This paper presents the design, construction, and programming of an autonomous solar-powered ground vehicle by combining advanced autonomous robotics with green energy technology. The vehicle has been based on a customized remote control car whose steering is controlled autonomously using an Arduino microcontroller. The vehicle is able to drive to preset destinations using a global positioning system (GPS) receiver module and a compass to navigate to waypoints until the destination is reached. The vehicle can be powered using a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery that is recharged using solar panels. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charger is used between the panels and the battery in order to provide the maximum charging current to the battery. A Bluetooth module is used to allow for wireless communication between the vehicle and an Android Smartphone. The paper aims to convey the importance of integrating educational robotics integrated with green energy as a technological learning tool for undergraduate students and explain how it helps students prepare for the future of industry.
Dr. Richard Chiou is Professor within the Engineering Technology Department at Drexel University College of Engineering, Philadelphia, USA. He received his Ph.D. degree in the G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology.
Dr. Ertekin received his BS degree in mechanical engineering from Istanbul Technical University. He received MS degree in Production Management from Istanbul University. After working for Chrysler Truck Manufacturing Company in Turkey as a project engine
Dr. Bill Tseng is a Professor and Chair of Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering at the UTEP. He is also a Director of Research Institute for Manufacturing & Engineering Systems, the host institute of Texas Manufacturing Assistan
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