Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
A Dive Into Microcontrollers: A Dark Horse Technology; Self-Correcting Ping Pong Launching Robot (PPLR)316 views
Author
Chen, David, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Earle, Joshua
Abstract
The Microcontroller (MCU) is a cutting-edge piece of technology that has both civilian and engineering applications. The STS paper will specifically look at how the inception and development of the MCU have shaped society and engineering into what it is now. The application and social impact of MCUs will be discussed in detail, proving that although MCUs may be a dark-horse technology, they are highly impactful and important in the development of the digital age.
The technical project is a user-controlled ping-pong ball-launching robot that has a deterministic feedback loop with a self-correction procedure. The robot can aim at 1 of 9 target squares with immense accuracy. Using image processing, the detection of the ball will be reported back to the robot and if it has missed it will readjust and make a correction to fire again. The project uses a combination of a pan/tilt mount controlled by servo motors, a push solenoid, and a computer user interface as a control mechanism for aiming.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Microcontrollers; Technological Determinism
Notes
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Technical Advisor: Harry Powell
STS Advisor: Joshua Earle
Technical Team Members: Kai Barzdukas, Angus Chang, Jacob Coughlin
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Chen, David. A Dive Into Microcontrollers: A Dark Horse Technology; Self-Correcting Ping Pong Launching Robot (PPLR). University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2023-05-11, https://doi.org/10.18130/63bz-0x27.
