Micromouse

Since next year we'll be working on a micromouse, and it appears to be quite challenging, I decided I'd get an early start on mapping the maze. For this I've decided to create a simple simulation of the maze, a bot, and sensors.

I've used Processing for this, since it's a quick way for me to create a visual representation of the challenge. I've been working on it this week during lunch breaks, and have so far got as far as creating the maze, some simulated sensor values, and a little navigation.

As the bot explores, it marks where it has travelled on the map. According to the rules of micromouse you cannot tell the robot where you are starting, but since the first turn determines your position relative to the maze, it's simple enough to figure out.

To create the visual feedback of the mapping, I've "told" the robot its orientation, otherwise it wouldn't know which cells on my map to mark as visited. This doesn't actually affect the bots mapping, it's just so I can see the progress as it happens really.

I'm not detailing everything just yet, but I'll keep you posted (Seriously.)