Creating an autonomous vehicle

Computing

Introduction to physical computing

Working with motors

Chassis design and build

Ultrasonic sensors to measure distance

Optical sensors for navigation

Adding additional features to your buggy

Presenting a physical computing project

This unit introduces pupils to physical computing by building a robotic buggy. They will use a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller to explore inputs and outputs, and utilise a range of hardware components, including motors, reflective optical sensors, LEDs, and an ultrasonic sensor.

Using physical computing to create a robot buggy

What is one common use for LEDs in a system?

How can multiple outputs be controlled in a system?

What is the term for a system that operates independently without human help?

run the full system and observe synchronisation

Put these steps in order for synchronising LED outputs on a buggy:

What is the term for code that is organised into separate, manageable sections to improve system management?

What does modular code help with in a system?

What do ultrasonic sensors use to measure distance?

What is the role of a sensor in a system?

Which formula is used by ultrasonic sensors to calculate distance?

What device receives data from sensors to make decisions?

What colour of surface reflects more infrared light?

Creating an autonomous vehicle

Lesson outcome