IntroductionThe CE Bot project was spawned after a discussion regarding the Google Lunar X competition. Though we are not aiming to create a Lunar Robot (yet!), we believe CEans should gather together and create our very own basic, remote (or perhaps autonomous) multi-role robot. This robot will be designed in such a way as to make it versatile for many different uses, such as assisting rescue and scientific teams as well as being used for security purposes or even for student research programs.
The CE Bot will hopefully offer a starting platform for utilizing our engineering talents and develop more advanced projects in the future. The nature of such a project allows many engineering disciplines to be involved, such as electrical, electronics, computers, mechatronics, mechanical, and so on! With the robot containing different systems, we can easily delegate different groups to work on each module, both collaboratively or independently.
As CE is the place for a collective effort from crazy engineers around the world to synergize ideas, the CE Bot project fits in pretty nicely.
Objectives
ModulesTo make things things easy for us in the long term, we'll have to start thinking modular right at the beginning. More modules can be added/replaced at any time needed without much difficulty. These are some of the main modules:
Each module can also have sub-modules; for example, the sensor module will have sonar, IR or a video camera; or the controller module might contain mini controllers (or simply microcontrollers) like PIC, ATMEL etc. Some modules may overlap with other, however these kinds are very rare. For example the Communication system can be a sensor and a communication module too.
Each modules will be connected using connectors (as found in computers), ensuring ease of change and maintainence. Here is a draft block diagram:
 Project GoalsThe project goals consist of three main stages: Initial research, development and finally fabrication. All development goals run in parallel.
Idea brainstorming and researchBefore starting any project, we CEans must generate a range of different ideas as well as research the information needed to start working on the CE Bot. This includes any theory as well as looking at existing ideas to understand how robots work =) Most of the idea brainstorming will be done in the main CE Bot thread @ http://www.crazyengineers.com/forum/ce-labs/2312-ce-project-ce-bot.html
 First Draft of System blocks Development of a working robot modelAfter we have enough research material and thoroughly gone through them, we can start working on what the robot will look like at the end. We will generate several proposed designs and discuss through their advantages and disadvantages. After a final design is chosen, it will be drafted on CAD software, keeping in mind the rest of the modules as well. This goal runs parallel with the development of PCBs as well as the software.
Development of PCBs for electronicsThis goal consists of designing the electrical and electronic aspects of the CE Bot using software. Final designs are proposed from the initial research and if possible simulated to test. Finally the chosen circuits are drafted using ECAD software. This goal runs parallel with the development of the robot model as well as the software.
Development of SoftwareHere we will develop the software and coding for both the system board (laptop) as well as the subsystems (any microcontrollers we use in the modules). Depending on the initial research, the software on the laptop will consist of a Linux OS as well as a RTOS. This goal runs parallel with the development of PCBs as well as the robot model.
Fabrication of basic robotAfter successfully completing all the development goals, we will embark on the hardest part of the project (in terms of coordination), the construction and fabrication of the basic robot. Since most of the CE HQ is based in India, we can focus on the majority of the fabrication there. Ideally, modules can be fabricated in any country with active CEans there and shipped to a central location to be assembled. Even after assembly, there will be continuous testing.
Post fabrication: customization and future developmentThis hinges on the success of the base model. If we can insure it'll be able to complete the basic objectives, we can customize it to suit different types of roles such as rescue missions or a stationary security system. Also, with accurate and careful documentation, we hope to achieve a level where this system can be reproduced by students around the world for research or for taking it further.
Customization is possible due to the modular nature of the CE Bot. E.g photovoltaic cells, advanced sensors (such as gas detectors), advanced grippers can all be added easily. |
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CE Bot |