3. Pertinent information - S-Div-OddSem-2026-27/Repo-13 GitHub Wiki

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PAGE 1 – INTRODUCTION, PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND EXISTING SOLUTIONS

1. Introduction

Rangoli is a traditional Indian form of decorative art. It is commonly drawn at the entrance of homes and other places during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions. Rangoli is generally made using rice flour, colored powder, or other materials. The designs may contain simple geometric shapes, flowers, curves, dots, and symmetrical patterns.

Making Rangoli by hand is a creative and enjoyable activity, but it can also require considerable time and patience. Maintaining accurate proportions and symmetry becomes more difficult when the design is large or complicated.

The Rangoli Robot is proposed as a small robotic system that can automatically draw a predetermined Rangoli pattern. The idea is to combine traditional Indian art with robotics and automation.

The proposed robot is approximately 1 ft Γ— 1 ft (30.48 cm Γ— 30.48 cm). It uses wheels and DC geared motors for movement, an Arduino-based controller for programming, a motor driver for controlling the motors, a servo motor for the pen or powder mechanism, and a battery as the power source.

The project is intended primarily as an educational and demonstration model. It shows how a traditional artistic activity can be converted into a programmed sequence of robotic movements.

2. Problem Identification

Before developing the robot, it is important to understand the actual problem.

Some difficulties involved in manually creating Rangoli are:

  • It requires continuous manual effort.
  • Large designs can take a long time to complete.
  • Maintaining exact symmetry can be difficult.
  • Repeated patterns may not always have the same dimensions.
  • The final design depends on the person's experience and drawing skill.
  • Reproducing exactly the same design can be difficult.

The Rangoli Robot attempts to address these problems by following a predetermined path automatically.

However, the robot also introduces identifying a simple practical problem: manually creating a neat and repeatable Rangoli can require considerable time, patience, and skill. The proposed robot attempts to address this by converting a a new challenge: the robot itself must move accurately enough to reproduce the desired pattern.

3. Existing Methods and Solutions

At present, Rangoli is mainly created manually using:

  • Fingers
  • Rangoli powder
  • Stencils
  • Templates
  • Drawing tools
  • Printed or pre-designed patterns

Some digital systems can generate Rangoli or Kolam designs on a computer, but a digital image is different from physically drawing the design on the floor.

Our proposed system focuses on the physical drawing process.

Instead of manually moving the drawing material, the robot controls the movement and creates the pattern according to programmed instructions.

4. Advantages of the Proposed Solution

The proposed robot provides several advantages:

  1. The same design can be repeated.
  2. Manual effort can be reduced.
  3. The movement can be programmed.
  4. Different designs can be created by changing the program.
  5. It provides a practical application of robotics.
  6. It combines technology with traditional Indian culture.
  7. It can be demonstrated easily in exhibitions and project demonstrations.

PAGE 2 – RESEARCH, DESIGN AND COMPONENTS

5. Research and Study of Existing Ideas

Before designing the Rangoli Robot, research should be carried out on similar concepts and technologies.

The main areas of research include:

  • Small wheeled robots
  • Arduino-based robots
  • Motor control
  • Servo mechanisms
  • Robot path planning
  • Drawing robots
  • Pen plotters
  • Rangoli and Kolam geometry
  • Automatic powder-dispensing mechanisms

Research into existing drawing robots shows that a digital design can be converted into a sequence of movements. A similar principle can be applied to Rangoli.

Research into traditional Kolam and Rangoli designs is also useful because many designs contain symmetry, repetition, curves, and geometric patterns.

This research helps us avoid simply copying an existing robot and instead develop a design suitable for our specific purpose.

6. Proposed Design

The robot has a compact rectangular frame approximately:

Length = 1 ft = 30.48 cm

Width = 1 ft = 30.48 cm

The approximate height is around 10 cm, depending on the selected wheels and frame.

The main components are mounted on the frame, while the drawing mechanism is positioned so that it can reach the floor.

7. Main Components and Sub-Components

Main Component Sub-Components / Details Purpose
Frame Metal/rigid platform, brackets, screws Supports the robot
DC Motors Geared motors, motor mounts Drive the wheels
Wheels 4 wheels Movement and support
Arduino Microcontroller board Main control unit
Motor Driver Driver module, wiring Controls DC motors
Battery Rechargeable battery, connector Power supply
Servo Motor Servo bracket, linkage Pen up/down control
Drawing Unit Pen or powder container Creates Rangoli
Wireless Unit Bluetooth/RF receiver Remote communication
Wires Jumper/power wires Electrical connections
Fasteners Nuts, bolts, screws Mechanical assembly

8. Details of Important Components

Arduino

The Arduino acts as the brain of the robot. It receives the programmed instructions and sends control signals to the motor driver and servo motor.

Motor Driver

The motor driver allows the Arduino to control the DC motors. It handles the higher current required by the motors.

DC Geared Motors

The motors provide movement. Gearing gives the robot greater torque and allows slower, more controlled movement.

Servo Motor

The servo controls the drawing mechanism. It can lift and lower the pen or open and close the powder outlet.

Battery

The battery supplies electrical power to the controller, motors, servo, and other components.

Wireless Receiver

Bluetooth or RF communication can be used for starting, stopping, or manually controlling the robot.

PAGE 3 – WORKING PRINCIPLE AND OBSERVATIONS

9. Working Principle

The basic working principle is:

Programmed Rangoli Pattern β†’ Arduino β†’ Motor Driver β†’ Motors β†’ Robot Movement β†’ Drawing

The Arduino stores the movement sequence required to create the design.

For example:

Start β†’ Pen Down β†’ Forward β†’ Turn β†’ Forward β†’ Turn β†’ Pen Up β†’ Stop

A more complicated Rangoli uses a larger number of such instructions.

The robot does not actually "understand" the Rangoli like a human does. It simply follows a carefully prepared sequence of movements that has been designed to produce the desired shape.

10. Step-by-Step Working

Step 1 – Power ON

The battery is connected and the electronic system is switched ON.

Step 2 – Initialization

The Arduino initializes the motors and servo.

Step 3 – Starting Position

The robot is placed at the starting point of the Rangoli.

Step 4 – Pen/Dispenser Preparation

The drawing mechanism remains in the UP position until drawing is required.

Step 5 – Movement

The Arduino sends signals to the motor driver and the robot begins moving.

Step 6 – Drawing

The servo lowers the pen or activates the powder dispenser.

Step 7 – Pattern Formation

The robot follows the programmed path and creates the design.

Step 8 – Completion

After the final movement, the drawing mechanism is raised and the robot stops.

11. Initial Observations

The project should include actual observations made during testing rather than only theoretical information.

For example:

Test Observation Result
Forward movement Robot moved forward but slightly deviated Motor speed adjustment required
Reverse movement Movement was satisfactory Successful
Left turn Turn was slightly wider than expected Calibration required
Right turn Similar turning error observed Calibration required
Servo UP/DOWN Pen movement was satisfactory Successful
Drawing test Basic line could be produced Successful
Powder test Flow depended on outlet size Further testing required

These observations will change when you build the actual prototype, so the final report should contain the real values and photographs from your testing.

12. Observation With Images

The final report should include photographs wherever possible.

Recommended photographs are:

Figure 1: Frame construction

Figure 2: Motor and wheel installation

Figure 3: Arduino and motor-driver connection

Figure 4: Servo and pen mechanism

Figure 5: Complete assembled robot

Figure 6: Robot during movement testing

Figure 7: First drawing test

Figure 8: Final Rangoli produced by the robot

Under each photograph, write a short description.

For example:

Figure 5: Complete prototype of the Rangoli Robot
The photograph shows the assembled robot with the frame, wheels, motors, control unit, battery, wireless receiver, and drawing mechanism.

This will make your project report much more realistic.

PAGE 4 – COST ESTIMATION AND TESTING

13. Cost Estimation

The actual cost will depend on the components available and the supplier. A preliminary estimate can be prepared before construction.

Component Approx. Quantity Estimated Cost
Arduino-compatible board 1 β‚Ή500–₹900
DC geared motors 4 β‚Ή600–₹1,200
Wheels 4 β‚Ή300–₹600
Motor driver 1 β‚Ή150–₹400
Servo motor 1 β‚Ή100–₹300
Battery 1 β‚Ή500–₹1,000
Wireless module 1 β‚Ή100–₹500
Frame/material 1 set β‚Ή400–₹800
Wires/connectors 1 set β‚Ή100–₹250
Pen/powder dispenser 1 β‚Ή100–₹300
Screws/brackets 1 set β‚Ή100–₹250
Estimated Total β‚Ή2,950–₹6,500 approximately

These are preliminary estimates, not final purchase prices. The actual cost should be updated after buying the components.

14. Cost Comparison

The project should not only list the component prices. It should also explain where money can be saved.

For example:

  • An Arduino-compatible board can be used instead of a more expensive development board.
  • A simple metal or acrylic frame can be fabricated locally.
  • Standard wheels and geared motors can be used.
  • A simple pen mechanism can be made using available materials.
  • The prototype can initially use a pen instead of a powder dispenser.

This can reduce the initial cost and allow more money to be spent on improving the control system.

15. Testing Procedure

Testing should be performed in stages.

Test 1 – Motor Test

Check each motor individually.

Test 2 – Straight-Line Test

Make the robot travel a fixed distance and measure the actual distance.

Test 3 – Turning Test

Check whether the robot can perform approximately 90Β° turns.

Test 4 – Servo Test

Check the UP and DOWN positions of the pen.

Test 5 – Drawing Test

Draw simple shapes such as:

  • Straight line
  • Square
  • Triangle
  • Circle/polygon

Test 6 – Rangoli Test

Finally, test the complete Rangoli pattern.

16. Important Practical Observation

One of the most important things we expect to learn from this project is that programmed movement and actual movement are not always identical.

For example, the program may tell the robot to move a certain distance, but wheel slip, motor differences, battery voltage, floor friction, and robot weight can change the actual movement.

Therefore:

Programming gives the intended movement, while testing and calibration make the actual movement accurate.

This is an important engineering aspect of the project.

PAGE 5 – IMPROVEMENT, ADVANTAGES, FUTURE SCOPE AND REFERENCES

17. Ideas Collected From Existing Projects and Research

During the research stage, ideas can be collected from different types of robots and drawing machines.

For example:

  • Drawing robots provide ideas for converting shapes into movement.
  • Pen plotters provide ideas for controlling a drawing tool.
  • Mobile robots provide ideas for wheel control and navigation.
  • Arduino projects provide ideas for microcontroller programming.
  • Traditional Rangoli and Kolam studies provide ideas for symmetry and pattern generation.

These ideas are then adapted to our own project rather than directly copying another design.

18. Improvements to the Proposed Robot

The first prototype can be improved in several ways.

Wheel Encoders

Encoders can measure actual wheel rotation and improve movement accuracy.

Better Path Control

A more advanced program can control the robot's path more precisely.

Mobile Application

A smartphone application could allow the user to select a Rangoli pattern.

Multiple Designs

Several Rangoli patterns could be stored in the controller.

Multiple Colours

Separate powder containers could allow the robot to create multicolored designs.

Automatic Powder Control

A controlled dispenser could release a constant amount of powder.

Obstacle Detection

Sensors could be added to detect obstacles.

19. Advantages

The main advantages are:

  • Reduces repetitive manual effort.
  • Produces repeatable patterns.
  • Can be programmed for different designs.
  • Compact and portable.
  • Useful for demonstrations.
  • Combines art and technology.
  • Provides practical robotics experience.
  • Can be improved into a more advanced autonomous system.

20. Limitations

A realistic report should also mention limitations.

The present prototype may have:

  • Limited drawing area.
  • Limited battery operating time.
  • Wheel-slip errors.
  • Difficulty drawing complex curves accurately.
  • Dependence on floor conditions.
  • Limited powder capacity.
  • Need for calibration before operation.

Mentioning these limitations makes the report more technically honest and credible.

21. Future Scope

The Rangoli Robot can eventually be developed into a more advanced system that can:

  • Generate Rangoli patterns automatically.
  • Select patterns through a mobile application.
  • Use multiple colours.
  • Detect the available drawing area.
  • Automatically position itself.
  • Detect obstacles.
  • Use encoders for accurate movement.
  • Store and reproduce many different designs.
  • Draw larger Rangoli patterns.

22. Conclusion

The Rangoli Robot is a project that combines traditional Indian art with modern robotics.

The project begins by identifying a simple practical problem: manually creating a neat and repeatable Rangoli can require considerable time, patience, and skill. The proposed robot attempts to address this by converting a Rangoli design into a sequence of programmed movements.

The system consists of a mechanical frame, wheels, DC geared motors, Arduino controller, motor driver, battery, wireless receiver, servo motor, and a pen or Rangoli powder dispenser.

During development, the robot must be tested carefully. Motor speed, wheel alignment, turning angle, servo position, powder flow, and battery performance all affect the final result. Therefore, research, observation, testing, and calibration are important parts of the project.

The project also provides opportunities for further development, such as wheel encoders, smartphone control, multiple colours, obstacle detection, automatic pattern generation, and improved powder dispensing.

The main value of this project is not simply that a robot can draw a Rangoli. It demonstrates how engineering can be applied creatively to traditional art, while giving students practical experience in mechanical design, electronics, programming, automation, and problem-solving.

23. REFERENCES

  1. Arduino, Arduino Documentation – Electronics and Programming, Arduino Official Documentation.
  2. Arduino, Arduino UNO R3 – Technical Documentation, Arduino Official Documentation.
  3. J. J. Craig, Introduction to Robotics: Mechanics and Control, Pearson.
  4. B. Siciliano, L. Sciavicco, L. Villani and G. Oriolo, Robotics: Modelling, Planning and Control, Springer.
  5. N. A. Martins and D. W. Bertol, Wheeled Mobile Robot Control: Theory, Simulation, and Experimentation, Springer.
  6. G. Siromoney, R. Siromoney and K. Krithivasan, β€œArray Grammars and Kolam,” Computer Graphics and Image Processing, Vol. 3, No. 1, 1974.
  7. V. Gopalan, β€œSymmetry Classification and Enumeration of Square-Tile Sikku Kolams,” 2023.
  8. V. Nagarajan, Feeding a Thousand Souls: Women, Ritual, and Ecology in India – An Exploration of the Kolam, Oxford University Press.