Objective

Developed an RC vehicle equipped with a LiDAR sensing system to improve environmental awareness and autonomous navigation. The project focused on designing a dual-axis actuation mechanism capable of rotating the LiDAR sensor horizontally and vertically to achieve a 180-degree field of view.

Methodology

Dimensional Measurement: Conducted physical measurements to determine the optimal LiDAR mounting height, positioning, and clearance to view 10 inches from the RC vehicle
CAD Design: Modeled a custom LiDAR mounting and actuation assembly in SolidWorks, incorporating a 90-degree reorientation of the sensor and motor to optimize the system's configuration and scanning range
Dual-Axis Actuation: Integrated two independent gimbal motors to enable controlled sensor movement:
- Horizontal Axis: Enabled left-to-right sweeping to expand environmental coverage
- Vertical Axis: Enabled up-and-down scanning to capture environmental information at different angles
Mechanical Integration: Designed and assembled the mounting system to accommodate the LiDAR sensor and motors while maintaining compatibility with the RC vehicle

Results

Built a functional dual-axis LiDAR mounting system capable of horizontal and vertical scanning
Enabled a 180-degree field of view to improve the vehicle's ability to perceive its surrounding environment

Automotive LiDAR