Mission Description
- Context: Self-driving cars and robot vacuums avoid collisions by themselves. Build an Obstacle-Avoiding Rover that can roam an area and steer away from walls or objects in its path, keeping itself (and others) safe.
- Task: Assemble a small rover with two drive wheels, a caster, and an ultrasonic distance sensor mounted on the front (or even better, on a servo that can scan left/right, but optional). Program the Arduino such that the robot drives forward and uses the distance sensor to check ahead. If an obstacle is detected within, say, 15 cm in its path, the robot should stop, back up a little, then turn left or right and try going forward again. Continue this behavior so it can navigate a simple course without hitting things. Fine-tune the turning logic for efficiency.
- Expected Output: An autonomous obstacle-avoider. On testing, when you place the robot on the floor, it moves forward. If you put a shoebox in front of it, the sonar detects it and you’ll see the robot pause, reverse, then turn and find a clearer path. It should wander around adjusting its direction whenever it nears an obstacle. This is a classic robotics project, directly tied to real-world applications like robot assistants moving around people or vehicles with automatic braking, showcasing algorithmic thinking and sensor- motor integration.
Student Goal
Assemble a small rover with two drive wheels, a caster, and an ultrasonic distance sensor mounted
on the front (or even better, on a servo that can scan left/right, but optional). Program the Arduino such that
the robot drives forward and uses the distance sensor to check ahead. If an obstacle is detected within, say, 15 cm
in its path, the robot should stop, back up a little, then turn left or right and try going forward again. Continue this
behavior so it can navigate a simple course without hitting things. Fine-tune the turning logic for efficiency.
Mission Information
Status
Open
Deadline
December 31, 2025
Category
School
Grade
G10 — Senior Robotics Missions
Rewards
Recognition, Internships, Prizes
Presented by
Ready to Join This Mission?
Take on the challenge and make a difference with Obstacle-Avoiding Robot Rover.