Design of Automated Guided Vehicle for Exam Control Room

Abstract

In many schoolsanduniversities, movingexampapersfrom thesecure control room to different classrooms is still done by hand. This manual process is not only tiring for staff but also carries risks like papers getting lost, damaged, or even leaked. This paper introduces the design of a simple, smart Automated GuidedVehicle(AGV) builtspecificallytosolvetheseproblems.Thegoalwasto create a \"robotic assistant\" that can carry heavy stacks of papers safely and automatically. The robot is designed using a line-following system, which allows it to follow a specificpathmarkedonthe floorofthebuilding.Tokeepitsafe,weequippedit with ultrasonic sensors that act like \"eyes,\" making the robot stop instantly if a person or an object gets in its way. The brain of the robot is a small, affordable microcontroller that coordinates the wheels and sensors to ensure it stays on track. Oneofthemostimportantpartsofthisdesignisthesecurestorageboxontop of the robot. This ensures that the exam papers remain confidential from the moment they leave the control room until they reach the exam hall. OurtestsshowthattheAGVisreliable,easytouse,andcanoperateforseveral hours on a single charge. By using this robot, institutions can make their exam days much smoother and more secure. It removes the stress of manual transport and ensures that the right papers get to the right place at the right time, every time. This project shows that automation doesn\'t have to be complicated to be incredibly useful in a school setting.

Introduction

The text describes the development of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) designed to safely and efficiently transport examination papers in schools and universities. The main problem addressed is the risk and stress involved in manually carrying exam papers, which can lead to delays, mistakes, or security breaches. The proposed solution is a smart robotic system that follows a predefined line path and delivers exam papers securely without human intervention.

The AGV operates using a microcontroller (such as Arduino) as its control unit, which processes inputs from IR sensors for line tracking and ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection. IR sensors help the robot follow a marked path, while ultrasonic sensors ensure safety by stopping the robot when people or objects are detected in its path. Motors and motor drivers act as the driving mechanism, enabling movement and load handling. A secure locked cargo box ensures that exam papers remain protected and accessible only to authorized teachers at the destination.

The system is designed to be simple, low-cost, and practical using commonly available components. It emphasizes safety, automation, and reliability in school environments.

Design calculations are used to determine load, force, torque, and motor requirements. For a 50 kg load, calculations show that approximately 0.5 Nm torque is required, and a 12V DC geared motor with suitable specifications is recommended. These calculations ensure the AGV can move smoothly and carry the exam papers safely.

The literature review shows that AGVs are widely studied using microcontrollers, IR sensors, PID control, and advanced navigation techniques like SLAM, but this project focuses on a simpler, cost-effective approach.

Conclusion

In the end, this project is about more than just building a robot; it is about making the high-pressure environment of examdays a little moremanageable and much more secure. By designing an Automated Guided Vehicle that is simple, affordable, and reliable, we’ve shown that technology doesn\'t have to be complicated to make a real difference. Our AGV successfullytakes over the stressful task of moving sensitive papers, ensuring they stay locked and safe from the moment they leave the control room until they reach the students. With its ability to follow a set path and stop instantly for safety, this \"robotic assistant\" protects the integrity of the exams while letting staff focus on their students instead of logistics. While this is just a starting point, it proves that smart automation can help modernize our schools, making them more efficient and secure for everyone involved. It\'s a small step toward a future where technology works quietly in the background to keep things running smoothly.

References

[1] M.P.Groover,Automation,ProductionSystems,andComputer-Integrated Manufacturing, 4th ed. Pearson, 2015. [2] J. J. Craig,Introduction to Robotics:Mechanics and Control, 3rd ed. Pearson, 2004. [3] I. F. A. Vis, “Survey of research in the design and control of automated guidedvehiclesystems,”EuropeanJournal of Operational Research,vol. 170, no. 3, pp. 677–709, 2006. [4] IEEE,“NavigationControlofAutomatedGuidedVehicles,”IEEETrans. Industrial Electronics.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Prof. S. G. Bawane, Bhairav Dawade, Taniya Kale, Devesh Baghele. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.