TIMELINE AND METHODOLOGY FOR ROBOFEST AI

AUTONOMOUS DRIVING BOT

CAMERA RECOMMENDATION: Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 (8MP)

🏆 WINNER: Pi Camera Module - Here's Why:

Feature USB Camera Pi Camera Module Winner

Latency 45-75ms 10ms 🥇 Pi Camera

Power Consumption Higher Lower 🥇 Pi Camera

Data Speed USB limited 10 Gbps MIPI 🥇 Pi Camera

Size/Weight Bulky Ultra-compact 🥇 Pi Camera

Pi Integration Generic drivers Hardware optimized 🥇 Pi Camera

Competition Use Poor real-time Excellent 🥇 Pi Camera

Critical for Competition:

75% lower latency (10ms vs 45-75ms) = faster obstacle reaction
Direct Pi hardware integration = optimized performance
Lower power consumption = longer battery life during 5-minute runs
Compact size = fits within 18×20×25cm robot constraints
No GPIO pins used = saves pins for sensors

Recommended Model:
Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 (8MP) - ₹2,000-2,500
8MP resolution perfect for lane/obstacle detection
1080p30 video for real-time processing
Excellent OpenCV library support
Proven in robotics competitions worldwide
POINT 8: TIMELINE FOR ROBOT MAKING WITH MILESTONES

Competition-Focused 10-Week Development Plan

Week 1-2: Foundation & Single Pi Architecture

Milestone: Basic Platform Ready
Research Phase: Complete analysis of all 7 Robofest challenges
Hardware Selection: Finalize single Raspberry Pi 4 architecture
Chassis Assembly: Build 20×17×15cm chassis with 6cm+ wheel track
Power System: Install single battery system with 5V regulation for Pi
Motor Setup: Mount DC motors with L298N driver, install servo steering
Initial Testing: Verify motor control, steering response, basic movement
Deliverable: Mobile platform with basic locomotion

Week 3: Lane Following System (30 Points)

Milestone: Autonomous Lane Navigation
Camera Integration: Install Pi Camera Module V2 with optimal positioning
Sensor Installation: Mount 2 IR sensors for 50mm lane detection backup
Algorithm Development:
Computer vision for black lane detection on white surface
Edge detection immune to shadows and lighting variations
PID control for smooth steering corrections
Field Testing: Test on mock 3×4m field with 50mm black lanes
Performance Target: Consistent lane following at competition speed
Deliverable: Robot that stays within lanes autonomously

Week 4: Traffic Signal Recognition (10 Points)

Milestone: Red/Green Signal Response
Hardware Addition: Install RGB color sensor (TCS34725) or use camera-based detection
Algorithm Development:
RGB LED detection using OpenCV color analysis
Red = STOP, Green = GO decision logic
Integration with lane following system
Signal Simulation: Create test traffic lights using RGB LEDs
Testing Protocol: Verify 100% accuracy in signal recognition
 Performance Target: Stop within 10cm of red signal, proceed on green
Deliverable: Traffic signal compliant robot

Week 5: Obstacle Avoidance System (15 Points)

Milestone: Dynamic Navigation Around Objects
Sensor Installation: Mount 4 ultrasonic sensors (front, sides, rear)
Algorithm Development:
Multi-sensor fusion for obstacle detection
Dynamic path planning around static obstacles
Return to lane after obstacle clearance
Obstacle Testing: Use cones, blocks as per competition specification
Integration Testing: Combine with lane following and traffic signals
Performance Target: Navigate around obstacles without contact
Deliverable: Obstacle-aware autonomous robot

Week 6: Mission Marker Identification (10 Points)

Milestone: QR Code and Shape Recognition
Software Development:
QR code detection using OpenCV and pyzbar libraries
Colored shape recognition (circle, square, triangle)
Appropriate response actions (stop, flash LED, direction change)
Marker Creation: Prepare test markers matching competition specs
Recognition Testing: Verify reliable detection from various angles
Response Programming: Code specific actions for each marker type
Performance Target: 95%+ marker recognition accuracy
Deliverable: Marker-responsive robot system

Week 7: Reverse Parking & Emergency Stop (25 Points)

Milestone: Advanced Maneuvering
Reverse Parking System:
Rear camera or ultrasonic guidance for parking zone detection
Precision reverse motion with 90° turn capability
Zone alignment using sensor feedback
Emergency Stop System:
Flashing red light detection using photodiode or camera analysis
 Immediate halt protocol with system reset capability
Safety response prioritization over other tasks
Testing Protocol: Practice parking and emergency scenarios
Performance Target: Park within zone boundaries, instant emergency response
Deliverable: Competition-complete robot functionality

Week 8: System Integration & Optimization

Milestone: Seamless Multi-Task Performance
Algorithm Integration: Merge all challenge systems into unified control
Performance Optimization:
Code efficiency improvements for 5-minute completion target
Memory usage optimization
Sensor polling rate optimization
Reliability Testing: Extended operation tests, failure mode analysis
Bug Resolution: Fix integration issues and edge cases
Calibration: Fine-tune sensors, motors, and response parameters
Deliverable: Fully integrated competition robot

Week 9: Competition Field Testing

Milestone: Competition Readiness
Full Challenge Runs: Complete 5-minute course simulations
Performance Metrics: Track completion time, accuracy, point scoring
Stress Testing: Multiple consecutive runs, battery life validation
Competition Simulation: Replicate exact competition environment
Final Adjustments: Last-minute calibration and optimization
Backup Preparation: Spare components, alternative algorithms
Deliverable: Competition-validated robot system

Week 10: Final Preparation & Documentation

Milestone: Competition Deployment
Final Validation: Last comprehensive testing of all 7 challenges
Documentation: Complete technical documentation, operation manual
Presentation Prep: Demo videos, explanation materials
Transportation: Secure packaging, component inventory
Team Training: Ensure all team members understand operation
 Competition Strategy: Plan for various scenarios and backup procedures
Deliverable: Competition-ready robot with complete documentation

POINT 5: METHODOLOGY OF MAKING ROBOT

Competition-Specific Development Methodology

1. Problem Identification & Requirements Analysis

Competition-Focused Objective Definition
Primary Goal: Design autonomous robot for Robofest Gujarat 5.0 achieving maximum 100
points across 7 challenges
Performance Requirements: Complete 3×4m course within 5-minute time limit
Technical Constraints: 18×20×25cm maximum dimensions, battery-only power, fully
autonomous operation
Success Metrics:
Lane Following: Stay within 50mm black lanes (30 points)
Traffic Signal Recognition: 100% red/green response accuracy (10 points)
Obstacle Avoidance: Navigate around static objects without contact (15 points)
Mission Markers: Identify and respond to QR codes/colored shapes (10 points)
Reverse Parking: Precision parking with 90° turn (15 points)
Emergency Stop: Immediate response to flashing red signal (10 points)
Time Bonus: Complete course under 5 minutes (10 points)

2. Architecture Design & Component Selection

Single Raspberry Pi 4 Architecture Decision
Processing Unit: Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB) selected for both AI vision and hardware control
GPIO Analysis: 28 pins available vs 15 maximum required for all sensors
Rationale: Eliminates dual-Pi complexity, improves reliability, reduces failure points
Performance Validation: Sufficient processing power for real-time computer vision and
motor control
Competition-Optimized Component Selection
Vision System: Pi Camera Module V2 (8MP) for 10ms latency advantage
Locomotion: DC geared motors with servo steering for precise navigation
Sensing Array: 4 ultrasonic sensors, 2 IR sensors, RGB color sensor
Processing: OpenCV for computer vision, GPIO control for hardware interface
3. Mechanical Design & Chassis Development
Competition Field Optimized Design
Chassis Dimensions: 20×17×15cm optimized for 3×4m field navigation
Wheel Track: Minimum 6cm front and rear as per competition requirements
Weight Distribution: Balanced design preventing toppling during turns
Sensor Placement: Strategic positioning for maximum coverage and minimal blind spots
Cable Management: Organized routing preventing interference with movement

4. Control System & Processing Architecture

Real-Time Decision Making System
Central Processing: Single Pi 4 handles multi-threaded operations
Sensor Fusion: Combine camera, ultrasonic, IR, and color sensor data
Decision Hierarchy: Priority system for conflicting sensor inputs
Safety Protocol: Emergency stop overrides all other commands
Performance Monitoring: Real-time tracking of competition time and progress

5. Software Development & Algorithm Implementation

Challenge-Specific Algorithm Suite
Lane Following Algorithm:
Computer Vision Pipeline: Convert image to grayscale, apply threshold, detect edges
Line Detection: Use Hough transform for black line identification
Control Logic: PID controller for smooth steering corrections
Robustness: Edge detection immune to shadows and lighting variations
Traffic Signal Recognition:
Color Detection: RGB analysis using HSV color space conversion
Decision Logic: Red = immediate stop, Green = proceed with lane following
Integration: Seamless handoff to/from lane following algorithm
Validation: Multi-frame confirmation to prevent false positives
Obstacle Avoidance System:
Sensor Fusion: Combine ultrasonic sensor array data
Path Planning: Dynamic route calculation around static obstacles
Navigation Logic: Temporary lane deviation with automatic return
Safety Margin: Maintain minimum distance to prevent collisions
Mission Marker Recognition:
QR Code Processing: Real-time QR detection using OpenCV and pyzbar
Shape Recognition: Color-based geometric shape identification
Response Actions: Programmed behaviors for each marker type
Reliability: Multi-angle detection with confidence scoring
Reverse Parking System:
Zone Detection: Camera or ultrasonic identification of parking boundaries
Motion Planning: Calculate reverse path with 90° turn requirement
Precision Control: Closed-loop feedback for accurate positioning
Completion Validation: Confirm parking position within boundaries
Emergency Stop Protocol:
Detection System: Flashing red light recognition using photodiode or vision
Response Time: Immediate motor shutdown within 100ms
Recovery Protocol: Safe system reset after emergency clearance
Priority Override: Emergency stop supersedes all other operations

6. Integration & Testing Methodology

Phased Integration Approach
Subsystem Validation: Individual testing of each challenge component
Sequential Integration: Add one challenge at a time to working system
Regression Testing: Verify existing functionality after each addition
Performance Optimization: Code and algorithm tuning for speed and accuracy
Competition Simulation Testing
Field Replication: Create exact 3×4m test environment with 50mm lanes
Challenge Sequences: Test various combinations of challenge elements
Timing Validation: Ensure consistent completion within 5-minute limit
Stress Testing: Multiple consecutive runs to verify reliability

7. Performance Optimization & Competition Preparation

Algorithm Efficiency Optimization
Code Profiling: Identify and optimize computational bottlenecks
Memory Management: Efficient memory usage for stable operation
Response Time: Minimize latency between detection and action
Battery Management: Optimize power consumption for competition duration
Reliability Enhancement
Fault Tolerance: Graceful handling of sensor failures
Calibration Procedures: Consistent performance across different conditions
Backup Strategies: Alternative algorithms for critical functions
Component Redundancy: Spare parts and quick replacement procedures

8. Competition Strategy & Deployment

Scoring Optimization Strategy
Point Priority: Focus development on highest-value challenges first
Risk Management: Ensure reliable completion of easier challenges
Time Management: Algorithm efficiency for time bonus achievement
Performance Consistency: Reliable operation under competition pressure
Final Validation & Documentation
Comprehensive Testing: Full challenge sequence validation
Technical Documentation: Complete system architecture and operation procedures
Team Preparation: Training for competition day operation and troubleshooting
Competition Readiness: Final system verification and backup preparation

Expected Outcomes
Scoring Potential: 100/100 points with properly implemented system
Competition Performance: Reliable completion within time constraints
Technical Achievement: Demonstration of integrated AI, computer vision, and robotics
Educational Value: Comprehensive learning experience in autonomous system
development