Technical Scope

The project focused on integrating sensors, motor drivers, and embedded programming to achieve an intelligent obstacle-avoidance system. The key components included:

• Obstacle Detection: Implemented ultrasonic sensors to measure distances and detect obstacles within a 3-foot range.

• Motor Control: Utilized an H-bridge motor driver to control the forward and reverse movement of the car, enabling adaptive steering during avoidance maneuvers.

• Embedded Programming: Developed real-time decision-making logic using C/C++ and microcontroller programming to process sensor inputs and control movement.

• Indicator System: Configured LEDs and a buzzer to provide real-time feedback on car movement and obstacle detection.

• Power System: Designed an efficient battery-powered system to ensure consistent performance during testing and demonstrations.

Design Process and Workflows

The development of the autonomous car followed a structured engineering approach, ensuring successful integration of hardware and software components:

1. Hardware Assembly and Component Selection

   • Constructed a four-wheeled chassis with DC motors and an H-bridge motor driver for directional control.

   • Installed ultrasonic sensors at the front of the car to detect obstacles.

   • Wired LED indicators and a buzzer to signal movement status and obstacle alerts.

2. Software Development and Embedded Programming

   • Programmed the microcontroller (Arduino) to process sensor data in real-time.

   • Implemented PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for smooth motor control via the H-bridge driver.

   • Developed an adaptive navigation algorithm, enabling the car to detect obstacles, trigger an alert, reverse, and find an alternate path.

3. Testing and Calibration

   • Fine-tuned sensor accuracy to ensure obstacle detection at an optimal range.

   • Adjusted motor speeds and turning angles for effective avoidance maneuvers.

   • Verified LED indicators and buzzer functionality to align with movement and detection events.

4. Final Demonstration and Validation

   • Powered the car and initiated forward movement toward a simulated obstacle.

   • Observed the LED and buzzer activation upon detection of the obstacle.

   • Evaluated the autonomous avoidance maneuver and verified that the car resumed forward motion successfully.

Project Outcomes

• Fully Functional Autonomous Car: Successfully detected and avoided obstacles in real time, meeting all project specifications.

• Bidirectional Motor Control: Integrated an H-bridge motor driver for smooth forward and reverse movement, improving maneuverability.

• Real-Time Sensor Processing: Achieved accurate and responsive obstacle detection using ultrasonic sensors.

• Indicator and Alert System: Configured LEDs and a buzzer to provide clear feedback on car movement and obstacle detection.

• Efficient Power Management: Designed a battery-powered system that sustained operation throughout testing and demonstrations.

Reflections

This project provided valuable experience in embedded systems, real-time motor control, and autonomous navigation. Through iterative design and testing, I gained key insights into:

• The importance of precise motor control using PWM and an H-bridge to achieve smooth directional changes.

• Real-time sensor integration and data processing to enable responsive obstacle detection and avoidance.

• Optimizing power efficiency to ensure extended autonomous operation.

• Debugging embedded systems through systematic testing and calibration.