Organising Electrical Components

 

We made minor changes to our design in order to accommodate the wiring and to fit in the components.

We taped up and shortened wires so that the internal electrical setup is neater.

 

Setting up ESP8266 WiFi Module

 

We managed to connect ESP8266 WiFi module to our Arduino Mega and performed minor functions (LED blinking) to ensure that the Arduino can be controlled via Access Point.

The ESP8266 module was installed in 2 major steps:

1. Programming ESP8266 to Access Point mode
2. Uploading our code to Arduino with the WiFi module in connection

To program ESP8266, follow these links:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Getting-Started-With-the-ESP8266-ESP-01/

https://www.instructables.com/id/Get-Started-With-ESP8266-Using-AT-Commands-Via-Ard/

For quick testing and functional wiring of ESP8266, watch this video:

Note:

1. Rx to Rx and Tx to Tx while programming, Rx to Tx and Tx to Rx for functionality
2. Baud rate = 9600
3. WiFi port = 6377
4. Use Hardware Serial and NOT Software Serial

 

Finalising Code for Windowbot

 

After setting up our ESP8266 WiFi module, we programmed our robot for motion control via WiFi, using RemoteXY mobile application and Arduino IDE.

Our robot motion can be controlled with a joystick found on the interface of RemoteXY after connecting a phone to the generated access point ‘Windowbot’.

 

Assembly and Testing of Second Prototype

 

Our second prototype was completed on 28 September 2020. Windowbot demonstrated the ability to stick onto the window and movement along the window. However, it displayed difficulties in turning left. We speculated that it was due to an imbalance in the structure as the right section of the robot had a higher weight to it.

Despite these difficulties, Windowbot was very close to reaching its full efficiency.

Link to video of second prototype on a window

 

Finalisation of Windowbot

 

Changes were made to the mobility code of Windowbot so that Windowbot would be able to turn left and right.

The final version of Windowbot was completed on 22 October 2020.

Here is a video of Windowbot.