Introduction
| Site: | GoLabs |
| Course: | Robotic Challenges with Python and GoPiGo |
| Book: | Introduction |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Saturday, 23 November 2024, 2:14 PM |
Description
This is the third challenge within the Robotics with GoPiGo and Python Curriculum.
Your task is to design a robot program that can navigate through the maze-like jungle without trampling over any plants or getting stuck in any dead ends.
Learn how to use the Distance Sensor and practice using the left-hand rule of maze-solving.
1. Task
Recently, you heard about a group of academic researchers that have gone missing after setting off on a geological field trip in the Amazonian rain forest. The Amazon rainforest covers much of northwestern Brazil and extends into Colombia, Peru and other South American countries. It is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, famous for its biodiversity.
Luckily, the researchers brought a research robot with them on the expedition, but they've reached out to you for help developing a program that can guide them safely out of the jungle without damaging the plants and animals in this complex ecosystem.
You know roughly where they have made camp, but won't be able to get there yourself. Time for you to design a robot program that can navigate through the maze-like jungle without trampling over any plants or getting stuck in any dead ends. Once you've finished your tests to be sure it will work, you'll send them the code via satellite phone!
2. Considerations
How do you maintain a safe distance from the flora of the rainforest (the maze walls)? How do you detect clearings on either side of your path (openings on the left or right)? What strategy will you follow to explore the rainforest (maze) and find the exit?
At the bottom of the rainforest, the sun or the stars cannot be seen, therefore you can't depend on them for orientation.
3. Materials
- GoPiGo3, with batteries
- A wifi-enabled laptop or computer
- For the rescuer’s “eyes”: distance sensor (x2) & sensor mounts
- For the maze walls: (suggestions) large storage boxes, cardboard & sellotape, blankets, cushions, books, furniture
4. Vocabulary
debug information : output given by the computer about what went wrong with the program being run.
bug: an error that stops a program from running successfully.
debugging: getting rid of all the bugs.
truth table: a mathematical table used in logic which sets out the logical outcome for each combination of logical variables.
left-wall following algorithm: a series of precise steps that allow a robot to solve a maze by following the left wall from start to finish.
pseudocode:software engineering technique which consists in writing in plain English the programming logic before writing any code. It allows the engineer to focus on getting the logic right before writing any code.
5. Learn
These exercises will teach you what you need to know in order to succeed in the main project.
6. Main Project
After you complete the Learn sections, here is the main project of this mission.
This lesson will guide you through it: Rescuer: Project.
This lesson will guide you through testing your solution: Try It Out
7. Extensions
If you want to go a bit further, take a look at our project extensions for additional challenges.