As with any engineering project, there are countless ways to build a MicroMouse. One has to make design decisions based on the time available, the cost and specifications of the project. The following are the main components of a MicroMouse and things you should consider when making your own 'bot.

 

Computing Power

The microcontroller in a MicroMouse has quite a bit to do. It must read the sensors, control the motors and solve the maze, all at the same time. There are many microcontrollers to choose from with a wide a variety of features.

Choosing a Microcontroller

 

Propulsion

There are many ways to make a robot move but in the case of a MicroMouse, there are a few logical choices to choose from. When considering motors, one can choose from continuous DC motors, stepper motors, and servos such as those found in remote-controlled cars and airplanes.

Using DC Motors

Using Stepper Motors

Using Servo Motors

Motors are no good without wheels. Decisions need to be made as to how many wheels are needed and where they should be located.

Wheels

 

Sensors

Mice need to sense the walls around them as an aid in navigation, and to solve the maze. Choosing the right sensor and getting them to operate properly is key to building a successful mouse.

About Sensors

 

Chassis

In order for a mouse to operate reliably, its parts have to be mounted to some type of chassis. This does not have to be an elaborate design. Some mice are composed of parts stuck to balsa wood using double-stick foam tape. Fancier designs have parts screwed to an aluminum chassis.

Creating a Chassis

 

Batteries

Batteries are the power source of choice for the MicroMouse. The choice of battery will affect the performance of the robot.

Choosing a Battery

 

Construction Tips

If the task of building a MicroMouse has been assigned to you, make sure you get started as soon as possible so that you have enough debugging time. This is a time consuming project and everyone underestimates the time it takes to complete it.

When actually constructing your mouse, take the extra time to be neat. Use color coded wire and then bundle them so it doesn't look like spaghetti. Use good soldering techniques, you don't want the connections coming loose during the contest.

You don't have to build a working MicroMouse all at one time. Start with the chassis and motors. Use an umbilical cord and manually move it through the maze. When you get the kinks out, gradually add the microcontroller and sensors to complete robot.

Don't worry so much about making it fast. Instead, concentrate on making it reliable. At the contests that I have attended there were always mice that got hung up on the walls or refused to move at all. If your MicroMouse can make it to the center of the maze, you've already beat out half of your competitors.

 

Summary

If this is your first MicroMouse, keep your design as simple as possible. This project will be tough enough without trying elaborate designs. Use as many "off the shelf" parts as possible and try to stick to technology that you're already familiar with.