This project will only be funded if at least $39,999 is pledged by .
About this project
1.What is it?
The rangefinder is a tool that allows you to determine the distance to obstacles and walls in order to avoid them. It is perfect in robotic applications where the robot needs to move and go to a determined position in unknown territory.
2. Current condition
So far we built 3 versions . We are working on the final version (v 4.0) which is very similar with the present version (v 3.0).
Version 3 (present version) is smaller and lighter than version 2.
The final version will have exactly the same enclosure as version 3 .
3.Description
It has 2 sensors placed at 90 degrees that read the distances simultaneously.
Here are some of the unit details:
- detectable range: 20 cm to 150 cm (6 to 60 inches )
- 7.5 degrees angular resolution
- 2 scans per second
- 180 degrees view
- easy readable output data in text format
- easy interface with other boards it comes pre calibrated
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USB interface power and data , also SPI and RS232
4.Team
We are a small team of engineers from Cleveland and we like to tinker with stuff and work on all kinds of interesting projects. In the past we participated twice at Centennial Regolith Challenge, a competition organized by NASA and California Space Authority. This is where we came with the idea of creating a cheap obstacle detection unit. Since we payed all the costs for the robot, transportation, and the competition fee, we did not have a lot of money to spend and we lacked proper sensors. The obstacle detection units that are on the market today start at more than a thousand dollars, which we could not afford. Also Kinect would be great if it would work reliably in daylight.
5.Goals
Our goal is to create a cheap 2d obstacle sensor that could be used in robotics
6.System Diagram
7.Software
So far we have a C and a C# API and graphical interface. We plan to develop a Python interface. In the picture there is the graphical interface that is written in C# and allows showing and capturing range data .
We also plan to create an interface for ROS (Robotic Operating System)
8.PCB
The PCB was designed in Eagle Cad and sent out to a PCB manufacturer.
Here are different versions of the PCB.
9.Functionality
10.Connectors
11.Tools
We used mainly a CNC machine to build the enclosure. The CNC is driven by an computer with LinuxCNC installed. This proved to be enough for very good results.
Pick and Place machine
12.Timeline
13. Market comparison
Here is a comparison between some obstacle detectors that are on the market.
Risks and challenges
In case of a reasonable demand, all units will be built by us. If the demand is higher the parts of the unit will be outsourced locally which means a longer lead time. We have experience with building and shipping products, and also we have most of the equipment in house. With all this, we try very hard to minimize the risk.
Also if there is a higher demand there might be some parts shortages which might delay the production. Fortunately the parts could be procured from multiple places.
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
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Funding period
- (40 days)