Wilfred Nosakhare

The transportation and logistics sector could become much safer and more efficient with the use of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. This project presents the design, development, and evaluation of a mini autonomous vehicle aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of low-cost, compact automation for indoor and controlled outdoor environments. The vehicle uses an ultrasonic sensor for real-time obstacle detection, with a microcontroller(ESP32)-based control system to execute navigation and collision avoidance maneuvers. A modular architecture was implemented, incorporating sensor data processing, path planning, and control algorithms to ensure responsive and adaptive vehicle behaviour. Both simulation and field tests were conducted to validate system performance, with results indicating reliable obstacle detection, effective trajectory tracking, and robust control response under various operating conditions. The successful realization of this mini autonomous vehicle project not only underscores the potential of accessible, cost-effective autonomous systems but also provides a solid foundation for future enhancements and applications in small-scale robotics.