Autonomous Ball Navigation Simulator

Inspiration

This project was inspired by how autonomous robots navigate through structured environments like warehouses or competition fields. I wanted to recreate the concept of spatial navigation and depth perception using Scratch. Instead of building a simple 2D maze, I aimed to simulate a more immersive perspective-based environment.

What it does

The project simulates a navigation system where a player controls a ball moving through a maze. It creates a pseudo-3D depth effect using scaling and layered clones. The objective is to successfully navigate through the maze environment using arrow key controls.

How we built it

The simulator was built using Scratch’s cloning feature, coordinate manipulation, and proportional scaling. A continuous input loop handles real-time movement, while mathematical scaling adjusts the position of layered maze clones to create a depth illusion. Brightness and size adjustments were used to enhance perspective rendering.

Challenges we ran into

One of the main challenges was creating a convincing 3D depth effect using only 2D sprites. Balancing movement speed and scaling values required multiple adjustments. Ensuring that the perspective remained consistent across all clones also required careful debugging.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud of successfully implementing a pseudo-3D navigation system entirely in Scratch. The use of proportional scaling to simulate depth demonstrates a strong understanding of coordinate systems. Creating a smooth and responsive movement experience was also a major achievement.

What we learned

Through this project, we learned how coordinate systems and scaling influence spatial simulation. We gained experience using cloning to build layered visual effects. Most importantly, we understood how mathematical relationships can be applied to simulate robotics-inspired navigation.

What's next for Autonomous Ball Navigation Simulator

Future improvements include adding collision detection, scoring systems, and timed challenges. We also plan to implement sensor-style logic or autonomous pathfinding features. Expanding the simulator into multiple levels would further enhance realism and engagement.

Built With

• scratch