Computer Science & Robotics
Overview
The field of computer science has rapidly grown due to technological advancements in today's world. Computer science and robotics work to evaluate and design systems, both hardware and software, while also delving into concepts such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and, more specifically, robotics.
Robotics
Robots play an important role in the modern world because they can work in environments that humans cannot. For example, robots work to carry loads and dangerous substances, help in fires, and complete repetitive tasks. In other words, robotic systems influence productivity and are able to enhance human safety and response time because they work under programmed conditions.
Coding Language: Python and C++
Knowing how to code was an integral part of this project. Without knowing the basics of coding languages, our robots would never have been able to do the tasks that we assigned them to do. The two languages that we had to use in order to make our robots function properly were Python and C++. While there is no clear winner on which language is better (as both have their own implications), our team collectively agreed that having two different styles of coding language exposed us to a fair amount of coding basics that are generally useful anywhere in the field of computer science.
Building and Design Process
Building Process: Zumi
Internal structure of Zumi
Zumi was built using a combination of circuit boards and computer chips, all assembled together.
Zumi Board
This Zumi board seared as the main platform that connected all the electrical components together. Without this pieece of technology, our Zumi bot would not operate
Zumi Robot
After assembling the electrical components and adding the final touches, our Zumi bot was complete and this was the final result.
Design Process: Tracked Vehicle
Motor Construction
Our motor construction was crucial to our tracked robot, as if it were faulty, the robot would obviously not work. We utilized a gear ratio of 12.7:1
Battery Pack Construction
In order for the robot to operate, a battery pack must be attached to the vehicle. This picture depicts the building of the battery pack and its connection to the motor
Prototype A
This was our first prototype of the tracked vehicle. This robot has basic functions of detection of obstacles, however it has no ability utilize the databot.
Python code for the Zumi bot
1. Setting Up the Environment
2. Initializing Zumi and Camera
3. Defining Color Thresholds for Red
4. Function to Detect Fire (Red Color)
5. Main Loop to Avoid Fire
6. Start the Fire Avoidance Process
Tracker Bot Code
Click box to open in new tab and see code
Code for the Virtual Robot:
The coding for the virtual robot uses a bumper sensor and a distance sensor. The bumper sensor makes the robot go in reverse and check its left and right sides. The distance sensor is used to help the robot decide whether to go left or right based on the distance each side is from the robot.
Vehicle Demonstrations
IMG_4062.MOVZumi Bot Demonstration
Our Zumi bot operates under color recognition. When it detects the color red, a code is sent to the bot that makes it "detect fire" and find an alternate path. If any other color is detected, then the zumi bot continues moving forward.
IMG_4065.MOVRed Bot Demonstration
Our red bot vehicle works by using infrared sensors in order to detect a line. When it detects such a line, it will follow it to the best of it's ability. In addition to this, the red bot has "whiskers" that when pressed will turn the red bot around and have it find a new course.
IMG_1259.MOVTracked Vehicle Video Demonstration
This is the data bot in action. It is programmed to turn left or right with a randomized algorithm once it hits a wall.
DiscoverEngineeringUSC_VirtualRobot.mp4Virtual Robot
This is the video evidence of our robot in action! We used RobotC in order to program this vehicle and it proved to be successful in testing!
Virtual Robot Course
The map simulates a building after a natural disaster. There is a clear exit from the start towards the left in just one corridor, however it is blocked by fire!
Although this isn't the most intricate of courses, it provides a good representation of the possible implications of this technology.
Research Paper: Robots and their Use in Disaster Recovery