Course: Programming for AI & Intro to DS (AI & DS 2001)
Department: National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad
Project Category: Physical AI / Hardware-Software Integration
RainRover is an integrated Physical AI project featuring a mobile robot base equipped with three high-complexity features: Autonomous Line Following, Ultrasonic Self-Parking, and a Weather-Responsive Convertible Rooftop. The system processes real-time sensor data through an Arduino microcontroller to execute precise physical movements.
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Autonomous Navigation: Uses an IR reflectance sensor array to perform line following via a PID-ready control loop.
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Intelligent Self-Parking: Implements an ultrasonic-based distance algorithm to detect parking spaces and execute maneuvering routines.
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Weather-Responsive Actuation: A dedicated raindrop sensor triggers a servo-motor mechanism to automatically open or close the convertible roof based on environmental conditions.
As required by the project guidelines, this system integrates specific hardware with modular software components:
- Microcontroller: Arduino (UNO/Mega compatible).
- Drivetrain: 2× Gearbox DC Motors + L298N/TB6612 Motor Driver.
- Sensors: * 3-5× TCRT5000 IR Line Sensors.
- HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor (Distance detection).
- Raindrop Sensor Module (Analog weather detection).
- Actuators: SG90/MG90S Servo Motor for rooftop mechanics.
- Power: External battery pack with regulated 5V supply for logic.
The firmware is designed with high modularity to ensure maintainability:
supervisor.ino: The main state machine handling mode transitions and safety.line_follow.ino: Dedicated navigation logic.autopark.ino: Precision distance-based parking routine.roof_control.ino: Sensor-triggered actuation for the rooftop.
- Circuit Diagrams: Comprehensive wiring layouts created in Tinkercad/Wokwi.
- Code Validation: All software components tested in a simulated environment before hardware deployment.
- Assembly: Full physical construction of the mobile robot.
- Functional Testing: Real-world validation of the sensor-to-motor output loop.
- IR Calibration: Thresholds must be tuned based on surface reflectance to ensure stable line tracking.
- Ultrasonic Debouncing: Software implements averaging to filter noise in distance readings during parking maneuvers.
- Servo Limits: Minimum and maximum angles are hard-coded to prevent mechanical strain on the convertible roof structure.
RainRover was presented at the PAI & IDS Robotics Exhibition.
The project received an official participation certificate from ISB FSC in recognition of its demonstration of autonomous navigation, self-parking capabilities, and weather-responsive automation through hardware-software integration.
See:
Team Size: 5 Members. Submitted To: Ms. Umarah Qaseem / Ms. Mariam bint Imran