Introduction: Easy to Make Robot - Power Automaton

Easy assembled Automaton Robot with a rocket figure. The circuit and 3D modeled by using Tinkercad.

Supplies

Tools:

  1. 3D printer
  2. Hot glue gun
  3. Soldering kit
  4. Computer
  5. USB DATA cable

Materials:

  1. 10 cm of 3.5 mm brass wire
  2. Small cloth of fabric
  3. PLA (a type of 3D printing filament)
  4. Glue

Electronics:

  1. U1 - Controller with 2 RT/RX pins (I use Arduino Nano for the interrupts)
  2. S1, S2 - Pushbuttons (2 in total)
  3. R3, R6 - 1 kΩ Resistors (2 in total)
  4. D3 - Green LED
  5. D4 - White LED
  6. M2 - DC Motor
  7. D5 - Diode
  8. T2 - NPN Transistor (BJT)
  9. R9 - 10 kΩ Resistor
  10. BAT3 - 9V Battery
  11. C2 - 100 nF Capacitor
  12. D1 - Blue LED
  13. D2 - Red LED
  14. R2, R1, R4 - 500 Ω Resistors (3 in total)


  • Note - I have decided to reconfigure the circuit to utilize two buttons. The controller now incorporates 2 RT/RX pins, as Arduino Nano manages the interrupts in this setup.

Step 1: Circuit Diagram

Materials Needed:

  1. U1 - Controller with 2 RT/RX pins (I use Arduino Nano for the interrupts)
  2. S1, S2 - Pushbuttons (2 in total)
  3. R3, R6 - 1 kΩ Resistors (2 in total)
  4. D3 - Green LED
  5. D4 - White LED
  6. M2 - DC Motor
  7. D5 - Diode
  8. T2 - NPN Transistor (BJT)
  9. R9 - 10 kΩ Resistor
  10. BAT3 - 9V Battery
  11. C2 - 100 nF Capacitor
  12. D1 - Blue LED
  13. D2 - Red LED
  14. R2, R1, R4 - 500 Ω Resistors (3 in total)


Assembly Steps:

  1. Assemble the circuit according to the circuit diagram: https://youtu.be/GmlbjBSrSPY
  2. Upload the code:

// Define pin numbers

const int L_red = A0;

const int L_blue = A1;

const int L_green = A2;

const int motorPin = 5;

const int B_motor = 3;

const int B_leds = 2;


// Define variables

volatile int motorState = LOW;

volatile int state = LOW;


void setup() {

 // Initialize serial communication

 Serial.begin(9600);

  

 // Set pins as outputs

 pinMode(L_red, OUTPUT);

 pinMode(L_blue, OUTPUT);

 pinMode(L_green, OUTPUT);

 pinMode(motorPin, OUTPUT);


 // Set pins as inputs with pull-down resistors

 pinMode(B_motor, INPUT_PULLDOWN);

 pinMode(B_leds, INPUT_PULLDOWN);


 // Attach interrupt to buttons

 attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterruptMotor(B_motor), buttonInterrupt, FALLING);

 attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterruptLEDS(B_leds), buttonInterrupt, FALLING);


 // Start with all output pins LOW

 digitalWrite(L_red, LOW);

 digitalWrite(L_blue, LOW);

 digitalWrite(L_green, LOW);

 digitalWrite(motorPin, LOW);

}


void loop() {

 }


void digitalPinToInterruptLEDS() {

 // Check the current state of each LED pin and switch it

 digitalWrite(L_red, !digitalRead(L_red));

 digitalWrite(L_blue, !digitalRead(L_blue));

 digitalWrite(L_green, !digitalRead(L_green));

 }


void buttonInterruptMotor() {

 // Toggle the motor state

 motorState = !motorState;


 // Set the motor pin to the new state

 digitalWrite(motorPin, motorState);

}



  • Note - I have decided to reconfigure the circuit to utilize two buttons. The controller now incorporates 2 RT/RX pins, as Arduino Nano manages the interrupts in this setup.

Automaton_circuit

Step 2: 3D Prints

Materials Needed:

Assembly Steps:

  1. Download and 3D Print the 90 Degree Gear Box: 3D print the components using a 3D printer.
  2. Prepare the Workspace: Clear a workspace to assemble the components.
  3. Identify Components: Separate and identify each label or marking on the components.

Fish_base

Automaton_mechnics

Circuit_Base

Step 3: Assembly

Materials Needed:

  • All the mention above

Assembly Steps:

  1. Assemble the Gears: Follow the instructions in the provided video to assemble the gears.
  2. Connect the Gear Box Components: Ensure a secure and proper fit for each component.
  3. Integration with Additional Components (Electronic circuit): with the gear box as needed.
  4. Testing: Before finalizing the assembly, perform a functional test to ensure that all gears and connected components operate as intended. Make any necessary adjustments based on the test results.
  5. Secure the Assembly: Once satisfied with the assembly and testing, secure all components in place with Hot Glue.
  6. Final Check: Double-check all connections, alignments, and fastenings. Confirm that the 90 Degree Gear Box functions smoothly and without any issues.
  7. Completion: Your assembly is now complete! If there are any additional steps or features specific to your project, ensure they are addressed.

Step 4: Decorate

To customize the robot and give it a unique touch, consider incorporating a distinctive rhythm in the LED lights or adding an extra element to infuse a personalized design.


And you're done !