Introduction: Map With Cardboard Overpass for Line Follower Robot

About: I like to build stuff (specially Arduino robots) with simple materials using DIY techniques and simple tools.

In order to have a bit more fun with my Makeblock mBot in line follower mode, I have created this custom map with a cardboard overpass.

Actually a map for a line follower robot is pretty simple to make. What I'll show here is how I made the overpass.

It can be replicated with simple materials and tools.

Some specifications: the overpass have about one meter of length; 20 cm of width on upper surface and 18 cm on the base. The gap have 20 cm of length and 10 cm of height on the internal walls.

Materials:

  • Card paper;
  • Cardboard;
  • Hot glue;
  • Black electrical tape;
  • White sticker paper;
  • Stick glue.

Tools:

  • Scissors;
  • Razor;
  • Ruler;
  • Pen;
  • Dish;
  • Something straight to guide assembly (I used an aluminum bar).

Step 1: Building the Overpass

First I have designed the laterals of the overpass and I made a template in card paper. With this template I did four parts with cardboard (two for each side).

I used the aluminum bar to assist in the union of the two parts that make up each side. With hot glue and a small piece of cardboard, I joined the two pieces.

I used a piece of cardboard to measure the arc of the gap. So I did the walls and the arc of the gap in one piece. Then I did some superficial cuts to facilitate the arc.

To support the upper sheets (of cardboard) and also maintain the correct distance between the sides, several spacers were placed internally.

After finishing the work with cardboard, pasted card paper with stick glue over the upper sheets of cardboard to reduce any ditches between a sheet and another. And to give it a nice finish I applied sticker paper.

Step 2: Installing the Overpass and Making the Map

The path is easily made with black electrical tape.

I used a dish to facilitate the production of the curves.

Step 3: Having Fun!

Now it's time to take a ride!