Ever wanted to build your own robot but didn't know where to start? Here is your
chance! I will outline step by step exactly what to do to build a robot
for under $50. Remember, if you ever have any questions or need help, just send a post
to the robot forum.
Here is a video playlist of what the robot will do when you are finished. Enjoy =)
The robot is programmed to be a photovore and is therefore trapped in a 'box' of sunlight coming
in through my window.
Now that you have detailed instructions easy enough for a beginner,
you now have no excuses. Go make your robot! =P
Step 1 - Basics
In this part, we will talk about the motivation behind building such a robot,
what you will learn in this tutorial series, what the robot will be able to do,
and the parts required to be purchased.
Step 2 - Mechanics
In step two, we will build the chassis of your robot. This part can mostly
be done with parts around your house, and has room for creativity
on your part. There are many ways to do this, I offer only one of them.
Step 3 - Electronics
The electronics steps
(A,
B, and
C)
will be the most expensive and most difficult. Few of the parts
can be found around your house, and electronics itself can be difficult without
a good understanding in the basics. I will do my best to guide you step by step to build
your robot controller. In this step we will do all the wiring to build the brains and
sensors of your robot.
Step 4 - Programming
Now that you have done the hard part, sit back and relax as programming will be simple.
Better yet, this step is 100% free! Download the software, plug in your robot,
upload the code to the robot controller, and away it goes!
Bonus! Microcontroller Upgrade
This quick tutorial will teach you why and how to upgrade your $50 Robot microcontroller
to work faster and store larger programs.
Bonus! Line Following
I rebuilt the chassis and used a single photoresistor to do line following with the $50
Robot electronics.
Bonus! UART Tutorial Step-by-Step
This addition to the UART tutorial gives you practical step-by-step instructions on
how to add UART functionality for any AVR based robot - including your $50 Robot.
Bonus! Bootloader Tutorial Step-by-Step
This addition to the bootloader tutorial (coming soon!) gives you practical step-by-step instructions on
how to add bootloader functionality for any AVR based robot - including your $50 Robot.