Implementation of a personal riding robot with a magnetic compass sensor using a smartphone interface

In the paper, a smartphone-controlled riding robot based on a compass sensor is developed. A smartphone-controlled riding robot system using a magnetic compass sensor makes a riding robot move with heading direction of a smartphone is controlled by a rider. The smartphone-controlled riding robot system gives an interface that is more intuitive than controlled by pushing a button through using a compass sensor. As well, a magnetic compass sensor is used to compensate for the mechanical characteristics of motors mounted on the riding robot. We propose absolute direction method for controlling a riding robot. Experimental results show that the riding robot is conveniently and effectively controlled by the proposed two methods based on magnetic compass sensor.