Real time algorithm implemented in Altera's FPGA for a newly designed mobile robot: Autonomous navigation and parallel parking

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a generic platform for a robotic mobile system, seeking to obtain a support tool for under-graduation and graduation activities. Another objective was to gather knowledge in the mobile robotic area in order to provide practical solutions for industrial problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed new integrated platform would serve as didactic material for many disciplines, shown to be an ideal platform to teach DC motor drives, stepper motor and motion-control systems. To reach this objective, the ability of the robot to plan its motion autonomously is of vital importance. The control of a mobile robot in dynamic and unstructured environments typically requires efficient processing of data/information to ensure precise navigation and many other applications. Path planning is also one common method of auto-navigation. After the computation of the shortest path, mobile robot can navigate safely and without occlusion.

Findings

The developed platform is an integrated system for intelligent software middleware to coordinate many activities in the field of electric drives, robotics, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.

Originality/value

As a result of the study, this paper contributed to research in the industrial development, principally in the fields of industrial robotics and also in different application purposes such as entertainment, personal use, welfare, education, rehabilitation, etc.

Citation

Abdelmoula, C., Chaari, F. and Masmoudi, M. (2014), "Real time algorithm implemented in Altera's FPGA for a newly designed mobile robot: Autonomous navigation and parallel parking", Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 75-93. https://doi.org/10.1108/MMMS-11-2012-0019