Is this a plausible project?

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1

(sorry if I didn’t post this on the correct section)

I just finished my first big robotics project. It was very fun and I learned countless things. (It took a while to get used to the lack of an undo button in real life!). However, when I google “beginner hobbyist robotics projects”, they all looked very rudimentary, so I decided to think of my own idea.

I decided I would try to build a tracked robot. It would follow a gps waypoint system. When it detects a face, it shoots small pellets at them. I would have to design a shooting mechanism as well as a gearbox for the tracks.

My previous project took a very, very long time to complete. A culmination of both being a beginner and being a procrastinator caused this. I’m hoping to stick to a better schedule in my coming projects. I also have a break from work due to Christmas which will help with the progress.

My question is: is the project I just described plausible? Personally I think it is, but I am most likely atop the Dunning Kruger curve.

Thank you for your time!

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Hello @Utetwo and welcome to the RobotShop community!

I just finished my first big robotics project. It was very fun and I learned countless things.

That’s awesome! It would also be great if you could share your project in the Robots section or maybe share your future projects.

It took a while to get used to the lack of an undo button in real life!

That would be extremely helpful :sweat_smile:

However, when I google “beginner hobbyist robotics projects”, they all looked very rudimentary, so I decided to think of my own idea.

Maybe, skip the “beginners” word in the search haha. You could also visit the Robots section I mentioned earlier to check projects from other community members and get some inspiration.

I decided I would try to build a tracked robot. It would follow a gps waypoint system.

That’s nice! As you mention gps I guess you want to use it outdoors? If not, for indoors a better option would be using beacons.

When it detects a face, it shoots small pellets at them.

That sounds fun haha. Then you’ll definitely need a camera module and probably a SBC to run the face tracking algorithm (and if you are not familiar with image processing look for OpenCV). Here’s a project that you may find interesting:

My previous project took a very, very long time to complete. A culmination of both being a beginner and being a procrastinator caused this.

Been there done that haha. I suggest using a scheduling/work management app like Asana or something.

My question is: is the project I just described plausible?

For sure! As long as you put in your effort and are interested in finishing it.

Also, since you mention that you are a beginner I suggest you look at the How to Make a Robot tutorial series.

I hope this information can help you out!

Hope to see you around in the forum :smiley: