So I'm new here (as in just registered) and have only ever worked once with an Arduino Board (a real fun chocolate catapult controlled via Kinect). For my new project I look for some advice as to what Arduino controllers are suited for the task. Any input is welcome, especially naming a specific board and why it is suited.
My friend and I plan to work on it together over the course of several months completing one stage at a time.
The plan is to build an RC car and use the Arduino (or whatever microcontroller we decide to use) to control a number of electric motors for acceleration as well as servo motors for the active suspension (for explanation see below).
Now this isn't simple especially with my lack of experience working with microcontrollers but definitely achievable given time.
Stage 1 - We plan to start with the general RC car functionality. Only the electric motors, as well as communication elements (radio/WiFi/...) will be needed for that. When finished the car will be just like a normal RC-car one finds in stores with the only difference being the microcontroller with a program that transforms the input signal into output signals for the motors.
Stage 2 - Distance sensors will be added to recognize obstacles in the movement direction (like a curbstone for example). The program will be adjusted to forcefully adjust the received input signals to avoid collisions.
Stage 3 - Additional sensors for acceleration, orientation and a magnetometer will be added. The program will be adjusted to not only acquire the relative position to the earth but also to detect uneven terrain.
Stage 4 - The mechanical parts and servos for the actual active suspension will be added. The program will be adjusted to analyze the data from stages 2&3 to calculate an output signal for the servos.
Stage 5 - Given that the active suspension is working it is possible to expand the overall functionality.
Things like using the active suspension to jump over (small) obstacles that can't be overcome with the wheels alone or a navigation system could be something we might tackle. This stage is pretty vague right now because we don't know what exactly we will do when or if we get here.
As you can see there's a lot that goes into the project and the microcontroller needs to be able to control a number of electronic parts in real-time as well as calculating comparatively simple mathematical models all the while. Stuff like a signal receiver and signal processing are important but the microcontroller only needs to be capable of the latter if it can be connected to a receiver.
It would be great if the microcontroller offers some more connection pins than actually needed for this project as I don't know how the project will change or expand over time.
If you got any advice on what board to use now I'd be most thankful.
Wikipedia - Active suspension
Active suspensions use some type of actuator to raise and lower the chassis independently at each wheel. These technologies allow car manufacturers to achieve a greater degree of ride quality and car handling by keeping the tires perpendicular to the road in corners, allowing better traction (engineering) and control. An onboard computer detects body movement from sensors throughout the vehicle and, using data calculated by opportune control techniques, controls the action of the active and semi-active suspensions. The system virtually eliminates body roll and pitch variation in many driving situations including cornering, accelerating, and braking.
PS: If this is the wrong forum please let me know or just move the thread.