This week we finalized the core hardware for our autonomous racecar. We will be using an RPLIDAR for obstacle detection, an IMU for orientation tracking, and a Raspberry Pi as the onboard computer. To run these components, we chose Ubuntu with ROS due to its reliable libraries and drivers for LiDAR and IMU.
A full explanation of our design decisions can be found on the Design Choices page.
Today we implemented an Arduino Uno R3 into our racecar to test the motors response to basic drive commands. Our goal was to find out what a safe speed would be for the car to operate. Since we did not want the car to drive itself off the table, we elevated it by the base so that the wheels could spin freely. What we failed to consider was the lack of weight on the wheels, which caused the them to spin way too fast, nearly shaking the car apart. Lesson learned.
We are a senior engineering team at The College of New Jersey working to design and build an autonomous RC racecar.
The purpose of this website is for you to follow us through this design process as we progress throughout the academic year. Here you will find updates on our design choices, hardware and software development, and milestones.