The Radar Car

This robot uses an infra-red radar to avoid obstacles. When the radar detects something, the robot slows down, thanks to its 2 speed mechanical gearshift. If the radar signal gets high enough or if the bumper hits the obstacle, the vehicule backs up and turns (the left driving wheel is locked by a ratchet). It is a direct application of my IR lamp and of my IR enhanced light sensor.

I'd like to credit the authors of some concepts applied here : Joe Nagata's gearbox, Leo Dorst's electric piston (used to activate the gearbox) and Mark Overmars's bumper design.

This radar car is my second design, here are the photos of this first release (which didn't work very well, hence this new model...).

• Download the LeoCAD design files
   
• See step-by-step instructions

  1. Chassis and gearbox
  2. Gearshift command
  3. Bumper assembly
  4. Final assembly
      

• The radar car and the gearshift in action : AVI films (130KB to 180KB)

• Download the source file
   
• Photo Gallery