An autonomous arduino-based racecar for first-year engineering technology students

Abstract

This paper describes an autonomous Arduino-based racecar project for use in a first-year engineering technology course. The project is intended to stimulate students' interest in developing key skills such as computer programming and industrial design and fabrication as well as providing a hands-on introduction to several key topics in electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering technology. The racecar comprises an Arduino Uno, an Adafruit Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield, three Ultrasonic Ranging Modules, assorted motors and gears, and a chassis that is custom designed by the students and fabricated on a 3-D printer. The ultrasonic ranging module is used by the microcontroller to navigate a simple obstacle course and the groups compete for best time. Expected outcomes include the ability of the students to explain basic computer organization, to write simple code in C, and to design, analyze, and rapidly fabricate useful mechanical components. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2014.