Summary of Back-Saver: Backpack-carrying follower robot powered by Wunderbar
This project describes a prototype follower robot using a SparkFun RedBoard and LV-Max Sonar EZ1 to control a DC Stepper Motor via a WunderBar. The system aims to move the robot based on distance readings, though the motor-sonar interface remains incomplete. A future update plans to integrate the TellMeWhen Relayr app for proximity notifications.
Parts used in Back-Saver Robot:
- SparkFun RedBoard
- DC Stepper Motor 28-BY-J-48
- MB 1010 LV-Max-Sonar EZ1
- WunderBar
- ULN2003A Driver Board
- Arduino UNO (mentioned as compatible)
- Arduino 2.0 BLE Shield (planned integration)
- TellMeWhen Relayr app (planned feature)
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Story
A Sparkfun Red-Board utilizes a LV-Max Sonar component to judge distances between the user and the robot, powering the DC stepper motor to move forward, reverse or change direction. Each motor requires around 5V to operate.
In the future, a feature using the TellMeWhen Relayr app and the Wunderbar proximity sensor will send a notification to an Arduino 2.0 BLE shield when the proximity threshold is violated, overriding the LV-Max Sonar readings.
This project wasn’t finished under the deadline and therefore should be treated as incomplete, i.e. the interface between the motor and sonar wasn’t completed. This project can be run either with using the sonar sensor code to read the distance sensor in or with the code running the stepper motors. Please take everything with a grain of salt and let us know about any mistakes.
Stepper (28-BY-J-48) Pins to Driver Board (ULN2003A) to Arduino UNO / Sparkfun Redboard Pins
For more detail: Back-Saver: Backpack-carrying follower robot powered by Wunderbar
- What hardware components are used in this robot project?
The project uses a SparkFun RedBoard, a DC Stepper Motor 28-BY-J-48, an MB 1010 LV-Max-Sonar EZ1, and a WunderBar. - How does the robot determine movement direction?
The Sparkfun RedBoard utilizes the LV-Max Sonar component to judge distances between the user and the robot to power the motor forward, reverse, or change direction. - What voltage is required to operate the stepper motors?
Each motor requires around 5V to operate. - Can the project be run with just the sonar sensor code?
Yes, the project can be run using only the sonar sensor code to read the distance sensor without the motor code. - Is the motor and sonar interface currently complete?
No, the interface between the motor and sonar was not completed because the project was finished after the deadline. - What future feature involves the TellMeWhen Relayr app?
A planned feature will use the app and Wunderbar proximity sensor to send a notification to an Arduino 2.0 BLE shield when the proximity threshold is violated. - Which driver board connects the stepper motor to the Arduino?
The ULN2003A driver board connects the stepper motor pins to the Arduino UNO or Sparkfun Redboard. - What should users know about the reliability of this project?
Users should treat the project as incomplete and take everything with a grain of salt due to unfinished interfaces and potential mistakes.
