PJ009.3: Help MOVE Vehicle Finding A Way Out

This project belongs to the Kitronik :MOVE Motor series projects, it based on PJ009.2: Collect MOVE vehicle sensors data. The project uses the vehicle's onboard ultrasonic sensor to measure the front environment, so to find a out-gate of the trap. Goals:

Fun experience with Kitronik :MOVE Motor's onboard ultrasonic sensor
Engineering practice: Problem analysis, solution implementation and tuning for a result
Experience with while-do looping logic
Inspire interests on robotics and programming

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Result Demo

Here is the demo of the planned result.

PJ009_3_help_vehcle_finding_way_out_demo.mp4

Check 24w10 Learn by Data Logging, and Fun Making with Ultrasonic Sensor for some results demo by the students

Programming: Key Building Blocks

Programming: Example Snippets

Requirement

Hardware setup

Just the standard TM015: Kitronik :MOVE Motor for Micro:bit kit, remember to install the 4 batteries, no extra need.

The trap map

We use a book, or similar material, to build a trapping like the picture, the shape and depth is flexible, but the opening should be made just enough for the vehicle to drive out.

Help the vehicle finding way out

The vehicle will be placed inside, and use the "logo" touching to start, then the vehicle should spin (towards left or right, no matter), it should stop towards the opening, and then start driving out for a few seconds, and stop.

Effort Estimation

[x] Simple: 30-60 minutes

[ ] Moderate: 1-2 hours

[ ] Challenging: more than 2 hours

The estimation bases on average situation without unexpected difficult troubleshooting. It only indicates rough time needed to complete this project, but not about technical difficulty, not covering discussion and sharing time. Here is a possible breakdown:

5-8 minutes: Understand requirement and goals, collect materials
15-20 minutes: Programming, download to Micro:bit, test and improve program, retest to reach a good result

Prerequisite

One should have prior knowledge

Micro:bit V2 board: Know what it is, better to have prior experience using them
MakeCode by Microsoft, the programming tool, better to have prior experience using it with Micro:bit
Not a must, but better to have completed PJ009.2: Collect MOVE vehicle sensors data

Tools & Materials

A laoptop or tablet with internet access
1x TM015: Kitronik :MOVE Motor for Micro:bit, unboxed, or assembled
4x Alkaline AAA batteries
1x Micro:bit V2 board , with USB cable
One or a few books, used to build the walls of the trapping map

Programming: Key Building Blocks

Add "MOVE Motor" extension

Click "Extensions"
Search by keyword "MOVE"
Click the found result
Then "MOVE Motor" blocks are available

Ultrasonic sensor (distance sensor) value

Just use the block as a value of the measured distance, the unit , in cm or inch, needs to be set on start.

MOVE Motor -> Sensors-> Ultrasonic->

Remember to set unit on start

Spinning

This makes the vehicle spinning around the "pen hole" in the middle of the vehicle chassis.

MOVE Motor -> Motors-> Drive->

While-do looping

This while-do looping is useful to help the continuous checking the ultrasonic sensor value until finding the opening of the trap

Loops ->

Programming: Example Snippets

Below snippets are served to inspire and help starting, but not ready-made solution for the actual tasks in this project.

Snippet: Spinning to seek the opening

This snippet hints the main logic to spin and continuously measure ultrasonic sensor values, and stop facing the opening of the trap.

Note:

The spinning speed, ultrasonic threshold value need fine tuning to fit your real situation.
The functions "coutdown_to_start" and drive_out" are not shown here, it's easy to figure out by yourself.

Discussion & Sharing

This optional part covers further competence development, in terms of testing, troubleshooting, analysis, documentation, etc.

Ultrasonic sensor discussion

Can you sort out an answer for those questions for ultrasonic sensor?

What could affect the accuracy of distance measurement?
How to ensure a better measurement quality?
What could be missed from the perception of ultrasonic sensor?

Troubleshooting Stories

Share with your group about

What troubles you met
How you analyze
How you get help
How you solve it
What you have learnt

PJ009.3: Help MOVE Vehicle Finding A Way Out

Result Demo

Requirement

Hardware setup

The trap map

Help the vehicle finding way out

Effort Estimation

Prerequisite

Tools & Materials

Programming: Key Building Blocks

Add "MOVE Motor" extension

Ultrasonic sensor (distance sensor) value

Spinning

While-do looping

Programming: Example Snippets

Snippet: Spinning to seek the opening

Discussion & Sharing

Ultrasonic sensor discussion

Troubleshooting Stories

Knowledge Check

Extended Learning

Further Challenges

Referred/Used By

The Lazy Copy