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In this project, students explore the fundamentals of control theory by applying it to a fully maneuverable Mecanum-wheeled robot. Mecanum wheels allow the car to move in any direction—forward, backward, sideways, or diagonally—without turning, making it a perfect platform for precise motion control experiments. Students will implement Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control to achieve smooth, accurate movement and heading stabilization. Through hands-on coding and real-time testing, they will learn how to tune control parameters, understand system response, and solve real-world robotics challenges such as drift correction and speed regulation. By the end, students will have both a solid theoretical understanding of feedback control and practical skills in programming and robot motion control.
Introduction to Control Theory
Students should have completed or be currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus to grasp the mathematical concepts behind control systems. They should be proficient in programming, preferably in Python, to effectively implement and test control algorithms. A basic understanding of electronics is necessary for working with motors, sensors, and wiring, and familiarity with the Raspberry Pi is important for hardware integration and communication with the robot.
