Introduction: Android APP to Control a 3DPrinted Robot

By EEZYrobots

This instructables is made to explain how to control one of my EEZYbotARM or EEZYbotDELTA using a Smartphone (or a tablet). This is made via Arduino board equipped with a bluetooth module, and an Android app made with MIT App inventor 2.

video:

In the video I use it to control my EEZYbotDELTA that is a 3Dprinted parallel robot and can be downloaded for free from my Thingiverse account here http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1249297 . Also my previous EEZYbotARM can be driven with. I made an instructables here http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1249297 and can be dowloaded for free here http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1249297

The code doesn't come from me but I have to give tribute to " Arduino Robotics LabVIEW Solidworks " that in this video explain very clearly to develop it. I modified it just to manage four servo only and add a splashscreen.

MIT Appinventor2 it's really a cool and simply way that allow you to make Android App. I made some, one is helpful for some calculation in 3DPrinting and can be found for free in my GooglePlay account https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app...

Step 1: Materials

Hardware that you need:

· an EEZYbot ( or 4 servos)

· an Arduino Uno or other Arduino types( Yes I used a clone but, if you can, please consider to use original items)

· Bluetooth module I used an HC-06 for this project but also an HC-05 can be used

· a breadboard (but not necessary)

· some connecting wires

· a smartphone or a tablet

· a PC for the code

Software

- EEZYservoDRIVE.ino ( firmware to install on your arduino board )

- EEZYservoDRIVE.apk ( Android app to install in your smartphone )

Attachments

Step 2: MAKE IT WORKS

How to make it works

Connect all the bot's servos following the Fritzing circuit diagram in attached picture. ( sometimes could happen servos jittering, so to avoid this, it is important to connect one ground pin of arduino to the ground of servos supply)

Connect arduino to the PC and transfer the arduino code to the board.

If everything works correctly you can see the red led of the Bluetooth module flashing. This mean that is ready but disconnected.

I supplied the servos using a dedicated board attached on the breadboard, this is a comfortable way but is not necessary, it is only important to supply them separately from the Arduino board. Servos have a supply range from 4,8 to 6 V .

Install the ready made apk on the smartphone, launch it, and after the splashscreen you will be asked for permission to turn on the Bluetooth of the phone (if OFF), press yes. (if already ON no request).

Now you are in the main screen of the APP

Press the Bluetooth logo and choose the *********HC-06

You return in the previous screen while the flashing red led on the bluetooth module turns to steady.

The text below the bluetooth button is now green and become CONNECTED.

Now (if everything works) you are able to move the bot wireless using the slides (and impress friends) :-)

It is a very simply app and for sure can be improved a lot, but it is a good starting point to explore other possibility.

Happy making !