A new generation embedded systems design for robocup SSL robots

Abstract

RoboCup Small Size League (SSL) is one of the most competitive divisions in the RoboCup where international universities compete with their state of the art robotic hardware and software designs. In the SSL, teams build their own robots which move by four omniwheels; therefore, balance of the robot is trivial compared to humanoid competitions. This feature of the SSL enables teams to build faster robots and focus on more advanced AI development strategies. However, it is essential to have a robot pool that is robust enough to comply with AI directives. In this thesis, we have developed a new generation of robotic hardware and low level firmware as well as low level control algorithms for improvements in precise robot movement. Moreover, a fully modular system design is of importance due to highly evolving nature of the competition. This thesis focuses on the work and methods used to overcome the problems in previous robotic designs and improvements upon them. A robust, modular, and improvable robot pool is aimed to be developed. The robotic hardware is split into two main parts; motor driver circuit and main board. An integrated FET, Brushless DC (BLDC) motor driver IC is used separately from the main board to reduce noise and interference and to save space. In order to increase control performance and modularity of the design, two main logic units are used in the main board. The DSP chip used in the previous design is replaced with FPGA and MCU chips. Firmware development is done for both chips working simultaneously during the game. Tasks are divided among them according to their strengths. Finally, a PI control algorithm, developed on the FPGA in logic gate level, is discussed.