Ashton's Coding Projects
Hello, I am Asthon! I enjoy building robots and using coding to solve real-world problems. Starting with block-based coding helped me understand how to control my robots and test new ideas. Learning robotics has strengthened my problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, because I have to break big challenges into smaller steps and troubleshoot when things don’t work as expected. It has also taught me patience and creativity, since designing, building, and programming robots often requires multiple experiments and improvements. Through robotics, I’m learning how software and hardware work together, which helps me better understand technology and how it can be used to make everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
Bumper Car
I learned how to use LEGO Technic parts to design and build functional mechanical systems. By applying coding concepts such as conditionals (if-else) and integrating various sensors, I programmed my creations to respond dynamically to their environment. One example was a bumper car that automatically reverses when its front touch sensor detects a collision—mimicking real-world applications of obstacle detection used in autonomous vehicles and robotic systems to enhance safety and navigation.
Motor Controlled Escalator
I built a LEGO escalator controlled by the angle readings of a separate motor. The system uses the rotation of the first motor to dynamically regulate the movement of the escalator, enabling synchronized motion between the two components. This mirrors real-world motion control systems such escalators or moving walkways which can be synchronized with sensors or mechanical systems that respond to human movement or operational demand.
Color Activated Shooter
Having played at the arcade frequently, I decided to use the concepts of conditional statements, colour detection and output controls to create a secure and precise shooter that fires a shot when the colour sensor detects 2 specific colours in the coded order. This project demonstrates how sensor integration and conditional logic can be used to develop automated systems, with potential applications in intelligent defense technologies.
Infrared Activated Automated Car
I decided to create an automated car using LEGO Technic parts that can return to its original parking position after detecting an obstacle. This project simulates the logic behind autonomous parking systems found in modern vehicles. Using the concept of nested while loops with variables, I programmed the car to activate and begin moving when the touch sensor is activated. While in motion, the car continuously checks for obstacles using the infrared sensor. Once an obstacle is detected, the car automatically stops and reverses back to its starting point—mimicking a vehicle returning to its parking spot.
Touch Activated Lazy Susan
As someone who enjoys exploring hands-on engineering projects, I built a motorized Lazy Susan using LEGO Technic components. The system is designed to move only when the touch sensor is activated, adding a deliberate layer of user control. Once engaged, the platform rotates either clockwise or counterclockwise based on the distance detected by an ultrasonic sensor. By interpreting proximity readings to determine direction, the project demonstrates how sensor-driven logic can create responsive and interactive mechanical systems, similar to how automated platforms adjust movement based on environmental input
