Project 1.2.9 Automated Guided Vehicle (VEX)

Introduction

An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) provides increased efficiency and safety by transporting materials and products between manufacturing centers. An AGV consists of one or more computer-controlled wheel-based load carriers that typically run on the plant floor without the need for an onboard operator or driver. AGVs have defined paths or areas within which or over which they can navigate. Navigation is achieved by any one of several means, including following a path defined by buried inductive wires, surface-mounted magnetic or optical strips, or by way of inertial or laser guidance.

In this project students will further develop robotic hardware and software by designing, building, and programming an AGV.

Equipment

  • Computer ROBOTC software
  • POE/CIM VEX® kit
  • AGV line follower trail constructed with teacher guidance
  • Engineering notebook
  • Project Report Rubric
  • Written Report Template

Procedure

  1. In groups of two or three, utilize VEX®components to design, build, and program an AGV that is capable of finding and following a trail.
  2. The system must adhere to the following constraints:
  3. The system must contain a manual start button.
  4. The system must be able to find and follow a ¼” black line.
  5. The system may use 1, 2, or 3 line following/infrared sensors.
  6. The system must stop at provided intersections for 6 seconds. Refer to the figure below.

Path with stop intersection
  1. The system must be able to carry cargo from stop to stop.
  1. If directed by your teacher, then use the constraints below to increase the challenge.
  1. Add an Ultrasonic sensor at the front of the AGV that will detect when an object is obstructing its path. The AGV will halt movement/operation until the obstruction has been removed.
  2. Control the AGV with the VEXnet Joystick in manual mode. Drive the AGV onto the track and send a signal to the AGV through the VEXnet to enter autonomous mode. The AGV will then take over to find and follow the black line.
  3. If a VEX® Color Wireless Camera is available, use the camera to drive the AGV from a remote location where the path and visibility of the AGV is obscured from the driver. Drive the AGV to the track and send it into autonomous mode. A servo may be added to the camera to allow the camera to rotate.
  1. Prepare a project report using the Written Report Template to present the design process and results. The report should contain elements described in the Project Report Rubric.

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Computer Integrated ManufacturingProject 1.2.9 Automated Guided Vehicle (VEX)– Page 1