ECE 110/120 Honors Lab Section : The Robot Thing

Automatically Follow and Manually Control Robot (New)

Multifunction Hex Transportation Platform (MHTP) Project Proposal (Original)

Group Member: Tang, Chien-Tai(James) (cttang2)

1. Introduction

1. Statement of Purpose

1. The Multifunction Hex Transportation Platform(MHTP ) aims to provide insight to a new category of transportation. 

2. Transportation has always been an important part of our lives, not only in daily commutes and logistics, but also in entertainment, disaster relief and other fields. An effective and efficient transportation platform will undoubtedly benefit the world. 

3. In the present society, many industries are longer pure. They become hybrids by absorbing the advantages of different parties to produce better outcomes. So why can’t transportation platforms become hybrids? By experimenting in hybrid transportation platforms, we will be able to gain a further understanding on the topic.

2. Background Research

1. Comparison

1. Currently, there are various types of drones and electric skateboard in the market. However, there isn’t any product that combines the design of drones and electric skateboard on a single machine. Though there are jet propulsion flyboards, they are hard to use in daily lives due to its huge cost. 

2. Uniqueness

1. Multi-Terrain Adaptability: MHTP is able to be landborne and airborne according to different environmental situations or user preferences or needs. e.g. When crossing water surface or passing rigid landscape, users might prefer airborne module; When the airflow is not stable or objects are too heavy, users might prefer landborne module.

2. Multi-Power Source: The batteries of MHTP can charge each other in order to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Moreover, if a solar board module is attached, there could be even more possibilities. e.g. When users are frequently using airborne module and the batteries of the hexadrones are low, they can be charged by the the batteries of the hexaboard; When users are frequently using landborne module and the batteries of the hexaboard are low, they can be charged by the the batteries of the hexadrones.

3. Multi-Module Modification: The parts of MHTP can be removed, replaced and even expanded according to different environmental situations or user preferences or needs. e.g. Besides two types of components, which are hexaboard and hexadrones, there are other components such as solarboard or ultralightboard. Users can also expand the platform by adding multiple hexadrones to increase the payload.

   
   

2. Design Details

1. Block Diagram / Flow Chart
   
   

2. System Overview
   The Multifunction Hex Transportation Platform(MHTP) is composed of two parts and is able to form four modules. The platform is powered by batteries, which transmit power to motor and arduino boards. The arduino boards are micro-controllers which are connected to motors, sensors, cameras, LEDs and remote control. With the hexagonal structure, the platform is stable. With different sensors, the platform is able to accelerate, suspend and decelerate.

3. Two Components

1. Hexaboard

1. Structure: Hexagonal board is composed two layers. The upper layer is where hexadrones are connected to it using electromagnets and can be separated with the bottom layer. The bottom layer is where the major components related to on-land movements are located.

2. Function: The two layers are both able to sustain weights and allow humans to stand on them.

2. Hexadrones

1. Structure: Hexadrones are composed of six hexagonal drones which connect to the six edges of the hexaboard. Each drone consists six/three propellers.

2. Function: Every drone is able to perform tasks such as record images and carry loads, either when they are connected or separated.

4. Four Modules

1. Pure forms

1. Landborne form

1. Hexaboard: On. It provides all the power.

2. Hexadrones: Off. They do not provide any power.

2. Airborne form

1. Hexaboard: Off. It does not provide any power.

2. Hexadrones: Off. They provide all the power.

2. Hybrid forms

1. Hexaboard plus hexadrone connected form

1. Hexaboard: On. It provides the power to transport objects on it.

2. Hexadrones: Off. Six hexadrones are connected forming a platform. They provide the power to transport objects on it.

2. Hexaboard plus hexadrone separated form

1. Hexaboard: On. It provides the power to transport objects on it.

2. Hexadrones: On. Six hexadrones are separated to perform individual tasks. (This does not mean all six hexadrones must be airborne.)

   
   

3. Parts

1. Sensors: Gyroscope*7, Accelerometer*7, Ultrasonic Sensor*7

2. Structures: Frame*7, Propellers*6, Wheels*1

3. Power Supply: Battery*7

4. Arduino UNO or Nano*7

5. Motor*7

6. Video Cameras*7

7. Speakers*7

8. LEDs*7

   
   

4. Possible Challenges

1. Not enough power to elevate an average weight human

2. Unable to maintain balance

3. Inexperienced in software(building app) and hardware (building drone)

4. Go over budget

   
   

5. References

1. Tambekar, P. How to Build a Mobile App for Your Drone. [Online] Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Mobile-App-for-Your-Drone/#discuss. [Accessed 23 Sep. 2019]

2. Imetomi. DIY Smart Follow Me Drone With Camera (Arduino Based). [Online] Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Follow-Me-Drone-With-Camera-Arduino-Based/ [Accessed 23 Sep. 2019]

3. rajshinde04. Arduino Flight controller For your Quadcopter. [Online] Retrieved from http://rztronics.com/arduino-flight-controller-for-your-quadcopter/ [Accessed 23 Sep. 2019]

4. PracticalProjects. DIY Electric Skateboard. [Online] Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Electric-Skateboard-1/ [Accessed 23 Sep. 2019]

5. Bor-Inc Projects Diy Electric Skateboard [Online] Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/id/My-Homemade-Electric-Skateboard/ [Accessed 23 Sep. 2019]