Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Software => Software => Topic started by: dm224a on October 22, 2010, 08:44:55 AM

Title: Robotic mower program
Post by: dm224a on October 22, 2010, 08:44:55 AM
me and a friend of mine are trying to build a robotic mower from scratch. we are trying to figure out how to do a navigation system for the bot. we thought about random pattern, but couldn't figure out how to do it. gps is to expensive, and my yard is really rough.
Title: Re: Robotic mower program
Post by: knossos on October 22, 2010, 09:31:22 AM
GPS would definately NOT be the solution, the resolution wouldn't be good enough.  A quick brainstorm (i'm sure there are much better ideas out there):

Remote control the mower through the path the first several times, recording sensor data as you go.  Then play back the recording.  Obviously this will not playback the same exact route each time due to many different variables but would give the robot a general path to follow.  To improve on this use a variety of feedback loops to improve the results.  Some examples would be sonar sensor readings, IR range finder readings, encoders, position beacons throughout the yard for navigation, multi axis gyros and accelerometers, magnetic compass, etc.

From a programming perspective, a neural network may be useful in a situation like this since they are great for pattern recognition.  In addition, you can provide supervised learning by correcting the robots route with your remote control.

Also, I wouldn't expect this to be a cheap project.
Title: Re: Robotic mower program
Post by: thornsb1 on October 23, 2010, 11:54:21 PM
Auburn University built a great robotic mower and I believe it was using beacon sensors to stay on line. But, I'm sure if you were to Google it they should tell you in an article about it.
Title: Re: Robotic mower program
Post by: Tommy on November 03, 2010, 05:19:58 AM
Quote
but couldn't figure out how to do it. gps is to expensive, and my yard is really rough.
dm224a
You may want to look at wireless dog fence technology.

Tommy