AI ROS1 Mecanum Wheel Robot with 5-DOF Robotic Arm & Jetson Nano Computing | Autonomous AI Vision STEM Platform for Education & Research | Supports OpenCV, TensorFlow & MoveIt for Object Detection, Path Planning & LiDAR-Based Navigation

AI ROS 1 Mecanum Wheel Robot with Robotic Arm is a comprehensive autonomous learning platform that combines AI vision, SLAM navigation, and motion manipulation for education and research. It uses Jetson Nano GPU computing for deep-learning inference and ESP32 for real-time motor control, enabling smooth coordination between driving, mapping, and arm operation. The AI camera captures live video to perform object detection and pose recognition using OpenCV and TensorFlow algorithms. LiDAR and IMU sensors create accurate SLAM maps for autonomous navigation and balance control.

The robot arm integrates five degrees of freedom with MoveIt-based kinematics to execute picking, sorting, and placement tasks. Students can visualize motion planning and collision avoidance in RViz while testing path optimization in Gazebo. The Mecanum wheel structure delivers true omni-directional movement — forward, lateral, diagonal and rotation in place — making it ideal for complex manipulation and navigation projects.

ROS 1 architecture handles topic communication, sensor synchronization, and service calls to manage multi-process interaction between vision, drive and arm nodes. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules enable real-time data exchange and remote telemetry for AIoT applications. AI students develop skills in Python and C++ to create ROS nodes, publish/subscribe data streams, and design machine-learning controllers.

The chassis is constructed from CNC aluminum with four high-torque motors and PID closed-loop feedback for stability and precision. The platform supports AI model deployment directly on Jetson Nano, enabling real-time vision analysis and decision making without cloud dependency. Universities and research labs use this system to teach ROS workflow, manipulator control, SLAM navigation, and AI-based automation in a practical project-oriented environment.