Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Handsfree Following Cart |
Anudeep Ekkurthi Matthew Sun-Yu Mo Vincent Sorrentino |
Stasiu Chyczewski | design_document3.pdf final_paper1.pdf photo2.JPG photo3.JPG photo4.jpg presentation1.pdf proposal1.pdf |
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| # Handsfree Following Cart Team Members: - Vincent Sorrentino (vcs2) - Anudeep Ekkurthi (anudeep2) - Matthew Sun-Yu Mo (msmo2) # Link to Initial Web Board Post https://courses.engr.illinois.edu/ece445/pace/view-topic.asp?id=68082 # Problem -Carrying many heavy and odd sized objects takes significant effort and strain. -Time wasted with setting up a project site with material could be used on the actual project. -Risk of injury to a person or damage to property is high when carrying such material to a project site -Cost of labor associated with carrying material could be resorted to other technical work. -Mechanical solutions like a wheelbarrow/cart are helpful but still require time and effort from the user. # Solution -To reduce time spent, increase effective use of limited labor and safety at a low cost, an automated cart would be very helpful for landscape/small construction crews to transport project and waste material. -Cart will follow the user while carrying heavy loads, and could also follow a clear path set by the user to deliver the material. -The cart would be hands-free operation, allowing one user to handle transportation of materials effortlessly, while the rest of the team can spend more time on technical work. # Solution Components -[Collision prevention] Prevent the cart from damaging property or itself by avoiding obstacles. We will be using ultrasonic sensors to prevent collision with objects in front of the cart and also add them at an angle facing the ground to determine approach clearance. Due to the cart following the user at a safe and low speed, it will be able to clear most of the obstacles. -[User Following] Follows the cart user by using a Bluetooth module and a GPS module. The user’s phone will send its location to the cart and the cart will compare it to its position to follow the user. -[Path Following] Follows path points set by the user in an application for repeated trips. Will keep track of the location points and compare that with the GPS location of the cart. -[App] Establish communication between the user and the cart, used for setting the cart into a user following or path following mode. Additionally, the app will notify the user about the location of the cart and notify them in case it gets stuck or cannot find a clear path. -[Motor Control] Control the speed and direction of the cart given data about location and path obstacles. -[Mechanical Component] Cart must have a robust frame to carry weight and be able to contain all electronic components and power sources safely from the materials. Will also need a flat top to set material on. # Criterion for success -Follow a user at a safe, set distance in the user following mode. -Follow a preset path closely in the path following mode. -Carry payload of a certain weight (150-200lbs) -Avoid collision with users and obstacles while navigating. -Notify the user about the status of the cart, such as being stuck or not being able to find a path around an obstacle |
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