RoboRide

Affordable. Simple. Customizable. An open-source, line-following AGV that anyone can build.

Roboride is a solution that is affordable, simple, and customizable - something that small businesses and hobbyists can build, modify, and maintain themselves. It's built around the classic line-following principle but enhanced with modern connectivity, modular hardware, and a web-based control system.

✨ Key Features

1. Simple, Proven Line-Following Technology

• Infrared sensor array for reliable line detection (works with tape or painted lines)
• PID-based motor control for smooth, accurate tracking
• Can handle curves, intersections, and dead ends with intelligent decision-making
• No expensive LiDAR, cameras, or complex mapping – just a clean, low-maintenance approach

2. Modular Industrial-Grade Hardware Base

• Robust aluminum chassis with payload capacity up to 100kg (depending on motors). For the prototype we would build a 5kg payload using Acrylic and 3D printed material.
• Precision DC motors with encoders for accurate odometry and speed control
• Modular mounting plate for attaching different payloads: bins, shelves, tow hooks, etc.
• Emergency stop and bumpers for safety

3. Automatic Path Discovery (Simple Mapping)

• The robot can explore and record the line network automatically
• While following lines, it detects junctions and segments, building a topological map of the track
• This map is stored and used to plan routes – e.g., "go from Station A to Station B via path 3"
• No pre-programming of routes needed; the robot learns the layout by driving it

4. Web-Based Control Interface

• Live map view showing the learned track layout and robot position
• Point-and-click mission dispatch: select start and destination on the map, robot navigates autonomously
• Real-time status: battery level, current task, speed, and position
• Accessible from any device (phone, tablet, laptop) via WiFi

5. Developer-Friendly APIs

• REST API for sending commands and retrieving status
• WebSocket for real-time monitoring
• Plugin architecture to add custom behaviors (e.g., at a station, wait for a button press or trigger a conveyor)

🛠️ Technology Stack

• Microcontroller - ESP32 (low-cost, hobbyist-friendly)
• Motor Control - Any general purpose DC motor control
• Line Sensors - 8-channel IR sensor array
• Hardware API handling - ESP32 web server
• Position Tracking - Encoders + odometry algorithm
• Path Planning - Graph-based
• PCB Design KiCad (open-source, cross-platform)

📦 Repository Structure

roboride/
├── Mechanical Hardware/ # All mechanical designs
│ ├──Hobby Grade/Prototype/ # 3D Design files for the prototype version
│ ├── Industrial Grade/ # 3D Design files for the Industrial version
│ └── mechanical_bom/ # Nuts, bolts, brackets, etc.
│
├── Electronics/ # ALL electronic designs
│ ├── Sensor Array PCB/ # All Design Files for sensor array PCB
│ │ ├── v1.0/ # Version history
│ │ ├── Kicad files/ # PCB schematic and layout files
│ │ ├── Gerber Files/ # gerber files for manufacturing
│ │ ├── BOM/ # Bill of material
│ │ ├── .. │ ├── Main Controller board/ # PCB design files for main controller board │ │ ├── v1.0/ # Version history
│ │ ├── Kicad files/ # PCB schematic and layout files
│ │ ├── Gerber Files/ # gerber files for manufacturing
│ │ ├── BOM/ # Bill of material
│ │ ├── .. │ ├── component_selection/ # Guides for choosing parts
│ │ ├── suppliers.md # Where to buy
│
├── firmware/ # ESP32 microcontroller code
│ ├── # separate file for each function │ ├── # API definitions
│
├── software/ # Web interface and backend
│ ├── Generic web_application/ # a simpel web app to demonstrate how to use APIs to access robot functionalities
│ ├── API Definitions/
│
├── docs/ # Documentation
│ ├── Version Details/ # Build guides
│
├── examples/ # Complete example projects
│ ├── basic_line_follower/ # Get started simple
│ ├── ..

📄 License

• Software: MIT License
• Hardware designs: CERN Open Hardware License v2
• Documentation: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0