Arduino Based Robot Platform

Figure 1 

A Parallax Boe Bot chassis was used to build this robot along with a group of sensors built on proto shield that allows navigating around.

A ping sensor is being used by the robot in order to move around while any type of chassis can be used for this project. To control the robot functions, an Arduino was added rather than using the Basic Stamp. The Ping Rangefinder will be mounted using the standard servo as it gives a back and forth motion while the robot travels around. For the wheels, the two continuous rotation servos are used. The Parallax brand of servos is not really required since other brands can also be used. The PWM values in the source code will have to be adjusted to go with the servos being used.

The two DC motors are driven by using a SN754410 Quad Half H-Bridge since it is possible to use DC motors and edit the code. Extra filter capacitors are not required for powering the shield since there is a built-in 5V switching regulator. Two power sources are used where one supplies the Arduino and camera and the other for the sensors.