3. PROBLEM DEFINITION - W-Div-Engg-Exploration-Odd-2026-27/Repo-03 GitHub Wiki
Problem Definition 1.1 β Design Requirements
Design a desk-assistance robot that can interact with the user through voice commands and provide useful feedback using a display and speaker. The robot should be compact, portable, reliable, and capable of assisting the user through wireless communication and smart sensing.
Problem Definition 1.2 β Constraints
Design a desk-assistance robot with a compact structure not exceeding 25cm x 15cm x 15cm and a total weight below 2 kg. The robot shall use motor-driven wheels with a maximum speed of 0.5m/s , a rechargeable 12V battery capable of providing at least 2 hours of operation , and bluetooth communication with the range of 2m and a camera for monitoring its surroundings. The robot should be developed within a reasonable budget of Rs.4000.
Problem Definition 1.3 β Functions
Design a desk-assistance robot that can receive voice commands through a microphone and smartphone, process them using a microcontroller, and perform required actions. The robot should provide feedback through a speaker, display, buzzer, and alerts, move using motor-driven wheels, detect obstacles using sensors, capture surroundings using a camera, and support convenient interaction through Bluetooth communication.
3.1 QUESTION AND ANSWERS
| ID | Questions | Answers | Objective | Function | Constraint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is the primary purpose of the robot? | Assist with desk activities | β | ||
| 2 | How does the user interact with the robot? | Accept voice commands | β | ||
| 3 | How does the robot provide feedback? | Provide audio feedback | β | ||
| 4 | How is information presented to the user? | Display information to the user | β | ||
| 5 | How does the robot achieve mobility? | Move using motor-driven wheels | β | ||
| 6 | How is motor movement controlled? | Control motors using a motor driver | β | ||
| 7 | What controls the complete system? | Control the complete system using a microcontroller | β | ||
| 8 | How does the robot detect voice commands? | Detect voice commands using a microphone | β | ||
| 9 | How does wireless communication take place? | Enable wireless communication using Bluetooth | β | ||
| 10 | How does the robot detect obstacles? | Detect obstacles using a sensor | β | ||
| 11 | How are alerts provided to the user? | Provide alerts | β | ||
| 12 | What is the power source? | Power the robot using a rechargeable battery | β | ||
| 13 | How is the robot's power controlled? | Control power using a power switch | β | ||
| 14 | What are the overall design requirements? | Maintain a simple, smart, and affordable design | β | ||
| 15 | How can the robot be operated without voice commands? | Operate the robot using a smartphone | β |
3.2 BASIC SURVEY AND REQUIREMENTS
The project was surveyed to understand how a Desk Assistant Robot can be made more useful, interactive, and convenient for students and desk users. Traditional desk setups require users to perform tasks manually, while a smart robotic assistant can use voice commands, smartphone control, sensors, display, speaker, camera, and motorized movement to provide assistance.
Our survey identified the following requirements:
The robot should accept commands through voice input and smartphone control. It should provide information and responses using a display, speaker, and buzzer. The robot should be capable of moving in different directions and should detect obstacles to avoid collisions. A camera can be used to capture the surroundings. The system should be compact, safe, affordable, easy to operate, and suitable for use on or around a study desk.
Requirements and Functions
| Requirement | Function |
|---|---|
| Voice recognition | Detect and receive voice commands |
| Microcontroller | Control and coordinate the complete system |
| Smartphone/Bluetooth | Provide wireless control |
| Display | Show useful information to the user |
| Speaker | Provide audio/voice feedback |
| Buzzer | Give alerts and notifications |
| Motor | Provide movement to the robot |
| Motor driver | Control the robot's motors |
| Ultrasonic sensor | Detect obstacles and prevent collisions |
| IR sensors | Detect nearby objects/surroundings |
| Camera | Capture the surroundings visually |
| Battery | Provide power to the complete system |
| Power switch | Turn the system ON/OFF |
| Compact body | Make the robot suitable for desk use |
Software Requirements
- ESP-32
- Embedded C/C++ programming
- Appropriate libraries for sensors and display
- Bluetooth communication software
- Motor-control programming
Hardware Requirements
- Microcontroller
- Microphone/voice module
- Bluetooth module
- Display
- Speaker
- Buzzer
- DC motors and motor driver
- Ultrasonic/IR sensors
- Camera
- Rechargeable battery
- Connecting wires and supporting structure
Conclusion
The survey indicates that the Desk Assistant Robot should be compact, affordable, interactive, mobile and safe, while integrating voice control, smartphone control, information display, feedback, sensing and movement into one system.
3.3 INDENTIFYING CLIENT'S OBJECTIVES
Identifying Client's Objectives
The client's objectives were identified to ensure that the Desk Assistant Robot is useful, easy to operate, compact, affordable, and interactive. The robot should assist the user through multiple modes of interaction while providing safe movement and useful feedback.
| Sl. No. | Client Objective | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Improve Productivity | Help users manage simple desk activities efficiently. |
| 2 | Provide Assistance | Perform useful functions through voice commands and automated responses. |
| 3 | Easy Interaction | Make interaction simple and user-friendly. |
| 4 | Save Time | Reduce the time required for small repetitive tasks. |
| 5 | Provide Information | Display important information and reminders to the user. |
| 6 | Attractive Design | Create a compact and innovative robot suitable for a modern desk. |
#Main Client Objectives
1.User-friendly operation
2.Voice and smartphone control
3.Safe obstacle-aware movement
4.Useful information and feedback
5.Compact and portable design
6.Low-cost construction
7.Reliable and integrated operation
3.4 IDENTIFY CONSTRAINTS
Identifying Constraints
Developing an automated desktop system involves navigating several practical limitations regarding budget, hardware sizing, power requirements, and timeline. Establishing these constraints early ensures the design remains realistic and feasible within academic and technical parameters. The project constraints are listed in the table below.
| Sl. No. | Constraint | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cost | Robot should be developed within a budget of Rs. 4000. |
| 2 | Size | Robot dimensions should not exceed 25 cm Γ 15 cm Γ 15 cm. |
| 3 | Power | Robot should operate using a suitable low-voltage power supply. |
| 4 | Weight | Robot total weight should be less than 2 kg. |
3.5 ESTABLISH FUNCTIONS
Establishing the Function
βTo fulfill the system requirements and client objectives, the robot's architecture is broken down into primary functions and their corresponding sub-functions. This functional decomposition provides a structured basis for selecting hardware modules and developing control software. The system functions are summarized in the table below.
| Sl. No. | Main Function | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enable User Interaction | |
| 2 | Display Information | |
| 3 | Provide Mobility | |
| 4 | Detect Obstacle | |
| 5 | Generate Alert | |
| 6 | Control the System | |
| 7 | Enable Communication | |
| 8 | Supply Power |