How does the robot locate text on the whiteboard?

The robot uses a standard webcam and RoboRealm software to apply filters like RGB, Negative, and gray-scale to find the center of gravity of the writing.

Can the robot move autonomously without human interface?

Yes, the goal was to create a robot that erases written text completely autonomously without any human interface.

What method is used to eliminate non-green writing during image processing?

An RGB filter is used within RoboRealm to eliminate everything except the green writing before further processing.

How does the robot move along the y-axis of the whiteboard?

The robot uses linear sliders to move an arm up and down, allowing it to cover the entire y-axis.

What software is required to run the vision processing code?

The code requires a copy of RoboRealm Vision Software, which costs $89 or offers a 30-day free trial.

Does the provided code function as a complete final product?

No, the attached code is described as a basic proof of concept showing how the eraser moves to simulated text locations.

How are the two main sections of the robot connected?

The robot consists of a physical base with motors and wheels, and a separate computer-based control station with a webcam.

What type of wheels are used to drive the robot base?

The project uses 4 VEX small wheels driven by 2 motors respectively.

Whiteboard Erasing Robot using Arduino

Contents hide

1 Summary of Whiteboard Erasing Robot using Arduino

2 Step 1: Parts/System Break Down

3 Step 2: Computer Vision

4 Quick Solutions to Questions related to Whiteboard Erasing Robot:

Summary of Whiteboard Erasing Robot using Arduino

This project presents an autonomous whiteboard cleaning robot designed for a microcontroller contest. It eliminates the need for human intervention by using computer vision to locate text and a mechanical arm to erase it. The system combines a mobile base with linear sliders for precise movement across the board's X and Y axes, controlled by an Arduino Mega and guided by RoboRealm software via a webcam.

Parts used in the Whiteboard Erasing Robot:

Arduino Mega
Arduino Mega Protoshield with 2 mini breadboards and jumpers
3 VEX motors
BlueSmirf Bluetooth Adapter
RoboRealm Vision Software
VEX linear sliders
VEX Rack and Pinion gears
VEX 9.6V Battery
4 VEX small wheels
VEX metal, screws, and other hardware

My entry for the Microcontroller contest is a whiteboard cleaning robot. The goal of this project was to create a robot which could erase written text on a whiteboard completely autonomously, i.e. no human interface. The processes involved in this project included devising a method for the robot to search a whiteboard for text, designing a way to physically move a robot to the text, and enabling a robot to erase the text.

Step 1: Parts/System Break Down

This project is made up of two main sections. The first section is the actual robot. The robot in theory is somewhat simple. It consists of a base with two wheels which rides on a whiteboard track. The base design allows the robot to cover the entire x-axis of the whiteboard. To move on the y-axis, the robot uses linear sliders to move an arm up and down. Attached to the end of the arm is a dry-eraser that does the actual erasing.

Building the robot is not hard. It just consists of 2 motors which each respectively drive 2 small VEX wheels.

Step 2: Computer Vision

The second section, and more complicated part of the project, is the webcam and computer base control station located opposite the whiteboard. Utilizing an standard webcam and vision software at the computer base station, the robot locates any text anywhere on the whiteboard. It does this by using a series of filters and processing functions within the vision software, RoboRealm. In RoboRealm I used many different filters to find the center-of-gravity of the text on the whiteboard. The center of gravity cannot be found based on just the webcam image. I first used a RGB filter to eliminate everything but the green writing. Then the color is inverted by a Negative filter. The image is then converted from the Negative image ( the pink “hello”) to black and white using a gray-scale filter. This is necessary because the center of gravity can only be found on a black and white image. Then a center-of-gravity module is used to find the center of gravity. RoboRealm is a great software that has many uses and features. To find out more about the software go to www.RoboRealm.com

*The code that is attached is a basic proof of concept code. It shows how the eraser would move to the text, no matter where it is on the whiteboard. Move your mouse to simulate where the text is written. In order to use the code, you need a copy of RoboRealm. The standard cost is $89, or you can download a 30-day free trial at http://www.roborealm.com/registration/index.php

FINAL WHITEBOARD FOR SCHOOL WITH DISTANCE.robo5 KB

Major Components in Project

Parts Included:
Arduino Mega
Arduino Mega Protoshield, with 2 mini breadboards and jumpers
3 VEX motors
BlueSmirf Bluetooth Adapter (located in the yellow VEX case with antenna)
RoboRealm Vision Software
VEX linear sliders
VEX Rack and Pinion gears
VEX 9.6V Battery
4 VEX small wheels
Vex metal, screws, etc.

For more detail: Whiteboard Erasing Robot using Arduino

Quick Solutions to Questions related to Whiteboard Erasing Robot:

How does the robot locate text on the whiteboard?
The robot uses a standard webcam and RoboRealm software to apply filters like RGB, Negative, and gray-scale to find the center of gravity of the writing.
Can the robot move autonomously without human interface?
Yes, the goal was to create a robot that erases written text completely autonomously without any human interface.
What method is used to eliminate non-green writing during image processing?
An RGB filter is used within RoboRealm to eliminate everything except the green writing before further processing.
How does the robot move along the y-axis of the whiteboard?
The robot uses linear sliders to move an arm up and down, allowing it to cover the entire y-axis.
What software is required to run the vision processing code?
The code requires a copy of RoboRealm Vision Software, which costs $89 or offers a 30-day free trial.
Does the provided code function as a complete final product?
No, the attached code is described as a basic proof of concept showing how the eraser moves to simulated text locations.
How are the two main sections of the robot connected?
The robot consists of a physical base with motors and wheels, and a separate computer-based control station with a webcam.
What type of wheels are used to drive the robot base?
The project uses 4 VEX small wheels driven by 2 motors respectively.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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