Autonomous object collecting robot

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi all,

I’ve only just started working with Arduino, so bear with me.

I’m looking for any tips or advice (whether it’s programming or design ideas) that people would be kind enough to share, on the following Arduino project.

My aim is to build an Arduino based robot/vehicle, with the ability to achieve the following sequence of tasks autonomously.

  1. Search for objects within an otherwise empty arena.
  2. When an object is identified, it needs to be checked to find out whether or not it is illuminated (some objects will have an LED on top)
  3. The object must then be picked up
  4. Depending on whether the object is lit or not, it must be transported to a designated ‘drop zone’ located in one of the corners of the arena.
  5. Steps 1-4 must be repeated until all objects have been collected (5 in total; 3 lit and 2 not lit), the robot should then return to its original starting point.

Currently, I feel I will need some sort of ultrasonic sensor, a light dependent resistor and a motor driven claw (The link below includes details on the claw I am and thinking of using.)

http://qualitymerchandise.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=22_27&products_id=47

Any tips or advice on how I should approach this would be very much appreciated.
Cheers.

2

Any tips or advice on how I should approach this would be very much appreciated.

You should research what others have done in the past (this sounds like standard bot competition stuff). google and youtube research should give you ideas on what is needed.