Development of a Mobile Mini-Robot
Abstract
In this project, a mobile mini-robot will be designed, built, and tested as a development and training platform. Starting from an existing robot concept, an independent, mechanically and electrically robust variant will be created that can be reproduced cost-effectively – with material costs under €1,000 per unit.
The robot features an omnidirectional drive with four Mecanum wheels, a rechargeable power supply with multiple on-board voltages, and a powerful single-board controller with active cooling. A 360° LiDAR is integrated for environment sensing; a depth camera can optionally be added. The robot is operated either via Bluetooth controller or a browser-based web interface on a tablet.
The multi-deck aluminum frame provides a low center of gravity and a wide field of view for LiDAR and camera. External storage media allow recording of driving, sensor, and operational data. The project concludes with complete documentation for later series deployment in teaching.
Description
This project work produces a mobile mini-robot intended as a development and training platform. The prototype covers all core functions; based on it, further robots can be replicated for under €1,000 in material costs. A team of four students is sought to fully design, build, commission, and document the robot.
Work Packages
- Design of the mechanical structure (multi-deck aluminum frame, component mounting with low center of gravity)
- Selection, procurement, and electrical integration of components (drive, power supply with DC-DC conversion, charging concept)
- Commissioning of the motor controller and omnidirectional drive (Mecanum wheels, modular driver boards)
- Integration and testing of sensors and output devices (360° LiDAR, display, speaker, optional depth camera)
- Implementation of user interfaces (Bluetooth controller, web interface, data recording to external storage)
- Documentation for reproduction and cost analysis for later series production
Prerequisites
- Interest in mobile robotics and hands-on system integration
- Basic knowledge of electrical engineering (circuit design, power supply)
- Basic CAD knowledge
- Basic programming skills (Python or C++ helpful)
Supervision
| Role | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisor | Prof. Dr. Christian Pfitzner | christian.pfitzner@th-nuernberg.de |
Prof. Dr. Christian Pfitzner
Professor of Mobile Robotics
Professor of Mobile Robotics at TH Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm, Faculty efi. Director of the TTZ Nürnberger Land. Research interests in autonomous navigation, drone technology and sensor fusion.