Last Wednesday I had the last portfolio MEEC lab. Over the past 3 months we have been learning how to work with the Lego NXT robot. The final project consisted in the creation of a program that made the robot follow a black line (video below).

In addition to the main goal, we were challenged to give the robot an extra function. My group decided to make the robot stop if there is an obstacle in front of it. The robot counts out loud up to 5 ; If the obstacle remains in its path, the robot says “good bye”, makes a 180º turn and follows the black line in the opposite direction; If the obstacle has been removed, the robot continues moving ahead (always following the black line).

We also added, through the robot’s display, some images that relate to what the robot is doing. If it is moving along the black line, a happy face is shown (IMG 1). If an object is detected, a stop sign appears on the screen (IMG 2). If the object is not removed, and the robot has to turn around and go in the opposite direction, a danger signal appears (IMG 3).

This project introduced us in a simple and appealing way to robot programming. It also gave us a valuable teamwork experience that will certainly be useful in our professional life.

(Unfortunately due to poor sound conditions it is not possible to hear the robot speaking.)