Model 7: Cleaning robot

The crumb-collecting robot

Grade

5-7

Time required

2 double hours

Difficulty level

Model: easy, Programming: medium

Model type

mobile robot / vehicle

Download didactic material

MODEL DESCRIPTION / TASK

The pupils (SuS) plan and realize an autonomously moving cleaning robot for an area. Two sensors on the left and right bumper prevent the robot from moving objects or getting stuck. A signal from these sensors causes the robot to reverse and change direction and then continue moving. For differentiation, an RGB gesture sensor can be installed as fall protection. This allows the device to clean tables without falling.

EVERYDAY RELEVANCE

The automation of processes and the use of robotic systems is playing an increasingly important role in the everyday lives of students. In addition to existing robotic lawn mowers and vacuum cleaners, other personal assistants and auxiliary vehicles will undoubtedly be added to our lives in the future.

Due to its increasing relevance in everyday life, the topic is suitable for pre-vocational orientation. It arouses students' curiosity about the corresponding everyday technology and professional aspects of the topic of autonomous driving.

Key questions

What functions does an autonomous driving robot need to fulfill? (communication, collaboration)
What problems can arise when using an autonomous vehicle? (critical thinking)
Which aspects of the design must be taken into account for smooth operation? (creativity)

Subject reference

Computer sience

Basics of programming various sensors

Technology

transmission theory, vehicle stability, steering systems, manufacturing and optimizing an object, autonomous driving, traffic

Physics

Friction and contact pressure

Lesson progression

Information and notes

Methodical and didactic tips

Differentiation options

The model is particularly suitable for systematically setting up and experimenting with different driving modes by changing the correction angle while driving. Through differentiation, the vehicle can be extended with little effort by an additional sensor (RGB gesture sensor) to increase the degree of autonomy.

Motivational aspects

There is a great desire to build a vehicle that controls itself as autonomously as possible by using several different sensors. There may also be interest in adding further useful components to the system (e.g. main switch, rear switch, optimization of the wiping function by integrating a drip tank ...). This can be addressed in the classroom discussion.

Additional materials

A robot vacuum cleaner if available, otherwise pictures if necessary
Drawing media (paper, whiteboard, projection screen)
Various wiping media (handkerchief, kitchen roll, sponge, ...)

Building instructions

Circuit diagram

Functions of the modell and their technical solutions

Function of the system

Technical solution

Triggering the cleaning run

Pressing the start button on the RX Controller

Frontal cleaning run

Activation of both motors

Hitting an obstacle

Triggering one of the buttons, stopping the motors

Correction of the direction of travel due to an obstacle on the right

(4 pulses) Reversing the vehicle, approx. 20°

turn left, continue travel

Correction of the direction of travel due to an obstacle on the left

Reversing the vehicle, approx. 20° (4 pulses) turn right, contiue travel

Renewed frontal cleaning run

Activate both motors

Differentiation: Triggering the fall protection at the edge of the table

Stopping the motors, reversing the motors and counting the pulses, changing the direction of travel, moving on

Replacing the wiper medium

Clamping device for a wiper cloth on the Opening the rear of the vehicle

Adjusting the wiper medium

Adjusting the wiper mounting joint

Material list

Sensors

Function

2 buttons

Obstacle detection

2 buttons

Pulse coutning of the motors

Differentiation: 1 RGB gesture sensor

Prevents falling from an elevated position

Actuators