Final Logic II Project: Autonomous Robot with 6 Distinct Functions

Project Overview

This project is the final submission for the Logic II course at Alexandria University, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Communication Engineering, Term 5. The aim is to design and develop an autonomous robot capable of performing six distinct functions. The robot was collaboratively designed and implemented by the following team members:

• Seifeldin Ahmed
• Ahmad Wael
• Ahmad Zaki
• Asser Hanafy

The robot utilizes a variety of sensors and actuators to operate autonomously, supported by a custom-designed app for manual control and mode selection.

Robot Features

The robot is equipped with the following six core functionalities:

1. Manual Mode (Bluetooth App Control)
   The robot can be controlled manually using a custom-built Bluetooth app developed with MIT App Inventor. The app also enables switching between operation modes.

2. Mode Selection (App-Enabled)
   Users can choose between Line Following Mode or Maze Solving Mode directly through the Bluetooth app.

3. Line Following
   Infrared (IR) sensors enable the robot to follow a black line on a white surface with precision.

4. Smoke Detection and Alert
   A smoke sensor allows the robot to detect smoke in its environment and trigger an alert using a buzzer or LED.

5. Obstacle Detection and Avoidance
   Ultrasonic sensors help the robot identify obstacles and navigate around them.

6. Light Detection
   The robot uses a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) to detect and respond to light intensity variations.

Contributions

Each team member contributed to different aspects of the project:

• Seifeldin Ahmed & Ahmad Zaki
  Software programming of the robot, using PlatformIO for coding and debugging the ESP32.

• Ahmad Wael
  Hardware development, including designing a custom PCB using Eagle.

• Asser Hanafy
  Created the Bluetooth control app using MIT App Inventor, enabling manual control and mode selection (line follower / maze solver).

Hardware

The robot incorporates the following components:

• ESP32 (main control and processing unit)
• DC Motors (with encoders for precise movement)
• IR Sensors (for line following)
• Ultrasonic Sensors (for obstacle detection)
• LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) (for light intensity detection)
• Smoke Sensor (for environmental safety alerts)
• Bluetooth Module (for wireless communication with the app)
• Buzzer/LED (for alert notifications)

Software

The robot’s software was developed using:

• PlatformIO and the Arduino Framework
  Integrated for smooth control of motors, sensors, and communication with peripherals.

• Sensor Integration
  Ultrasonic and IR sensors work together to enable autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Challenges and Future Improvements

• Maze Solver Feature: While initial attempts were made to implement maze-solving functionality, it remains incomplete. Future work can focus on refining this feature for a fully autonomous solution.

• PID Controller for Line Following: Implementing a PID control algorithm would improve the robot's ability to follow a line accurately by dynamically adjusting motor speeds based on real-time sensor feedback, ensuring smoother turns and reducing errors.

• IR Sensor Calibration: Fine-tuning the IR sensors for line-following to improve detection accuracy and ensure reliable performance under varying lighting conditions.

How to Use

1. Manual Mode: Use the Bluetooth app to control the robot's movement directly.
2. Mode Selection: Select between Line Following Mode and Maze Solving Mode using the app.
3. Line Following: Place the robot on a surface with a black line, and it will follow the path.
4. Smoke Detection: The robot will alert you if it detects smoke in its surroundings.
5. Obstacle Avoidance: The robot can navigate around obstacles without manual intervention.
6. Light Detection: The robot responds to light intensity changes using its LDR sensor.