051 Implementing a Shortest Path Algorithm (Dijkstra) For Auto Routing the Robots

While part of the original concept, Auto Routing was removed based on a misunderstanding.  It is being re-implemented into the experiment as it will add so much more capability.  

As the experiment runs, each robot (Zoomie) will be dispatched at random times to random locations.  That dispatch message will contain the driving directions to get to the destination.  In navigation systems, shortest path algorithms perform this task.  Their purpose is very specific, to find the shortest path from all available options to get from start to finish.

Initially it was believed that this would create a bad data set as all robots would pass through the city center thus clogging up those streets.  However, as one of our viewers pointed out, the data set can be used to modify the behavior of the algorithm so that it AVOIDS the city center and instead uses the bypass "highway".  While not shorter, it ultimately is faster because there is far less stop-and-go situations and less traffic creating additional delays.

This video is not an explanation of how this particular (Dijkstra) function works, rather it is about its implementation in this experiment and later on how it will be used to alter the flow of traffic through ZoomTown. 

Cheers!
Chris

USB Cable For Raspberry Pi PICOs That Are Self Powered

 Many of your PICO projects will be self powered and you need a special USB cable to communicated with it otherwise you can damage the PICO or the batteries.  Connecting USB while the PICO is powered can also create a safety hazard!.

This video explain why this is a problem and how to take an ordinary and inexpensive cable and make is safe for use. BE SURE TO HAVE THE USB CABLE UNPLUGGED WHEN MAKING THIS MODIFICATION!

Cheers!
Chris

050 Random Time and Place Generator For Auto Dispatching the Robots

 A requirement from the beginning was to have random events in the experiment.  This new routine will add the ability to:

   * Select a random time for the robot to go somewhere

   * Select a random location for the robot to go to

   * Avoid sending a robot to a banned destination

This functionality takes us another step closer to starting the actual experiments!

Cheers!

Chris

After fighting my old crimping tool for Dupont connectors, I found a better tool

There are a lot of Dupont crimping tools to choose from, some sold for Dupont connectors are not even the correct type!  Frustrated with my old crimper, I went hunting for a better one and found these.  So far it looks like it was a good purchase and I am already getting MUCH BETTER crimps.

Cheers!

Chris 

049 Novel Traffic Control Method

Let's explore a different method of controlling traffic by breaking the old rules.  The ZoomTown experiment has been about looking at transportation from a different perspective. Getting rid of the human allows for different rules.

Cheers!

Chris

10/01/2024 ZoomTown Update

With the complexity of this experiment reaching its peak, I wanted to share more updates.  This update covers the current status, current outstanding problems, master to do list, and some ideas I am kicking around.

Cheers!
Chris

047 Implementing Remote Robot (Zoomie)Tracking

With the ability to track the location of the robots, the Zcheduler is capable of doing MUCH MORE.  The most obvious (and what is shown in this video) is the ability to show near real time location of each Zoomie. 

However, the Zcheduler can now become another "SENSOR" for the Zoomie!  The Zoomie has no "vision" of what is going on around it, but it can ask the Zcheduler for some very critical information such as how close other Zoomies are to it.   This will play a key role in navigation.

Cheers!

Chris