Whether you’ve been inspired by the latest technologies in artificial intelligence like humanoid artist Ai-Da or you’re looking for a new venture in programming, making your own robot could be the project you’ve been waiting for.
Did you know that your car has probably been painted by a robot? To bring the fascinating possibilities of AI home, in this guide we’ll look at some entry-level robotics projects to try – and the equipment you’ll need to work with.
Getting Started
Whether you’re an experienced or novice coder, you’ll need a computer board to get cracking. Recommended for beginners and experts alike, the range of Arduino boards and modules caters to any programming goals, using a variety of microprocessors and controllers to make open-source hardware and software.
Both boards are equipped with sets of digital and analog input/output pins, allowing them to be interfaced to expansion boards, breadboards, or any other circuits. Once you’ve chosen your setup, it’s time to design your own robot – or take inspiration from one of these:
1. Line-Following Robot
This one requires some tricky steps in assembly but results in a determined and precise robot to be proud of. Perfect for introducing concepts of sensors and autonomous robots to children, the program for controlling this robot is written in Arduino-compatible software.
Make sure you follow your process carefully, and always keep motor wires on the inside, so they don’t collide with your robot’s wheels.
2. Football-Playing Robot
An exciting one to be tried by children and adults alike, setting up robots controlled via Bluetooth using Dabble could make for an entertaining project – perfect for bonding over the festive period. Control sticks on each robot through your mobile phone, and watch the action unfold in front of you.
3. Obstacle-Avoiding Robot
Offering another ingenious use of sensors, this robot will use an ultrasonic distance sensor alongside a servo motor to propel it forwards. You’ll be able to program how far ahead the robot can ‘look’ to scan its surroundings for obstacles, which it will then physically avoid on its course.
4. Smart Cleaning Robot
Here’s one Mum might learn to love: this project could leave your room more spotless than you’ve ever seen it. Sit down, relax, and pick up your remote control to let the robot do all the work! Just use Dabble and Pictoblox to complement your handiwork, and you’ll be good to go.
Whichever project you choose, your Arduino will be invaluable. Since both the Arduino Uno and Arduino Due can deliver programming instructions through either a PC or microcomputer, you’ll be able to send your robot specific, predetermined instructions. Once you’ve got all the kit, it’s gone time!
