Abstract

This project seeks to design and develop a small-scale robotic

car equipped with obstacle detection sensors and autonomous
response technology to address the high rate of road
accidents in Nigeria. Frequent incidents involving collisions
with unexpected obstacles—such as other vehicles,
pedestrians, animals, and road bumps—often lead to
fatalities and severe injuries. This prototype will detect
obstacles and autonomously adjust its path to avoid them or
alert the driver, serving as a model for future smart safety
technology in real vehicles. Built within a limited budget, this
project aims to showcase fundamental obstacle detection and
avoidance principles as an educational tool, ultimately
contributing to safer roads and awareness around collision
prevention
 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Road accidents in Nigeria have been increasing due to drivers’
unawareness of potential obstacles like vehicles, pedestrians,
animals, and unexpected bumps, as well as issues like brake
failure. Developing an autonomous robotic car with built-in
obstacle-detection sensors provides a basis for designing
responsive systems that can warn or assist drivers in avoiding
collisions. This system aims to improve road safety by
showcasing an adaptable, efficient method of obstacle
detection and response that can one day be implemented in
real-world vehicles.
 Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
• Compact, Affordable Prototype for Educational
Purposes: This small-scale model is budget-friendly and
ideal for testing in learning environments. Its size and
design make it accessible for studying the basics of
autonomous navigation.

• Early Exploration into Autonomous Safety Technology:

The project demonstrates collision prevention
technology, providing a foundation for developing real-
world applications that address Nigeria’s high accident
rates.

• Modular Design with Adaptability for Future

Development: The robotic car can be expanded with
additional sensors or updated algorithms, offering
flexibility for future improvements in obstacle
detection and avoidance
 INTRODUCTION
Road safety is a significant concern in Nigeria, where
frequent accidents occur due to driver inattention,
unanticipated road obstacles, and mechanical failures. While
various technologies are being implemented to reduce
accidents, they often come at a high cost or require
significant infrastructure changes. This project proposes an
accessible, small-scale solution: a robotic car with obstacle-
detection sensors capable of responding to hazards
autonomously. By detecting obstacles such as vehicles,
pedestrians, or bumps, this prototype presents a model for
future smart driving systems that could one day integrate
with real vehicles. Its compact design, cost-effective
materials, and simplified functionality make it an ideal testing
ground for developing affordable collision-prevention
technology suitable for Nigerian roads.
 OBJECTIVE
Road safety is a significant concern in Nigeria, where
frequent accidents occur due to driver inattention,
unanticipated road obstacles, and mechanical failures. While
various technologies are being implemented to reduce
accidents, they often come at a high cost or require
significant infrastructure changes. This project proposes an
accessible, small-scale solution: a robotic car with obstacle-
detection sensors capable of responding to hazards
autonomously. By detecting obstacles such as vehicles,
pedestrians, or bumps, this prototype presents a model for
future smart driving systems that could one day integrate
with real vehicles. Its compact design, cost-effective
materials, and simplified functionality make it an ideal testing
ground for developing affordable collision-prevention
technology suitable for Nigerian roads.
 Project Proposal
This project proposes building a small autonomous robotic car
equipped with an obstacle detection sensor and programmed
to navigate safely by avoiding obstacles in its path. The
robotic car will feature:

• Sensor Technology: Basic obstacle detection sensors,

such as ultrasonic or infrared, to identify obstacles
within a set range.

• Autonomous Navigation: Pre-programmed responses to

manoeuvre around detected obstacles or alert the
operator (if integrated in a real car).

• Power Source: A small battery or rechargeable pack to

power the car for short-term, indoor testing.

• Microcontroller-Based Processing: A simple

microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) to process sensor data
and control the car’s movement in response to detected
obstacles.
 WORK PLAN
Week 1: Initial Design and Setup

• Mechanical Setup: Finalize design, assemble the

chassis, and mount sensors.

• Electrical Circuit Preparation: Design the power circuit

and test the sensor with the microcontroller.

• Coding Basics: Begin writing simple code for sensor

detection and data processing.

Week 2: Integration and Initial Testing

• System Integration: Assemble all components, including

sensors and microcontroller, on the robotic car.

• Algorithm Implementation: Develop and test the

response algorithm for obstacle avoidance (e.g., stop,
turn).

• Testing in Controlled Environment: Perform initial tests

in a simulated indoor environment to verify functionality.

Week 3: Optimization and Final Testing

• Refinement: Optimize the code for smooth movement

and sensor accuracy.

• Field Testing: Conduct tests with various obstacles to

confirm the system’s responsiveness and reliability.

• Documentation and Presentation: Document the build,

coding, and testing processes, and prepare for a final
demonstration.
ITEMS QUANTIT ESTIMATE Notes
Y D COST
Chassis and wheels 1 ₹800 For
support
Sensors(ultrasonic 4 ₹1,200 For
, IR, detecting
Accelerometer obstacles
and gyroscope,
Bump sensor)
Microcontroller 1 ₹1,200 Processing
(Arduino) and control
DC Motors 2 ₹600 Provides
movements
Battery Pack 1 ₹400 Power
Source
Miscellaneous - ₹500 Wiring,
connectors
, mounting
etc.
Total Estimated ₹4,700
cost
 Future Prospects
This small-scale prototype demonstrates the essential
technology and algorithms for autonomous obstacle
detection, but scaling it for real-world applications presents
both challenges and opportunities:

1. Advanced Sensor Integration: Real vehicles would need

additional sensors such as LIDAR, radar, and high-
definition cameras for 360-degree awareness and
better accuracy in adverse conditions.

2. Real-Time Data Processing and AI: To achieve real-

world functionality, advanced processing platforms with
AI-based decision-making would be required to handle
complex scenarios and operate at high speeds.

3. Environmental Adaptation: The car’s ability to navigate

in various weather and lighting conditions would need
development to meet the standards of road-ready
autonomous vehicles.

4. Legal and Ethical Standards: Moving from a prototype

to a real-world product will involve compliance with road
safety regulations and ethical programming, particularly
in handling accident-avoidance scenarios.