Project Objectives

We are going to extend upon our second lab project by implementing a more efficient table cleaning robot. Because our previous implementation suffered from a lack of sensors, the robot was unable to efficiently map its surroundings. To improve the robot, we plan on enhancing its functionality by adding several new sensors (a light sensor, a bump sensor, and encoders, at the very least). Utilizing these sensors, we hope to create a map of the robot's environment. With this map, we would like to maximize the robot's coverage of the table while minimizing both the time required to complete the table cleaning task as well as its interactions with immobile objects.

Midpoint Objectives

• Successfully incorporate all the sensors we need into the robot's physical design
• Create a better paper-capturing device. Ideally, we'd like the robot to have a bin to carry the trash that can be emptied when it reaches the edge of the table.
• Using encoders and sensors, map the robot's environment. The robot needs to remember where it has been and know when it has entirely covered the table.

Final Objectives

• Given the previously generated map, have the robot successfully navigate its environment
• Using this map, cover the table space in the least amount of time (or do it using the most efficient path)