Super Simple Beginners Robot!

'''ROBOT VIDEO'''
Here is an offsite link to the video while YouTube is processing the embedded version...

I created this Instructable for the absolute n00by robot wannabe. I have noticed a huge jump in the number of beginners getting into the hobby and the number of "how do I" questions seem to be mounting. Maybe this humble little Instructable will help one or two create their first robot. You will find basic source code at the end of this Instructable.

Don't panic at the number of steps... I broke the robot down into many tiny little steps for ease of following.

This little robot is nothing more than a simple plywood platform that carries a couple of modified model airplane servos as the main drive system, a microcontroller and a IR sensor. I designed in plenty of room to expand and add on. You should be able to build it in about 3 hours if you have the parts on hand.

The microcontroller I chose is the OOPic R. I picked this micro because the dozens of built in objects and sample codes make it easy for the beginner to get up and running quickly. They can be found from any of the major robot parts suppliers for usually less than 60 bucks. Get the starter kit as it has a programming cable and battery clip included.
You can use any microcontroller as long as you can plug a servo directly into it (that shortens the list, lol).

The servos listed are all Hitec HS-311 model airplane servos found at nearly any hobby shop for less than 10 bucks in some cases.

The IR sensor is a Sharp GP2D12 Analog unit available from Digikey (www.digikey.com). Any of the GP2D12XXX analog series will do the job.

The Tailwheel is a simple Dubro .20-.40 model airplane 1" wheel with mount. Pick one up at the hobby shop where you get your servos.

The wood base is a scrap piece of 1/4 inch birch plywood and the servo / sensor mount is a scrap piece of just about anything wooden. I used a piece of fir.

I made the billet aluminum wheels myself but you can use any wheel designed for servo attachment.

The rest of the robot consists of a few screws and some electrical standoffs.

Without the SPECAIL add on at the end it cost me about $95.00 USD. The special step adds about 50 bucks.

Be nice as it is my first Instructable.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Here is a list of what you will need to build the Super SImple Robot!

Parts list:
-ooPic R Microcontroller (http://www.thebotshop.com/)
(note - You can use whichever microcontroller you are comfortable with)
-Sharp GP2D12 With wired JST connector
-Billet Aluminum Wheels/Tires (or equivelent)
-Hitec HS-311 Servos, Modified
-Super Glue
-.5 X 1 inch Double Sided Tape
-1/4 inch Plywood and a piece of scrap wood
-Dubro .20-.40 RC Airplane Tailwheel assmbly
-Misc. spaces/standoffs and screws/nuts-9 Volt battery
-Heat shrink tubing 1/16 x 3 inches
-3 standard female crimp pins (do not panic if you cant get them)
-Paint *optional
-9 volt battery

Tools:
-Misc Small Screwdrivers
-Needle Nose Pliers
-Drill and bits
-Saw
-Soldering Iron
-Solder
-Sandpaper
-Sharp Pencil
-Ruler

Total Cost approx. $95.00 USD
Time to Build approx. 2.5 - 3 hours

Comments

[Hanan2002]

Where should I paste these source codes?

[anurag rock]

nice robot real...

[Sassah122]

Awesome

[anhaarajaz]

Please give me a link to bye all these parts

[Geekaton]

Is this a wall avoiding robot??

[WorldOfTanks]

did you model it after a boe bot? thats awsome

[vicky666]

what is a Dubro .20-.40 RC Airplane Tailwheel assmbly because it is the only thing i haven't got!THNX!

[BIGBUG]

V666,

You will find it in the pictures and in the assembly instructions. If you need to buy one try this link for the bracket --> http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD850&P=7 and this link for the wheel --> http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD811&P=M . Both are usually available in any good local hobby store.

Don't forget, you can use any microcontroller that you have to control this robot. Let me know if you need help when it gets to that point.

I always enjoy a new rating... (hint) lol 

BB

[ajapope]

i need your help ASAP

[tmj61]

Hi BIGBUG

you say we can use any microcontroller we want? Will your code work with an arduino?

[BIGBUG]

Sure, although not sure why you would wanna use one... but hey that is just me.

Check this out --> http://oopicraptor.blogspot.com/

[bigjeff5]

Oopic seems to be a lot more expensive than the arduino, and pretty much dead as far as commercial support/development goes.

These days you can build a functioning USB based Arduino for under $5 (~2.50 if you do without the USB to UART).  See http://shrimping.it/blog for more info.  If you can do this project then you can probably build the Shrimp too pretty easily.

[ajapope]

HI I LIVE IN THE USA AND I CAN`T FIND A LINK TO BUY THE OOPIC R MICROCONTROLLER......... CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!!!


MY E-MAIL IS [e-mail]

thanks :)

[rsmaudsley]

The referenced website above it just a web development company. Nowhere to order robotic parts.

I like this project and I've been wanting to get in to robotics and Arduino.

[Master anuroop]

Hi , i am from india and i want to know where can i get the parts of robbot because i can't afford t buy anything from abroad

[rrsasuke24]

Same problem here too,bro..
its not about the affordability, they wont just ship you some common parts!! :(
And its very hard to find 'em in India! :(

[shade450]

http://robokits.co.in

[deen abdul]

for what this robots is mainly used for?

[vadipp]

I'd say for fun. But they may develop into some project which really does useful stuff. It's only limited by one's imagination.

[deen abdul]

for this kind of robots are mainly used for?

[BIGBUG]

Just a note for my fans... I have started the process of kitting this robot. All aluminum chassis, ooPic basic language controller and a built in speech system.

Watch my website for details: http://babblebot.net

[taduolis15]

i want to make this in a pc mouse housing, im going to use dc motor and i was wondering if you could help me with the elektric part cuz im good in programing.
so i need the brai to be small. could you like tell me which one to get or how to make it?? THX

[spazgadget]

MWAHAHAHAHA! mine has a HAMMER!

[vicky666]

have u got a simpler robot than this as i need to make 1 in school for a project.

[BIGBUG]

Yes I do, several matter of fact.

What do you want, SIMPLE or CHEAP?

What do you want it to do?

What do you know about robotics?

What do you know about programming?

What is the goals?

Answer by private message please

BIGBUG

[BIGBUG]

OK, followers and the lucky passers by... there have been a few comments that indicate that this robot project could be even more simple.

I will leave it up to you, the viewer.

Tell me what you want in a Super Simple (CHEAP) Beginners Robot and I will do a brand new 'ible on it.

You have until December 8th, 2010 to either respond to this comment or send me a message on 'ibles... Do your best.

[tmj61]

Hey I have what might be a stupid question, but how do you controle the robot? Is there a remote?

[BIGBUG]

AHHHH I have been waiting for nearly two years for this question to come up.

The short answer is that you do not control this ROBOT, you write some very simple oopic basic code and upload to the robot which then runs autonomously.

The stab at the NEW robot culture... NO, it is not a robot if it has a remote control. I am an old fart comparativly and I don't care what the younger robotics crowd believes, nor do I care what the media crams do our throats. A robot is a fully autonomous object that goes about it's business based on its programmed criteria and sensory input.

Good question tmj61 and no, my stab was in no way directed towards you.

Thank you.

BB

[[considerd]]

ya___



___really simple

[BIGBUG]

LOL... This robot is as simple as you can get and still end up with a robot that you get to program to do what you want done...

Really, if you can cut, glue and screw things together you can build it.

[account3r2]

Super simple...? If that is simple, I am looking for a super super simple cheap project.

[BIGBUG]

As far as home made basic robots go the SSBR is very simple and easy to build.

If you are looking for cheap then design your own microcontroller based on any small pic or atmel attiny chip. It is easy to do...

[m4_prashanth]

I want to know from where did u got the board, Is it from e-bay? please state me i am hoping to do this one.

[BIGBUG]

By the 'Board' I assume you mean the ooPic R microcontroller... that I purchased at The Bot Shop.

http://thebotshop.com

[macwhiz]

Can I use 360 degree servos for the wheels?

[BIGBUG]

I don't think so as a servo would not make an efficient wheel... a bit square for my taste. LOL I had to do it...sorry.

I think you meant "Can I use a 360 degree servo to DRIVE the wheels" and the answer is YES.

[Nywies]

What kind of battery is that?

[BIGBUG]

9 Volt Battery. Available anywhere batts are sold.

[walkercreations]

What did you use for your standoff material?

[BIGBUG]

Off the shelf nylon 4-40 standoffs from digikey.