Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)

A warehouse robot that autonomously followed routes, detected storage locations, lifted crates, and transported them without human intervention.

Organization

Northeastern University, Cornerstone Engineering

DateSpring 2025 · Academic Project

RoleMechanical Design & Lifting-System Development

Core SkillsFusion 360 · Arduino · 3D Printing · Robotics

Render of the autonomous mobile robot with its scissor lift — Fusion 360 render of the robot chassis and rack-and-pinion scissor lift.

ControlAutonomousLine tracking and obstacle sensing

Fabrication3D PrintedIterative mechanical components

SystemsIntegratedMechanical, electrical, and software systems

Project Overview

A complete autonomous material-handling prototype.

As part of Northeastern University’s Cornerstone Engineering program, my team designed and built an Autonomous Mobile Robot capable of navigating a warehouse environment, detecting storage locations, lifting crates, and transporting them to their destination without human intervention.

The project required us to combine mechanical design, electronics, programming, and manufacturing into a functional prototype while working within strict time and budget constraints.

Mechanical Design

Developing the scissor-lift system.

My primary responsibility focused on the robot’s mechanical design and lifting system. I designed and modeled components in Autodesk Fusion 360 and helped develop a rack-and-pinion-driven scissor lift capable of raising and lowering crates while maintaining stability.

Multiple design iterations were evaluated to improve strength, reduce friction, increase lifting performance, and simplify assembly. Components were 3D printed before being integrated with Arduino electronics, motors, sensors, and custom hardware.

Fusion 360 model of the rack-and-pinion scissor lift — Rack-and-pinion scissor lift modeled in Fusion 360.

Fusion 360 model of the full chassis and lift assembly — Full chassis and lift assembly, with a drive motor at each corner.

Iteration

Testing exposed what CAD could not.

Early prototypes revealed issues with component clearances, servo placement, structural rigidity, and friction within the lift mechanism. We repeatedly modified the CAD models, printed updated components, tested performance, and refined the system until the robot consistently completed its tasks.

Testing also led us to redesign portions of the warehouse layout and shelving to improve navigation and sensor reliability.

Scissor arms, rack, and pinion gear modeled as separate parts — Scissor arms, rack, and pinion gear, modeled as separate parts for 3D printing.

Final System

Mechanical and electrical systems working together.

The final robot integrated a scissor lift, line-following sensors, ultrasonic distance sensing, and an Arduino-controlled drivetrain into a single autonomous platform.

The project strengthened my understanding of mechanical design, rapid prototyping, interdisciplinary integration, and continuous improvement throughout product development.

The finished autonomous mobile robot with its red 3D-printed frame and scissor lift — The finished robot: printed frame, scissor lift, drive motors, and ultrasonic sensor.

The completed robot on the floor before a test run — Completed robot ready for a test run.

Arduino board and wiring inside the robot chassis — Arduino electronics and wiring inside the chassis.