Robotic Calculator Project

Overview

The Robotic Calculator project controls a robotic arm to simulate a calculator by physically pressing buttons to perform mathematical operations. Users input numbers and operators through the Serial Monitor, and the Braccio Robot executes the calculations by pressing the corresponding buttons on a calculator interface.

Key Features

• User input via Serial Monitor for two 1- or 2-digit integers and basic math operations
• Automated robotic arm control for precise button pressing
• Support for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and integer division
• Safe movement patterns to prevent system damage
• Real-time calculation and result display

Requirements

Hardware

• Braccio Robot with servo motors
• Arduino Uno or compatible microcontroller
• USB cable for Arduino connection

Software

• Arduino IDE
• Required Libraries:
  • BraccioRobot
  • Servo

Installation

Library Setup

1. Locate your Arduino libraries folder:
   • Windows: Documents/Arduino/libraries/
   • macOS: Documents/Arduino/libraries/
   • Linux: ~/Arduino/libraries/
2. Create the libraries folder if it doesn't exist
3. Download and extract the BraccioRobot and Servo libraries to this folder

Hardware Setup

1. Connect the Braccio Robot to Arduino Uno following the pin configuration
2. Mount the robot on a stable surface with adequate movement space
3. Verify all servo connections

Software Setup

1. Open Arduino IDE
2. Load the project code
3. Configure settings:
   • Set baud rate to 9600
   • Select correct board and port
4. Upload code to Arduino

Usage

1. Open Serial Monitor (baud rate: 9600)
2. Follow the prompts:
   • Enter first number (1-2 digits)
   • Choose operation (+, -, *, /)
   • Enter second number (1-2 digits)
3. Watch as the robot executes the calculation

Example

Input: 23 + 85
Robot Actions:
1. Press "2", "3"
2. Press "+"
3. Press "8", "5"
4. Press "="
Result: Robot presses "1", "0", "8"

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Robot Not Moving:

  • Check servo connections
  • Verify power supply
  • Confirm servo calibration

• Input Rejected:

  • Ensure numbers are 1-2 digits
  • Verify valid operator (+, -, *, /)
  • Check Serial Monitor baud rate

• Incorrect Button Presses:

  • Review position coordinates in operation() function
  • Calibrate servo positions
  • Check for mechanical obstructions

Project Structure

Core Functions

• getValidInput(): Validates numeric input
• getOperationInput(): Handles operator selection
• performCalculation(): Executes arithmetic operations
• operation(): Controls robot movement and button pressing

Error Handling

• Input validation for numbers and operations
• Safe movement protocols
• Division by zero protection

Documentation

For detailed system design, implementation details, and analysis, refer to the project report (PDF) in the repository.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see LICENSE.md for details.