My First Photovore

[sleepyhao]

Hello everyone! I'm going to build my first robot which can:

• Detect and follow lights
  Move in X and Y axis
  Detect obstacles and stop and sound an alarm if it detects one

As for my hardware part, I'm going to use:
PIC16F877A as my mcu
L298N as motor driver
2 DC motors
2 Light sensors
2 Infrared sensors

I've completed the circuits, and for now, I'll polish my C programming and study on how to program the mcu. In the mean time, I'd like to make my robot more useful rather than just sense light and follow it. My budget is roughly $150.

I'd like to hear ideas and suggestions from you guys regarding how I can turn my robot into something that benefit the society. Thanks.

[Admin]

you should upgrade it with a scanning sharp IR!
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_50_robot_sharpIR.shtml

I think the point of these basic robots is not to benefit society, but to teach you to be a great engineer so in the future you will be able to advance society. Plus its just cool to build a robot

[sleepyhao]

Yeap, I've read about the sharp IR Rangefinder. Isn't it more complicated then normal infra-red sensors? I'll like to do something simple before moving a more complicated stuff. Correct me if I'm wrong, and thanks for the suggestion 

[Admin]

I'd say interfacing the sensor is actually easier (no wiring required).

But the algorithms could range from very simple to fairly advanced.

I'd say stick with the 'normal' stuff first like you said, but after your first robot I think you'd be ready for it.

[paulstreats]

once you have the basic robot built. you have something to expand and upgrade with whatever you want. its best to sort out your basic operation and controls and expand later

[sleepyhao]

Alright, thanks for the suggestions. For now I'll try to accomplish the objectives before adding enhancement on it. I'll try to update the progress here if possible