Enhancing the rocker-bogie Mechanism with automation: A study on sensor integration and Mechanical arm functionality

The rocker-bogie mechanism is a well-known design in robotic mobility, particularly effective for rovers traversing rugged terrains. This research improves upon the traditional rocker-bogie system by integrating ultrasonic sensors, a GPS module, and a mechanical arm to enhance autonomy and versatility. The system is controlled by an Arduino Uno and powered by six 12V DC motors using an L298 2A motor circuit board, ensuring precise and reliable movement in challenging environments. Ultrasonic sensors provide effective obstacle detection by triggering a turn when objects are within 50 cm. This is a simpler alternative to complex AI-based path planning. Additionally, the integration of GPS enhances navigation capabilities. The mechanical arm allows for interaction with the environment, enabling tasks such as object manipulation and repairs. The project aims to enhance autonomous navigation and improve sensor-based obstacle avoidance, motivated by Experimental methods including testing the rover’s obstacle detection capabilities using ultrasonic sensors in controlled environments with varying obstacle distances. The rover’s navigation was evaluated across different terrains, including flat surfaces and uneven terrains to assess their mobility and stability. Optionally, GPS accuracy was tested by guiding the rover to predefined waypoints, while power efficiency was monitored during continuous operation to measure battery life and overall system performance. Results showed that. This work improves robotic autonomy in harsh conditions and uses mechanical parts to reduce the margin of error in fields such as agriculture, disaster response robots, Autonomous Mining Vehicles, Pipeline and Infrastructure Inspection, Volcanoes, Deep Caves, and Extreme Terrains.