ECE 110/120 Honors Lab Section : BALL

Introduction
Statement of Purpose
The goal of this project is to design and develop a spherical robot that can be controlled to roll around. The spherical design is what makes this project unique as it uses a gyroscope and accelerometer to stabilize itself and roll in a controlled fashion.

Background Research
Our project is heavily inspired by Bb-8 from Star Wars. The two are conceptually similar in terms of the idea of using a spherical design for a robot. We have also looked at TechBuilder’s video on building a DIY BB-8 replica as inspiration for our project.

1. Design Details

A. Flow Diagram

B. System Overview:

The power supply provides power to the microcontroller and motors. The Arduino communicates with the Bluetooth Module and the Motors to control the ball’s commands. The bluetooth module communicates back and forth with the app and Arduino to relay commands from the user to make BALL move. 

1. Parts

Robotics & Electronics:

 Arduino Uno

 Pololu Dual VNH5019 Motor Shield

 2x Pololu (19:1) 37D Metal Gearbox

 HC05 Bluetooth Module

 4 Cell Lithium Battery Pack (2x)

 Switch, DC Jack, Wires, Solder

If we finish it early, then we would make these parts as well:

BB8's Body:

 Inflatable Beach Ball (Diameter: 50cm)

Old Newspaper

Plain Canvas Cloth

2 Bottles of PVA Glue (a.k.a Elmer's Glue)

 1 Bottle of Woodglue

White, Grey and Orange (Tangerine) Spray Paint

Roll-on Deodorants

BB8's Head:

Styrofoam Ball (Diameter: 300mm/ 12 inches)

Christmas Ball (Size of BB8's Eye)

 WiFi Antenna (Prop Only)

 Cloths Hanger

Roll-on Deodorants

 White, Grey and Orange (Tangerine) Spray Paint

1. Possible Challenges

1. Maintaining balance of the Spherical Robot after each command

2. Fit every component into the sphere and make sure every part remains in its positions after each movement

3. Figuring out software for control in case bluetooth control app does not work.
   
   

2. References

Instructables. (2016). DIY Life-Size Phone Controlled BB8 Droid. [online] Available at: https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Life-Size-Phone-Controlled-BB8-Droid/ [Accessed 26 Sep. 2019].