Glove-controlled robot hand

Dec 12, 2022
About 17 mins
Introduction

Nowadays, robot hands are everywhere. They don’t just serve as a toy to be played with, but also exist in educational and industrial sectors. The best thing about robot hands is that they can never get tired or injured. They can help us with repetitive and mundane tasks and can operate in conditions that human cannot stand. These c...
#microcontroller
#ECE4760
Final project code
Dec 12, 2022
About 15 mins
Transmitter code

#include <stdio.h>
#include <math.h>
#include "pico/stdlib.h"

#include "hardware/sync.h"
#include "hardware/spi.h"

// Include standard libraries
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>

// Include PICO libraries
#include "pico/stdlib.h"
#include "pico/multicore.h"

// Include hardware libraries
#includ...
#C
#code

Detailed Project Description

Glove-controlled robot hand demonstrates closed-loop motion control: sensor input is turned into motor commands so the machine moves precisely and safely.

How It Works
1. Motors/servos are driven through a driver board from the controller's PWM outputs.
2. Commands come from a remote (Wi-Fi/BLE/RF/gesture) or from an autonomous algorithm.
3. Sensors (IMU, encoders, distance, GPS, LiDAR) provide feedback for stabilisation and obstacle avoidance.
4. A control loop adjusts motor outputs several times per second.

Key Components and Their Role
- RP2040: dual-core Cortex-M0+ microcontroller with programmable I/O used for precise, low-level timing.

Implementation Steps
1. Collect the components and study each module's datasheet (pin-out, voltage, interface).
2. Wire the circuit on a breadboard following the pin mapping; power sensors from the correct rail (3.3 V / 5 V).
3. Install C, Arduino IDE and the required libraries; flash a minimal test sketch for each module separately.
4. Write the main firmware: read sensors → process → drive outputs / send data.
5. Configure network or cloud credentials and test communication end-to-end.
6. Calibrate thresholds, add error handling (reconnect, sensor time-out) and run a long-duration test.
7. Finalise on a PCB / enclosure and document wiring, code and results.

Key Features
- Remote or autonomous control
- Sensor feedback
- Obstacle handling
- Adjustable speed / precision

Expected Output
On completion the student will have a machine that follows the commanded path or task reliably, with telemetry visible to the operator.

Deliverables
- Complete source code with comments
- Circuit diagram and pin mapping
- Project report with screenshots and results
- Demonstration-ready build