Teleoperated Surveillance Robot

Technologies and Libraries: C, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Google Firebase API, H-Bridge Circuits

Project Overview:

This project, led by me in collaboration with 2 interns, involved developing a teleoperated surveillance robot for our company's robotics booth at the Night It Up! Event in Markham. The robot featured a unique twist: a repurposed "Squid Game" doll mounted on a child-sized ATV chassis.

Project Goals and Creativity:

• Mobile Surveillance Robot: Design a robot with cameras for remote monitoring, attracting attention to our booth.

• "Squid Game" Integration: Integrate a popular Halloween prop (Squid Game doll) for a fun and engaging audience experience.

• Cost-Effective Design: Utilize existing resources effectively to create a functional robot within budget.

Design and Implementation:

• Mobile Platform: Leveraging funding, we purchased a child-sized ATV for the mobile base, offering a fun and recognizable platform.

• Chassis Reinforcement: To handle the additional weight (batteries and doll), the chassis was reinforced with wood.

• High-Power Control System: An H-bridge circuit connected to existing DC motors and powered by a car battery provided sufficient power for extended operation.

• Teleoperation with Live Video Feed:

  • The control circuit comprised an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and a phone hotspotting the internet connection.

  • Google's Firebase API enabled a website to send remote arrow-key commands to the Raspberry Pi, which then communicated with the Arduino to control motors.

  • Four webcams mounted on the robot offered a live video feed to the website for remote operation.

Project Outcome and Learnings:

• Successful Event Engagement: The robot successfully attracted attention and provided a fun interactive experience with its teleoperation and live video capabilities.

• Technical Expertise Gained: The project fostered valuable learning in:

  • Teleoperation: Understanding and implementing remote control systems.

  • High-Power Circuitry: Working safely and effectively with powerful electrical components.

  • Electronics Integration: Mastering the art of modifying existing electronics and integrating custom control circuits.

Skills Demonstrated:

• Project Leadership: Led a team of interns to achieve project goals.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Integrated a unique element ("Squid Game" doll) to enhance audience engagement.

• Cost-Effective Design: Made efficient use of resources to build a functional robot within budget.

• Hardware Integration: Successfully integrated various electronic components (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, cameras) to create a complex system.

• Software Development: Created a functional website using Firebase API for remote control and video streaming.