June 11, 2026
Announcements >>
Announcements >>
Resource Persons:
Mr.Nagesh Kumar D.N
Mr.Madhukar.M
Workshop Dates
4A- 6/3/26, 13/3/26, 10/4/26,24/4/26, 8/5/26
4B- 5/3/26, 12/3/26, 9/4/26, 16/4/26, 30/4/26, 7/5/26, 14/5/26
Introduction to Robotics
A comprehensive workshop titled “Task based Hands-on Workshop on Embedded Systems using Firebird V Robot” was successfully organized and conducted on the above mentioned dates. The workshop was strategically divided into three core phases to give students a holistic hands-on experience:Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence to design, build, and operate robots.A robot is a machine capable of sensing its environment, processing information, and performing actions automatically or semi-autonomously.
Major Building Blocks of Robot
A robot is typically composed of several essential building blocks that enable it to sense, process,
and interact with its environment
Introduction to FireBird ATmega-2560 Platform
The ATmega2560 microcontroller serves as the central processing unit of the robot. It receives data from various sensors, processes the information, and generates control signals for the motor driver. The motor driver interfaces the controller with the DC motors, enabling movement of the robot. The LCD module provides real-time status information, while the wireless communication module facilitates
remote monitoring and control. A regulated power supply powers all subsystems of the robot
I/O on ATmega2560 and Buzzer Interfacing Input/Output (I/O) on ATmega2560
The ATmega2560 is an 8-bit AVR microcontroller with a large number of programmable Input/Output (I/O) pins. These pins can be configured either as inputs to receive signals from sensors and switches or as outputs to control devices such as LEDs, motors, and buzzers.
Features of I/O Ports
54 Digital I/O pins (15 PWM outputs)
16 Analog Input pins
Operates at 5 V logic level
Programmable as input or output through software
Internal pull-up resistors available for input pins
I/O Configuration
Input Mode: Reads signals from sensors, push buttons, and switches.
Output Mode: Sends signals to actuators such as LEDs, relays, and buzzers.
Interfacing motors with constant velocity
In robotic applications, motors are often required to run at a constant velocity to ensure smooth
and accurate movement. The ATmega2560 controls motor speed using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals through a motor driver such as L293D or L298N. By maintaining a fixed PWM duty cycle, the motor can operate at an approximately constant speed.
LCD Interfacing
Hardware Description of HD44780 16×2 Alphanumeric LCD
The HD44780 is a widely used LCD controller for alphanumeric displays. A 16×2 LCD can display 16 characters per line and consists of two display rows. The controller provides an easy interface with microcontrollers through command and data registers.
Features
16 characters × 2 lines display
Built-in HD44780 controller
5 V operating voltage
Supports 4-bit and 8-bit communication modes
Cursor and display control functions
Using LCD as output device for Firebird V: The Firebird V robot is equipped with a 16×2 alphanumeric LCD module based on the HD44780 controller. The LCD serves as an output device that enables the robot to communicate information directly to the user. It is interfaced with the ATmega2560 microcontroller and can display characters, numbers, symbols, and status messages.
Use the LCD to display a message using boot switch: The boot switch on the Firebird V robot acts as a digital input device. The ATmega2560 microcontroller continuously monitors the state of the boot switch. When the switch is pressed, the microcontroller executes the corresponding instruction and sends a predefined message to the LCD for display.