Development of an autonomous robot for space mapping and surveillance

The aim of this project is to design, build, and test a prototype of an autonomous mobile robot capable of navigating an indoor environment independently, detecting obstacles, mapping the surroundings, and collecting data for area monitoring. The system integrates robotics, electronics, sensor technology, and programming, enabling the robot to make movement decisions without direct user control.

The robot utilizes distance sensors—such as LiDAR or ultrasonic sensors—along with an accelerometer and a gyroscope to determine its position and orientation within the space. Collected data is processed in real-time by a microcomputer or microcontroller, which calculates the optimal path and enables obstacle avoidance. During operation, the robot gradually generates a digital map of the environment that can be displayed on a computer or mobile application.

The mechanical assembly consists of a mobile platform featuring electric motors, wheels, a power supply, and sensor mounts. The design ensures stability, ease of maintenance, and sufficient adaptability for future upgrades with additional modules. The electronic system comprises a control unit, sensors, a communication module, motor control circuits, and a battery power supply that enables autonomous operation.

The software component involves developing algorithms for autonomous navigation, sensor data processing, and digital mapping. As an optional feature, a camera system utilizing computer vision and artificial intelligence algorithms can be implemented to enable the recognition of people, obstacles, or other objects. The robot can also connect to a mobile or web application via wireless communication, providing the user with a real-time overview of the robot’s position, the generated map, and system status.

The expected outcome of the project is a functional autonomous robot capable of independently exploring a space, creating a basic digital map, and monitoring the environment with minimal user intervention. The project demonstrates the practical application of robotics, automation, and intelligent systems, and can serve as a foundation for developing robots designed to monitor industrial facilities, warehouses, commercial premises, or residential buildings.