(my apologies to anyone on Robogossip as this thread is cross-
posted there) Hi guys. I'm new to robotics, but not to
programming or digital systems design. I want to make a robot
based on a RC car chassis that can guide itself through a series
of cones. So if I set up a path of cones that are spaced, say
10' apart, the robot will say between them. My first, and thus
biggest problem is how to detect the cones and determine their
range from the robot. I've considered ultrasonic sensors,
lasers, and stereo cameras. Each have their own drawbacks. The
basic requirements are: -identify cones between 10 cm to 400 cm
on either side of the vehicle. -estimate the distance of each
cone within 10 cm. -identify cones at speeds up to 60 mph. Each
approach seems to have some problems. Ultrasonic: limited range,
although some systems claim to get to 4 meters or more. Limited
coverage arc; usually about 15 degrees. Limited sampling
frequency (usually 10 hz). Lasers: too expensive Stereo cameras:
limited coverage arc, usually