Topics to Learn for Building a Small Autonomous Car
1. Basic Electronics and Circuit Design
- Voltage, current, resistance, Ohm’s law
- Soldering techniques
- Components:
- Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, ICs
- Microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32)
- Motor drivers, H-bridge, relays
- Power supply systems (battery management, voltage regulation)
- Power distribution design for components
2. Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals
- Vehicle design and chassis (basic principles)
- Motor types (brushless vs brushed DC motors)
- Wheels, suspension, and tire selection
- Steering mechanism (servo motors, Ackermann steering)
- Gears and transmission design (gear ratios, motor alignment)
- Actuators (motors, servos, linear actuators)
3. Embedded Systems Programming
- Microcontrollers/Development boards: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32
- Programming in C/C++/Python for hardware control
- PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for motor control
- Sensor integration (reading data from various sensors)
- Serial communication (debugging and data transfer)
4. Sensors for Autonomous Driving
- LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
- Ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection
- IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for orientation
- Wheel encoders for measuring wheel rotation
- Infrared sensors for proximity sensing
- GPS for outdoor navigation
- Computer Vision: Cameras for object and lane recognition
5. Control Systems
- PID Control (Proportional-Integral-Derivative)
- State machine design for decision-making logic
- Path planning algorithms (A*, Dijkstra, etc.)
- Obstacle avoidance algorithms
- Vehicle dynamics modeling (acceleration, braking, turning)
- Implementing safety mechanisms and fail-safes
6. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (optional)
- Computer vision with OpenCV
- Image preprocessing, object detection
- Machine learning:
- Neural Networks, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
- Training models for obstacle recognition
- Reinforcement learning for autonomous behavior (optional)
- SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for dynamic environments
- AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
7. Networking and Communication
- Bluetooth/Wi-Fi communication for remote control
- Radio frequency (RF) communication for remote control
- IoT (Internet of Things) for connectivity with cloud or devices
- Telemetry systems for real-time data transmission
8. Battery and Power Systems
- Understanding battery technologies (Li-ion, Li-Po)
- Battery management systems (BMS)
- Power conversion systems (DC-DC converters, voltage regulators)
- Power consumption optimization for longer runtime
- Charging circuits for safe battery charging
9. Data Logging and Telemetry
- Storing sensor, GPS, and camera data
- Real-time data logging for performance analysis
- Data transmission for remote monitoring and control
10. User Interface and Remote Control
- Developing a mobile application for remote control (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi)
- Web interface for monitoring and control (if applicable)
- Manual override systems for emergency control
11. Testing and Debugging
- Simulating car behavior using software (Gazebo, V-REP)
- Testing real-world performance and troubleshooting
- Iterative design process and testing for improvements
12. Safety Considerations
- Implementing emergency stop mechanisms
- System redundancy for backup in case of failure
- Understanding legal regulations for autonomous vehicles (even small ones)
13. Advanced Topics (Optional)
- Swarm robotics (using multiple autonomous cars)
- Sim2Real transfer (adapting simulated results to real-world scenarios)
- Advanced sensor fusion algorithms
- PCB design software (Eagle, KiCad)
- CAD software for 3D modeling (Fusion 360, SolidWorks)
- Embedded development environments (Arduino IDE, PlatformIO)
- Simulation tools (MATLAB, Gazebo, V-REP)
- Version control (Git, GitHub)
15. Prototyping and Iteration
- 3D printing for custom parts
- Prototyping with breadboards, wires, and test equipment
- Iterative design approach (testing, modifying, retesting)