Track: Automation and Control

Abstract

Information is easily accessible through extensive communication  networks and devices in most part of the world even in remote areas.  Yet there are situations where people do not get the required warnings in time as the person who need to send the message does not have the individual contact details of the people whom he has meeting with.  An autonomous/remote messenger has been designed that that can receive and send messages using the GSM network. Appropriate codes via the Short Message Service (SMS) is sent to the robot, the robot will decipher the message and alert the appropriate users accordingly. The message is displayed by a propeller LED with a 360⁰ viewing angle. The autonomous messenger also includes a remote control for manual navigation of robot, ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection, battery level indicators on the display and the robot and an emergency switch among others. Sustainability has been one major issue and as far as possible components from waste has been used without affecting the performance of the system. Interlocks have been included to make the system safe for use in an environment with humans. A wireless system allows the robot to communicate with users inside a closed room and calls for their attention.   The propeller display can also be fixed instead of autonomous e.g. attached to the ceiling or wall and display messages as requested by SMS.