The H2X Autonomous Dual Navigation System Vehicle is a 4-wheel car robot that can navigate
from point to point while avoiding obstacles. This vehicle may be used for autonomous
exploration of remote and potentially dangerous locations that can pose a risk to
human explorers. The objectives of H2X are threefold:
- Long range operation
- GPS guided navigation with three meter accuracy
- Obstacle recognition and avoidance
The vehicle uses two systems for navigation – GPS and electronic compass. Communication
with the vehicle is performed via a wireless connection to the base station
(computer). From the base station the user can enter GPS destination coordinates
(way points) to map out a path for the vehicle to take. The user can also track the
vehicle’s position in real time. All obstacles encountered along the way (via a rotating
ultrasonic range finder) are reported to the user. Once the vehicle receives
destination(s) coordinates and is commanded to start moving it proceeds to the
locations specified and avoids obstacles on the way. The GPS system identifies
the vehicle’s coordinates and the destination coordinates. On every GPS
coordinate update the onboard micro controller recalculates the remaining
distance and heading to target. If the GPS signal is temporarily
lost, the vehicle stops moving and waits for the signal to reappear.
