Introduction: How to Build a Battlebot With Cardboard and Arduino

About: I build fun and awesome projects with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, ESP32 based boards.

I created battlebots using the Arduino UNO and cardboard was used to build the bodies. I tried to use affordable supplies and gave the kids creative freedom on how to design their battle bots. Battlebot receives commands from the wireless controller using joystick and nRF24L01 2.4GHz wireless module.

Step 1: Hardware and Materials

Hardware and Materials Required :

Arduino Uno + USB Cable :https://amzn.to/39cqZ3E

|| https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/KKmEYs7I9O

Arduino nano: https://amzn.to/2zMXJU8

|| https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/DGKYYswZIE

9v battery: https://amzn.to/2wPmnSP || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/KmKYdQw8Ii

Jumper wires: https://amzn.to/398mQhq || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/vK3hds7SAZ

NRF24L01+ 2.4GHz Wireless RF Transceiver Module: https://amzn.to/30xQlp4 || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/DmGEEnw9i4

9v Battery Clip Connector : https://amzn.to/32D4R0b || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/mvDdYsw98s

Cardboard : https://amzn.to/2zMXJU8

Natural Wood Craft Sticks : https://amzn.to/39rovPs || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/3mKYdbw8je

Mini Breadboard : https://amzn.to/2JujS9e|| https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/D3KhynuiIq

Dual Axis XY Joystick Module Arduino KY-023 : https://amzn.to/3gOcWFZ || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/vGmyRQu98T

DC Motor 1:48 Gear Ratio Smart Car Robot + Wheel : https://amzn.to/3drHmvx || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/GmDdYnfilm

L298N mini motor driver : https://amzn.to/2MoYeqI || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/3m3dYbTIjV

Switch: https://amzn.to/2upTngE || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/mG3yyNT8Oi

Male DC Barrel Jack Adapter for Arduino : https://amzn.to/2VwyKxx || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/K3DhRNwSlL

Hot Glue Gun : https://amzn.to/31sIko3 || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/GmvhYQ1ome

Soldering Iron Kit : https://amzn.to/3eHmp0i || https://sea.banggood.com/custlink/m3DYRAuL3k

Step 2: Build a BattleRobot

The idea behind this battlebot was to try to build a cheap as possible. I used cardboard for the body of robot instead of sheet metal, scissors instead of band saws, and hot glue instead of an ark of welder.

First, you need cardboard then cut out the shapes. If you dont like my design, you can design your own battlebot. Glue the pieces together except the top because we want to put the circuit into the body of battlebot.

Step 3: Programming the Battlebot and Controller

To program the arduino you will need the RF24 library installed. So download the files below and open arduino IDE. Go to Sketch -> Include Library -> Add.ZIP Library and import 'RF24.zip' into there.Next you'll have to connect the arduino UNO and upload 'Battle_Robot.ino' to the arduino. Now unplug the Arduino UNO and connect the Arduino Nano and upload 'Controller.ino' to the Arduino. Remember to change the 'board' and 'port' settings also.

Step 4: Wiring the Battlebot

In this project used 3 x 9 volt alkaline batteries for arduino uno, motors, and spinner. L298N mini motor driver was used for the control of the motors. It receives some 5V signals of the Arduino board, and provide higher voltages for the motors. It also allow the motors to run in both directions, depenting on the combination of those input signals. Each device was connected according to the wiring diagram.

After wiring the circuits, Then you simply glue them or double tape into the body of battlebot, along with your battery and arduino uno.

Step 5: Wiring the Controller

The following image shows the complete wiring diagram of transmitter using Arduino Nano. After connecting all components then I inserted all these components into the enclosure and sealed it completely using hotglue. NRF24L01 2.4 GHz Transceiver Module can be used for wireless communications at up to 100 meters.

Step 6: Test the Battlebot

Now, if all goes well, you should be able to control the battlebot with the controller. If the battlebot doesn't work at all you should check the connections of the nRF24L01.

It was fun building these battlebots! I hope this article helped open your eyes to the possibilities buried in all those everyday items around your house. Those boxes you throw away could become your next big project if you think about it.

You can subscribe my channel for the support.

Thank You.

Step 7: Battle Video