Smooth Operator

Inspiration

Our inspiration for this project stemmed from the frustration and inconvenience caused by potholes on urban roads. We observed how these seemingly small road imperfections could lead to significant safety hazards and infrastructure deterioration. Inspired to find a solution, we embarked on a journey to develop a pothole-filling robot that could revolutionize road maintenance and enhance the safety of commuters.

What it does

The pothole-filling robot detects potholes using an ultrasonic sensor and a camera, then employs a 3D printed piston mechanism to dispense cement and fill the potholes. The robot integrates computer vision and automation technologies to identify and repair potholes efficiently, minimizing the need for manual intervention. Overall, its primary function is to autonomously detect and repair potholes in urban roadways, contributing to safer and smoother transportation infrastructure.

How we built it

We began by researching existing solutions and technologies in the field of road maintenance and robotics. Armed with this knowledge, we designed our pothole-filling robot, incorporating ultrasonic sensors for depth detection, a camera for real-time pothole identification, and a piston mechanism for cement dispensing. We programmed the robot using Python and C++, leveraging libraries such as OpenCV, YOLO, and Ultralytics for image processing and object detection.

Challenges we ran into

One of the primary challenges we faced was integrating the camera effectively with the robot to ensure accurate pothole detection. We also encountered difficulties in optimizing the software to work seamlessly with the hardware components. Additionally, refining the piston mechanism for precise cement dispensing posed its own set of challenges. However, through perseverance, collaboration, and iterative problem-solving, we overcame these obstacles and successfully built a functional prototype of our pothole-filling robot.

Overall, this project taught us the importance of innovation, teamwork, and perseverance in tackling real-world challenges. We are proud of what we have accomplished and excited about the potential impact our pothole-filling robot could have on enhancing road safety and infrastructure maintenance in urban areas.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We're proud to have developed a functional prototype of our pothole-filling robot, integrating cutting-edge technologies in robotics, computer vision, and automation. Our solution demonstrates innovative problem-solving and has the potential to significantly improve road safety and infrastructure maintenance in urban areas. Through perseverance and collaboration, we overcame technical challenges and achieved tangible results that showcase our commitment to making a real-world impact.

What we learned

Through our project, we learned about the intricacies of robotics, computer vision, and automation, as well as the importance of teamwork and perseverance in overcoming challenges. We gained practical experience in integrating hardware and software components and honed our communication skills. Overall, this project was a valuable learning opportunity that equipped us with the skills and knowledge to tackle complex engineering projects in the future.

What's next for Smooth Operator

Next, we aim to refine and optimize our pothole-filling robot prototype based on feedback and testing. We plan to conduct field trials to assess its performance in real-world conditions and gather data for further improvements. Additionally, we will explore opportunities for collaboration with municipalities and transportation authorities to pilot our solution in urban environments. Our ultimate goal is to commercialize the robot and deploy it on a larger scale to address the widespread issue of potholes and contribute to safer and more efficient road infrastructure maintenance.

Built With

• 3dprinting
• c++
• happyface
• opencv
• ultralytics
• yolo