A Low Cost, Online, Computer Controlled Robot Architecture Using a CCTV Network as Sensors

Abstract

An important deterrent in deployment of robots in factories across the globe is the cost involved. A rather large part of that cost is the sensors which are also very unreliable and least robust. This paper proposes a cheaper, simpler and more dynamic robot prototype by using the factoryâ??s existing CCTV cameras as the primary sensing equipment. Image Processing and total control of the robot(s) is handled by a computer. Using a server-client model, the robot(s) can also be controlled online. The software for the prototype was developed in MATLAB. This system is easily reprogrammable and deployable in a vast range of situations.