Bluetooth Robot... Fast, Cheap and Reusable

*Updated 2011-01-03: Added an additional video that demonstrates the EZ-Builder software.

Intro
This robot is the best platform at getting started in custom robotics. The parts used in this build, and the knowledge you learn can take you deeper into the robotics world! The EZ-B and EZ-Builder software will start you off nice and easy. There is plenty of room to grow with the EZ-B as your software and hardware solution. It won't take much to build impressive robotics to impress your family and friends.

Purpose
I've received many questions on how to start getting into robotics... People see my completed projects and think it is too difficult for them. Well this instructable is going to change all that!

Building this robot with the EZ-B board and the free software will get you started onto bigger and better things. The parts from this robot can be recycled to use in your future projects.

Parts
1 x EZ-B Board
http://www.ez-robot.com/Shop/View.aspx?id=1

EZ-Builder Software
http://www.ez-robot.com/EZ-Builder

1 x Tamiya Bulldozer Kit
http://www.hvwtech.com/products_view.asp?ProductID=57

2 x modified gws servos for drivetrain
http://www.hvwtech.com/products_view.asp?ProductID=877

1 x gws servos for head
http://www.hvwtech.com/products_view.asp?ProductID=878

1 x sharp gp2d05 distance sensor
http://www.hvwtech.com/products_view.asp?ProductID=88

1 x battery pack
http://www.hvwtech.com/products_view.asp?ProductID=1206

Tools
- Hot Glue Gun
- Flat head Screwdriver
- Small Side Cutters

Video
The video will show in detail how each step is taken. It might be best to watch the video before executing the photo steps.


Assembly Video

EZ-Builder Demo Video 

Step 1: Assemble Bulldozer

Put the bulldozer together by combing my video instructions and the directions in the box.

Don't go any further then i have demonstrated.

Step 2: Modify Wheel

The wheel needs to be modified to fit the servo.

You will need to modify the wheel by cutting out the inner axel support. Then use a flat head screw driver to carefully pick away any petruding peices. Make the surface nice and flat.

When you purchase a servo, it will come with various fittings. Find the fitting closest to the size as I demonstrated, and modify it to fit inside the wheel.

Insert the servo fitting inside the wheel that you have modified.

Do this for two wheels.

Put wheel on servo.

If you are lost, watch the video.

Step 3: Fit the Servo and Glue

Assemble the tractor tread and temporarily fit the servo. Hold it with your finger to align it correctly.

It may help to use a Marker to mark the fitting position.

Use a Hot Glue Gun to secure the servo to the frame.

Step 4: Head Peice

Attach the Standard Servo to the front of the tractor chassis by a glue gun, and then a twist tie.

Glue the Sharp IR Distance Sensor to an appropiate servo fitting.

Check video if you need help.

Step 5: EZ-Builder

Download the EZ-Builder software for free from http://www.ez-robot.com/ez-builder

1) Install the EZ-Builder Software

2) Run the EZ- Builder Software

3) Add a Communication Control

4) Add a Movement Control

5) Add a Horizontal Servo Control

6) Click the connect button

7) Use the movement panel and servo panel to control your robot.


There are many other Controls available in the EZ-Builder software package. Such as Radar Scanner and Scripting.

Voila! :)

Comments

[Sai Sathvic]

where will it EZ-B Baord..because i'm from india and i'm not able to find it..so anyone can give me the link address of any online shopping! please! i'm in urgent!!

[robotmaker]

i am getting ready to make the WALL-E you have under robots ,i bought same one for $50 on ebay,can any camera work for it
getting you EZ-ROBOT controller from makershed

[Electrodude]

How much does it cost and could you get it to play music?

[Chowmix12]

Can your computer software be used with an arduino?

[djsures]

No, arduino is something different. However, the EZ-B V3 bluetooth robot controller is compatible with arduino sheilds :)

[inbox.jason]

Wow - totally impressed that you have developed your own dev board for robotics. I read some of the above comments and looked at your web site, and it's clear that you know what you're doing! Totally blown away tbh!!
Some questions...
*What made you decide to create your own environment like this? Something along these lines would have made my life soooo much simpler a year ago!
*Why no linky to your website or promotion as such?
*Could you mass produce and get this into schools etc etc as this would be absolutely perfect to learn the basics of robotics/programming.
*Would you be willing to share some of the processes involved in creating a robotics platform esp. the design of the motherboard
*What microcontroller are you using?

Why no arduino?!? (Kidding ;-)
Totally impressed and inspired by this! Apologies for the wot!

[djsures]

Thanx jason!

I started the project because i was having trouble keeping up and answering e-mail requests for help. From my other robots, I've been receiving emails for years asking where to start, etc.. I didn't notice anything being done to introduce people to the microcontroller/robotics world. At least nothing that allows for the transition from beginner to advanced.

The EZ-B project has the ability to start very simple by using the EZ-Builder software, and move all the way up to building autonomous and remote control robots like on my website. I also release the code for most of them, so anyone can do it :)

I guess i'm a bit too modest and didn't feel that my name would matter much to the popularity of the project. Maybe i'll try it out and see how its received :) Thanks for the idea.

The board isn't being mas produced, i'm only doing 50 at a time. I'm currently sold out, and taking the break to work on version 2. It should be released sometime this week. It has a more powerful voltage regulator and a cleaner configuration. It's really just a hardware upgarde, not software. The software will always be compatible with every future version of the board, i suspect.

I wouldn't know where to start on introducing this to schools. It's been mentioned to me before also. I have been unsure on the how to direct marketting for the project. I'm far too technical LOL. Maybe someone will volunteer to help push this project into schools.

The EZ-B board is actually quite simple. The cost of the PCB itself is very minimal, at around $15 each. The real cost is in the parts and assembly. I mean, this thing comes with a bluetooth module AND a usb bluetooth dongle AND its assembled AND it has 20+ I/O AND it can handle 14 servos AND it has 10 ADC and and and and :)

The microcontroller is a Pic 18F4685 @ 40 mhz by PLLx4. It's a very fast processor with a lot of hardware support, which is why it exceeds what ATMEL (arduino) is capable of. Also most of the code is in assembler, which allows for the crazy ammount of functionality and speed.

I could probably even lower he price if there were more sales. Then I could by larger stock of the peripherals. I had thought about contacting some online robotic websites to sell it.

I just wish i had more time :) Amongst my other hobbies, i barely have enough time for sleep LOL

Thanks for the compliments and good luck with your projects!
DJ

[inbox.jason]

Hi DJ, thanks for your reply!
I've had another look at your EZ-Board and I'm still impressed as hell!
Got a few more ideas/questions for you.
Why no AC power source?
The price seems a little high, but considering you're creating these yourself I think it's justified. The fact that color vision and voice recogition is inbuilt make up for the higher cost.
What's the power output of each of the IO pins.
What about some sort of case, leaving only the pins exposed, this will allow children to plug and play.
As far as schools go, I've done some asking around and it would more than likely have to be professionally manufatured and tested before it could be used in a school. Not sure if you've seen the link below, but Oomlout is a small company specialising in robotics components for end users, and it may be worth contacting them as they'd probably be able to assemble a few kits and get the ball rolling as it were.

Good luck with this, it's definitely something worth pursuing!

Jason

https://www.instructables.com/id/Open-Manufacturing-How-to-Build-30-SERB-Kits/step3/Materials-and-Suppliers/

[djsures]

thans jason. there is a company locally that i'm going to be speaking with shortly regarding mass production. i have a contact at a local college and would be speaking with them eventually also.

the power output on the pins is +5v @ 3.5 amps . there are two voltage regulators, one for the pins and one for the chip. the servo pins have an alternate power source plug if desired.

i'd most definetly not consider the price as being high at all. in fact, i have received feedback from buyers who think its too cheap compared to what is out there. the fact that i include an sdk with a billion support modules and a free gui for non programmers. also it comes with the bluetooth antenna, and a usb bluetooth dongle... plus it is assembled and fool proof.

i'm 100% i didn't cut any corners on this thing :) and its sellin fantastic with great feedback. i can't stop smiling and feeling great about it

also, the no power is because ppl can chose their own power source.. batteries? ac adapter? its up to the user...

this board isn't designed to replace lego mindstorms :) .. it's a hobbyist board

[djsures]

"no a picaxe" is not a complete sentence or thought :) can you expand?

i can tell you are trying to compare "picaxe" to ez-b. its unforteante you commented before reading my reply to the this thread. you were to quick on the trigger to push the reply button :) . since you didn't take the time to investigate what you tigerbomb were replying too.

i don't feel like re-typing what ez-b is again, or what ez-builder is. but maybe you'll demonstrate diligence by reading on your own. robotics and electronics attract intellegent minds... prove to me and other readers that you are able to thoroughly understand before making empty comments. :) look forward from hearing back from you.

[tech123456789]

Yeah i was in a hurry to write that.
I guess i like to use picaxe because its easier to program and cheaper.
Oh yeah,I forgot to mention i like this instructable. 5 stars

[djsures]

do you think picaxe is easier then this? http://www.ez-robot.com/EZ-Builder/

[tech123456789]

Well, i did not know it was that easy to program.

[djsures]

:)

[tech123456789]

One thing:Do I have to keep ez-builder on in order for the robot to run?

[djsures]

www.ez-robot.com explains it. you can either use ez-bulder or the ez-sdk. your robot is controlled entirely by the pc. your code doesn't reside on the ez-b. the ez-b is more like a dumb terminal for your hardware. gives you the freedom and benefit of a graphical control on your pc, rather then making some remote control box.

also, the ez-sdk and ez-builder have features that are very difficult to do with a microcontroller. for example, the Voice Recognition, Camera Color Recognition, Voice Synthesis aaaaaaand quite a few other little features :)

[tech123456789]

OK Thanks!

[djsures]

anytime :)

[D5quar3]

This is awesome I wish I had the money for your micro controller, personally I prefer Arduino because it is open source and there is a whole realm of people using it so I can get a lot of help because i am a beginner. Now i have a Arduino project i am working on but i will definitely recommend this to people.

[djsures]

Thanx dude. The only thing not opensource about the EZ-B is the communication DLL. And that code is hidden for one simple reason: I don't need anyone messing with it and screwing it up hahah :)

Anyone who codes against the SDK DLL can release their code opensource, if they wish. Much like anyone with the Arduino doesn't have to release their code. Oh politics!

best of luck with the Arduino!