RoboRide
RoboRide is an industrial-grade, open-source Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) designed for simple, reliable material transport. Unlike expensive autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that require LiDAR, SLAM, and complex software, RoboRide uses proven line-following technology to deliver robust automation at a fraction of the cost. It combines a rugged modular electronics base with precision motor control, an intuitive web interface, and flexible APIs which make it ideal for small manufacturers, workshops, makerspaces, and hobbyists who want to automate material movement at low cost and complexity.
It is a solution that is affordable, simple, and customizable - something that small businesses and hobbyists can build, modify, and maintain themselves. It's built around the classic line-following principle but enhanced with modern connectivity, modular hardware, and a web-based control system. Anyone with basic soldering and coding skills can build and deploy their own fleet.
Key Features
Simple, Proven Line-Following Technology
Infrared sensor array for reliable line detection (works with tape or painted lines)
PID-based motor control for smooth, accurate tracking
Can handle curves, intersections, and dead ends with intelligent decision-making
No expensive LiDAR, cameras, or complex mapping – just a clean, low-maintenance approach
Modular Industrial-Grade Hardware Base
Robust aluminum chassis with payload capacity up to 100kg (depending on motors). For the prototype we would build a 5kg payload using Acrylic and 3D printed material.
Precision DC motors with encoders for accurate odometry and speed control
Modular mounting plate for attaching different payloads: bins, shelves, tow hooks, etc.
Emergency stop and bumpers for safety
Automatic Path Discovery (Simple Mapping)
The robot can explore and record the line network automatically
While following lines, it detects junctions and segments, building a topological map of the track
This map is stored and used to plan routes – e.g., "go from Station A to Station B via path 3"
No pre-programming of routes needed; the robot learns the layout by driving it
Web-Based Control Interface
Live map view showing the learned track layout and robot position
Point-and-click mission dispatch: select start and destination on the map, robot navigates autonomously
Real-time status: battery level, current task, speed, and position
Accessible from any device (phone, tablet, laptop) via WiFi
Developer-Friendly APIs
REST API for sending commands and retrieving status
WebSocket for real-time monitoring
Plugin architecture to add custom behaviors (e.g., at a station, wait for a button press or trigger a conveyor)
Technology Stack
Microcontroller - ESP32 (low-cost, hobbyist-friendly)
Motor Control - Any general purpose DC motor control
Line Sensors - 8-channel IR sensor array
Hardware API handling - ESP32 web server
Position Tracking - Encoders + odometry algorithm
Path Planning - Graph-based