An “Arduino” is a micro-controller that really makes robotics a lot easier and fun to create. First designed in 2005 by an Italian company, these single boards were originally intended for students learning robotics.
The board consists of standardized connectors, which allow a whole host of interchangeable add-on modules (shields) to be used. It’s like the brains of a computer that you can add inputs (like sensors) and outputs connections (like motors) to.
Arduinos are not limited to student robotics. In fact, you’ll find them anywhere there’s automation, from telescope observatories to weather stations to smart home functions.
We’re going to learn how to transform an inexpensive Arduino board into a fully functioning autonomous robot with sensors, just like the one in the image above. This will take several steps, so watch the videos in order so you don’t miss a thing.
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In this video, we’ll go over what will be covered during the various 2 wheel robot build, the tools you’ll need to complete the build, and other important information.
To begin with, we’ll build the motor shield for the robot. Next, we’ll build the chassis for the robot and install the Arduino and the motor shield. Then, we’ll build the line sensor and install it into the robot. At this point we’ll install the Arduino IDE and begin testing the robots motors and the line sensor. And finally, we’ll build the PING sensor, install it into the robot, and then test the servo motor and the PING sensor to make sure they are working as they should.
To complete the robot build you’ll need the following tools (if you’ve completed other projects from Unit 14, you’ll probably have most of these already):
- 2 Wheeled Arduino Robot Kit. The circuit boards used to be available as a build-it-yourself-kit, but now it only comes pre-assembled. You’ll want to review the videos in detail first to get familiar with the parts you’ll need.
Here are the alternate links to get the most important parts:
- 2-wheel chassis from Jameco or DF Robot
- Arduino UNOÂ Microcontroller
- Motor Drive Shield For Arduino
Tools:
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Wire Cutter
- Wire stripper
- Small pair of pliers
- Soldering Iron
- Solder
- Digital multimeter
- Jump wires
- Standard USB cable to connect the Arduino to the your computer (A to B)
- And possibly a drill and a 1/4th inch drill bit. I had to use a drill to make one hole on the chassis larger, you may need to do this as well.
- You’ll need to get a micro B USB cable to connect the Arduino to the your computer.
After you’ve built your robot, you can add these optional, additional items (these are not required for building the robot):
- DSS-P05 Standard Servo (optional)
- URM37 V5.0 Ultrasonic Sensor (optional)
- Ultrasonic Mounting Bracket (optional)
- Infrared Distance Sensor Bracket (optional)
I also want to point out a few things before we get started:
- During the motor shield build, be sure to save the excess leads that you cut off. We’ll be using those during the line sensor build. ([Note: the kit is no longer available, so you will not be building the Motor Shield, but rather purchasing one presoldered.]
- You may also need to get some additional straight pin strip header. Look for 0.100 inch or 2.54 mm.
Let’s get started!
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You can get both of those from Jameco. I would connect with them directly (they have excellent support service by phone) and tell them exactly what you need and they should be able to give you the right part number. Just read the info from the sheet and they can look it up in their huge catalog and make suggestions. If you can wait a week, I will be returning to my computer and help you with this if you need it.
Great! Thank you! Last 2 items that don’t have links and I can’t figure out where to get the exact ones-hookup wire in the appendix list and the 2 types of ribbon cable mentioned.
I am sorry you’re having trouble getting parts. I didn’t realize they had discontinued so many of the parts so quickly. I’ll see if I can update the missing links for you. The DF robot 2WD link should work (hit REFRESH to get the latest page updates). I was able to put one in my shopping cart just now. And yes, the 4WD one you found will work also. Is there anything else you’re unable to find?
As you can see, I am totally challenged in this area but my son is not and so I am spending the time to order all of these parts! Looks like I found everything in different places but still can’t find what would be the exact match for the ribbon cable 5 way 10″. Also, is this the four wheeled chassis we can use: https://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=2229212 ? Thanks so much for your patience and help!
Some of the parts listed are discontinued (QTR-1A Reflectance sensor), DFRobot chassis- both links say unavailable. A few others have either no links listed or when you click on the MAKER link it doesn’t have a product linked to it.
Yikes! Didn’t realize that we still had broken links. Also make sure you look at the Radio Shack replacement sheet, and I’ll get you updated info for the Arduino.
Are you still working on an updated shopping list with links for this project? Some of the links don’t link to an actual product. Thank you!
We had to update the parts list due to the manufacturer discontinuing certain parts. You should be able to do the video with the new parts list and the old video. If you have questions, just ask!
header pins are $16 each on amazon and you need three but they are $.40 on this site https://www.pololu.com/checkout?cart_id=1J436097&guest_ok=1&session_id=c08af5b84a7bba84861ec9c10b44cd1c
the video says to use the Leonardo chip but the parts list shows the uno. which are we using?
Yes, and we are working on info for you as well as new parts list and order links. 🙂
apparently the motor control shield for arduino is no longer made. they have a new one http://www.adafruit.com/products/1438 but it looks different. can this be used as well?
Thanks for letting us know! I am in the middle of creating a new parts list that replaces all the Radio Shack parts on our website, and I can add this to our list as well. We do have kits that have everything you need for most of the electronics projects (it’s in the Science Mastery Diamond), however since the Arduino project is new (and expensive), it has not been added to the program. However, all the other projects in Unit 14 are included in this program.
We have been attempting to get the parts for this project, but have had the worst time. The Makeshed robot was out of stock, so we attempted to piece it together. I do not speak electronics. My boys do not have experience. I did get a couple sets that together would make a robot–with additional kits. Of course, we didn’t get the Leonardo. Or the motor shield. We are now waiting on these.
May I suggest a more detailed shopping list?
In the hours I have spent on Jameco I have discovered that you could make a kit for your projects and they would ship them out with what is needed. This would be a God send even if it cost more.
I’m still not sure if we will have everything once our latest order arrives. Is there a way for you to put up a detailed list?
I’ll have my team contact you right away!
I have received a message that I do not have access to the advanced project pages. How do I get access? Thanks.
Looks like they’ve moved the page. It’s been updated now… thanks for your eagle eye!
Hi, Aurora!
The link you showed for the Arduino kit for MAKE does not work.
All it shows is “404
Page not found
Looks like that link is broken. This might be because you mistyped the URL, we moved a file, or you’re following a bad link.
Try a search to find what you’re looking for”.
Is there any other website that sells the kit?
Sure thing! You can order one from Jameco at this link.
Hello! The Arduino Leonardo w/Headers is listed as out of stock on the Make and Arduino websites. I prefer to shop for parts rather than purchase a Maker kit. Can we use an alternative Arduino board for the project? Thank you!