6. Budget Request

Senior Design Project Budget Request

Project Title:_Micro-Mouse Maze Solver Robot_______________________

Project Team: 1.____Zakaria Juber_______ 2. ______Ed Clancy________

Project Advisor(s): 1.__John Miller__ 2. __Natarajan Narasimhamurthi__

Department(s): _Electrical and Computer Engineering_________________

Abstract

            The initial idea is to design and build a Micro-Mouse Maze Solver Robot that will be able to solve an unknown maze (used in typical Micro-Mouse Maze Solver Competitions) very intelligently, small (maximum physical dimension ~15cm x 15cm x 15cm), and low powered without sacrificing performance (intelligence, speed, accuracy, efficiency).  Typical battery may consist from 5 volts to 24 volts range. However, the goal is to accomplish the job with minimal power consumption possible.

Budget

            We would like to build two prototype of our robot. There will be some differences in design of each of the robots as we encounter new challenges and ideas during our design and implementation phase of the project. This project consist of extensive amount of low-level programming. Dual prototype will provide us (Zakaria, Ed) with the flexibility to write and test individual code without the need for both person to meet every time something needs to be done. Another advantage of dual prototype is the ability to test platform independence of the software/firmware written. 

            In addition to building a simple programmable robotic platform for solving a maze, two other major tasks of this senior design project is to implement reliable wireless communication between the robot and external devices (personal computer, Android smartphone). The convenience of dual platform will allow Zakaria to focus on designing and implementing the wireless communication between the robot and the personal computer, while Ed focuses on designing and implementing the wireless communication between the robot and the Android smartphone. 

            Estimated total budget for building two prototypes along with applicable maze(s) for demonstration is ~$600. Below is the cost breakdown for building each prototype, and building applicable maze(s). 

Individual Robot Cost

• Motors: $31.90

• Wheel and Encoders: $39.95

• Motor Controller: $4.67

• Wireless Communication Module: $35

• Sensors: $13.09

• Micro-Controller: $8.48

• SMD Sockets: $2.00

• Robot Chassis: $20

• Ball Casters: $3.99

• Battery: $52.50

• Battery Charger: $20.00

• Voltage Regulator: $10.00

• Tax and Shipping ~$33.42

• Total per robot: ~$275.00

Maze Cost

• Maze: ~$50.00 (including tax)

        Estimated Budget requested: ~$600.00 (dual prototypes, and maze)

            During Summer 2012, Ed will return to his Co-op with DTE and Zakaria will return to his Co-op with NASA (Houston, TX). During that time, meeting in person to complete mechanical assembly is not an option. Therefore, the goal is to acquire all/most of the parts by end of Winter 2012 semester, and finish all mechanical assemblies. Rest of the time (Summer 2012, Fall 2012) will be devoted toward programming the robot to solve maze(s), and establish communication between robot and external devices (personal computer, Android smartphone).

Status of purchased items at project completion