable of navigating through varied terrains while detecting and avoiding obstacles. The project focused on integrating sensor data, control systems, and efficient locomotion, culminating in a robust rover that could adapt to environmental challenges.
Download Project Report (PDF)Mechanical Design: The rover was equipped with a durable chassis and a suspension system to handle rough and uneven terrains. Worm-geared motors provided the necessary torque to overcome inclines and obstacles, ensuring smooth movement in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Sensors: The rover utilised a custom made LIDAR system using a time of flight sensor with a step motor for obstacle detection, paired with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for orientation and navigation. These sensors provided real-time data to the rover’s control system, enabling accurate path planning and obstacle avoidance.
Control System: A custom-built control system was designed to process the sensor data and adjust the rover's speed and direction accordingly. The system was programmed to autonomously detect obstacles, calculate alternate paths, and manoeuvre around them without human intervention.
One of the key challenges during development was achieving accurate obstacle detection in dynamic environments. The LIDAR system was optimised to provide high-resolution distance measurements, and the control algorithms were fine-tuned to ensure smooth navigation even in complex scenarios. Additionally, the rover's power management system was designed to maximise battery life during extended operations.
