Smart phone controlled smart car

I built a wireless robotics platform from a cheap R/C car, an 8051 micro-controller with Bluetooth module, and a Processing program running on a micro-controller to control the vehicle. The vehicle is completely controlled by android smart phone which allows very rapid prototyping of the code to tell the vehicle what to do and how to react to the commands from android smart phone via Bluetooth. I’m hoping this is a good way to teach to 9-year old boy about programming.

It’s the most basic example of adding small intelligence to a robot, but it’s actually the designer’s intelligence!!

Before I get into details, here’s an overview of the features:

All logic controlling the vehicle is performed in a Processing program running on android mobile phone. The microcontroller program listens for commands from the android phone.

Bi-directional wireless communication performs over a Bluetooth protocol. It’s as simple as connecting the RX/TX pairs together, and giving it power. This vehicle has two 12Vmotors with 3 control signals namely, forward, right and left

 An android smart phone consists of an application to control the car using built-in Bluetooth  

          Inside the vehicle is a simple relay circuit board with microcontroller board and Bluetooth. The 12V dc motor of 100 rpm is used in this smart car

Power: Vehicle motors, 8051 microcontroller, relay circuit and Bluetooth module powered by 12V 7.5 ah lead acid battery.

The final smart car driving at night....................