Can the VL53L0X TOF Sensor be used for Collision Avoidance System in the Zoomie?

The autonomous robotic car (Zoomie) will need to stop if something is in its path.  In this video, we scrutinize the VL53L0X Time of Flight sensor to see if it can meet the requirements of the ZoomTown Experiment.  Is it accurate enough? Can it be read quickly enough so that it doesn't bog down the performance of the PICO?  Let's find out...

Cheers!

Chris

Can a Hall Effect sensor be used for localisation in ZoomTown?

Localisation is critical for autonomous robot navigation, often requiring multiple sensors.  While exploring a hall effect sensor for localisation, it was discovered it might also be useful for reading the road signs in ZoomTown.

Cheers!
Chris

Using the APDS 9960 Color Sensor - Can it read road signs?

 The Zoomies (Robotic Cars) will need to read roads signs of some sort.  The APDS-9600 sensor can read colors and we are going to explore this sensor to find out if it can read road signs here in ZoomTown.  In order to be suitable for our needs, it must be very reliable, repeatable, and it must read the sensor very quickly.  Follow along as we explore what this sensor can do, and how it is used.

Cheers!
Chris

#APDS9960 #PICO #ColorSensor

NEW! The website now makes it easier to download source files

Based on numerous requests, I created on a way to have a link directly to the source files for easier downloading.  

In the past, all downloadable files were in a long list that were difficult to relate to a specific video.  To resolve that I added a DOWNLOADING SUPPORT FILES button that downloads the specific file.  These links are on the MakingStuffWithChrisDeHut.com website.

Cheers!
Chris

Using the TCRT5000 Photo Reflective Sensor as a Line Following Sensor

In this video we are looking at how to use the TCRT5000 photo reflective sensor for line following.  Line following will be utilized by the Zoomie for guidance during all straight line driving.  We will cover the many aspects of the sensor including how I tested the sensors analog output over a variety of different line types.  

PICO / Micropython specific discussions include:

• Measuring read time of the sensor
• Writing testing reading to a file inside the PICO
• Graphing the analog readings to "see" the line transition

Cheers!
Chris