Microcontroller-based mobile robot positioning and obstacle avoidance

• Main Authors: Aziza M. Zaki, Osama Arafa, Sanaa I. Amer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2014-05-01
• Series: Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology
• Subjects: Mobile robot; Navigation control; Odometry; Ultrasonic sensors; Microcontroller
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2314717214000105

The use of mobile robots is growing in manufacturing facilities, hazardous materials handling, etc. Usually, several sensor systems are used in combination. The task of combining the information into a usable form, suitable for making navigation decisions, is known as sensor fusion. In this paper, the navigation system built on a mobile robot operating in a warehouse is presented focusing on the sensory system used. Hybrid navigation system that combines the perception and dead reckoning is used and gives satisfactory operation. A microcontroller system is designed to control the navigation of a mobile robot while avoiding obstacles. A system of 24 ultrasonic sensors was designed and the operation algorithms were described. The encoder and the ultrasonic sensors used are presented in detail together with the navigation system designed based on their operation.