Author: Arim Baek, Email: baeka3@unlv.nevada.edu
Date Last Modified: 02/02/2025

This is a Domabot that I built. I attached a touch sensor to the bumper and IR sensor to the bottom. This week, I studied BricxCC Programming using this Domabot. At first, my Domabot could only display text on the screen, but now it can drive - how impressive!!
After spending two weeks in the lab, I've gotten quite used to it. The desk that once felt unfamiliar now feels cozy, and I really enjoy the hands-on learning process. The lab members have a great sense of humor and they are also kind!:)

I met three mentors through the buddy program. They gave us a ride, so we were able to go out far and enjoy a wonderful dinner. Since I had similar meals at the school cafeteria every day, going for a drive and eating delicious food was truly refreshing. Even though it was our first time meeting, they treated me so comfortably, just like an old friend, and I was really grateful for that. Especially, the ice cream we had together was incredibly delicious - I could eat it every day..

I was amazed by how American don't hesitate to ask anyone for help with things they don't know. Francis said that even when he had just joined the lab, lab members asked him for help. He said that in the lab, everyone helps each other and learns together. In Korea, when something is unclear, we tend to try to solve it on our own, worried that asking for help might disturb others. However, being able to ask each other questions and learn together seems like a great advantage that allows everyone to grow together.

I realized that I'm stronger than I thought. Since it was my first time to live away from my family in new environment, I was really worried. Of course, I have made a lot of mistakes and caused some trouble, so I couldn't have done it without people's help, but I'm doing pretty well! I'm doing household chores like laundry and cleaning excellently. When I lived in Korea, my room was usually messy like a bomb had exploded. However, now I'm living very neatly. If my family saw my room, they would probably be surprised.

I learned about Bang Bang control. Based on the black line, the domabot slightly moved to measure the maximum and minimum values of the IR sensor. Using these measurements, I calculated the threshold value. With this value, the domabot distinguishes between black and white and follows the black line.
It was difficult to solve unexpected problems such as the touch sensor recognition issue and 180-degree turn problem, but I learned a lot through analyzing and fixing the causes of these issues.
However, when following the line, there is still frequent yawing, making the movement now very smooth. This is still a problem that I need to solve. I heard that PID control could solve this issue, so I plan to study it and explore ways to achieve smoother movement next week.