rangefinding/object detection

[mluckham]

Our plan for wall-following calls for two side-mounted Maxbotic sonar sensors - keeping the readings similar in value should mean the robot is parallel to the wall. If one reading is significantly larger than the other, a slight turn is called for.

Another (or a pair) of sonar sensors at the front should do for collision-avoidance.

[Phalanx]

Originally Posted by mluckham

Our plan for wall-following calls for two side-mounted Maxbotic sonar sensors - keeping the readings similar in value should mean the robot is parallel to the wall. If one reading is significantly larger than the other, a slight turn is called for.

Another (or a pair) of sonar sensors at the front should do for collision-avoidance.

Remember that there will be 3 robots on the same side of the field and 3 on the other side if you make it across the side line. You may not always be in the center, and you may or may not have another robot right next to you as you travel. So I think your readings may vary greatly and frequently during the autonomous/hybrid period.

Something to think about.

[joshyboy9987]

Another thing too, is that the outside of the field is that narrow bar. That might be a little difficult to pick up. And you're right, no, we can't use lasers, but I was under the impression it's not for a FIRST competition? Not to mention lasers wouldn't work too well with the divider being plexi-glass or whatever...