Bulldog Bot Project

California State University, Fresno

Updated: 28 February 2006

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Project Description

Initial Concept:

Currently CSUF has a program available to disabled students that provides them with transportation while on campus.  The system utilizes a golf cart type vehicle capable of carrying about 4 people. Students are required to register for the program and if they qualify they are issued a program card. The system has a set route and makes stops along that route at specific times throughout the day. ( See the route  http://www.csufresno.edu/parking/scout_route.pdf)

The Bulldog Bot Project was initially described as a fully automated replacement to this system.

The vehicle could be made from a converted golf cart similar to the ones that are currently being used. This would allow us to quickly overcome some of the biggest hurdles in making an autonomous vehicle (chassis, drive system, power system etc...) all of the necessary parts are already there and are designed to handle the everyday use that would be required.

The vehicle would require several things to be designed and implemented in order to be successful. Examples of possible projects for the various members could include:

·                   Control System utilizing a GPS guidance system and various sensors

·                   Massive amounts of programming

·                   Redesign and modification of the chassis and steering system

·                   Vehicle docking / charging station

·                   Vehicle calling stations and passenger pick-up areas

Proof of Concept:

Due to space requirements for storing, testing, and building we have reduced the scale of the project to a simple, small automated robot with all of the same functionality (GPS navigation, Control System, docking/charging station, etc).

The overall functionality of the Bulldog Bot will rely on a network of microcontrollers (BASIC 2P40). Each system  contains its own processor, which is responsible for carrying out the corresponding system’s basic functions. These processors are in turn connected to a master central processing unit which analyzes all inputs and directs the Bulldog Bot.