037 The Ever Evolving Zoomie and Viewer Suggestions

In this video we will discuss some viewer suggestions and the evolution of the Zoomie. With these new suggestions, will the Zoomie evolve again?
One suggestion has to do with the mechanical design of the Zoomie and how it could be modified to turn more accurately.
The other suggestion is a sensor that can read markings which would be very useful for localization.
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Some of the technologies explored in this experiment include, but is certainly not limited to:
[*] Autonomous Robotics
[*] Photo reflective sensors
[*] Time of flight sensors
[*] Hall effect sensors
[*] Rotary encoders
[*] Odometry
[*] Line following
[*] Color recognition and detection sensor
[*] Automatic route planning
[*] Localization
[*] Robotic cars
[*] Dead Reckoning
#micropython #pico

[@tomek3633]

Wow, Steves QR Code suggestion is really fascinating! Impressive cross-thinking :)

[@SteveWoodgate]

I love the idea of using an e-ink display to give changeable information to the zoomie. There are 1 inch x 1/2 inch modules available but it could get expensive.

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

I love the idea of E-Ink too, but like you said, could get expensive. I am anxious to get testing on this, if for nothing else, just to see that little sensor work and what it is capable of - SO MUCH POTENTIAL!!! Cheers! Chris

[@tomek3633]

Chris, I pick up Steve's idea and put it a little further ... The QR code could deliver even more information. For example: "slow down, curve ahead. curvature will be x" "parking lot to the right" "slow down, stop sign ahead" That way, the zoom could be proactive instead of just reacting. Maybe this great advantage is worth prolonging your loop cycle up to 10ms. Also, to push it eben more: instead of putting QR Code labels on your track, why not build-in small monochrome e-ink displays? That way you could also direct your traffic and stuff :) Enough said, enjoy your pizza tonight! 🍕🍕🍕

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

Wow, some serious add-ons to Steve's suggestion. There is a lot of potential with this concept. I have a couple on order and should get them early next week. It is probably going to take some serious work to get it working with the PICO W and MicroPython, but I am curious to see what can be done. The Pizza was great as usual !!!! Been eating any more of the super hot foods???? Cheers! Chris

[@tomek3633]

Well I am excited and really looking forward to your findings and presentation! Naaaa, we don't go there too often so the taste does not become "usual" and stays an excitement :)

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

@@tomek3633 LOL! I get that, some things just need to stay "Special" so there is something to look forward to! Cheers! Chris BTW - just posted a new video (and it is a SHORTY)