Building your own simple robot cleaner using an Arduino microcontroller and common household items is an enjoyable electronics project that teaches valuable skills. With just a few affordable components, you can construct a wheeled robot that can sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors.
Gather the Required Electronic Components
The key ingredient for building your Arduino cleaning robot is the Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino Uno model is inexpensive but fully capable of powering your robot. You will also need:
- DC motors to drive the robot's wheels. Small geared motors are ideal.
- A motor driver to allow the Arduino to control the DC motors. The L298N dual H-bridge driver works well.
- Ultrasonic sensor to detect obstacles in the robot's path. The HC-SR04 is a common choice.
- A battery pack to power the electronics. A pack of 4-6 AA batteries with holder works fine.
- Jumper wires to connect the components together.
- A chassis to mount the components on. Laser-cut acrylic or wood works.
Optional parts like servos for controlling sweeping arms and bump sensors to detect collisions can also be added.
Construct the Chassis and Drive System
The chassis provides a framework to mount the components onto. For a simple rectangular robot, a chassis can be made from acrylic sheets and angle brackets.
The DC motors drive wheels on either side of the chassis. Use gears on the motors to reduce speed and increase torque. Mount the wheels on the ends of 3D-printed brackets or aluminum channels extending from the motors.
The motor driver circuit allows the Arduino to control power to the motors. Connect the driver inputs to Arduino digital pins so the motors can be turned on and off via code.
Add Features for Cleaning
Various end effectors for cleaning can be attached using brackets, glue, zip-ties, or tape:
- Broom bristles for sweeping dust and dirt. Stiff nylon bristles work best.
- Microfiber cloth for mopping and wiping surfaces. Attach a soaked cloth to drag behind.
- Vacuum motor with ducting to suck up debris. Salvage a motor from an old vacuum.
The ultrasonic sensor mounts on the front to detect objects ahead using sound waves. Connect the sensor trigger and echo pins to Arduino I/O.
Bump switches on the front, sides, and back can halt the robot on impact. Connect them to digital inputs like the ultrasonic sensor.
Program the Arduino With Cleaning Behaviors
After assembling the hardware, upload code to the Arduino to command the robot. Useful behaviors include:
- Driving forward while sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming
- Turning around when an obstacle is detected
- Pausing and backing up when bump switches are triggered
- Seeking out areas of a room that need cleaning
The Arduino language makes programming straightforward. The robot can be expanded by adding more sensors.
Conclusion
Constructing a simple cleaning robot with an Arduino is a fun DIY project using common components. With basic programming, the robot can autonomously sweep, mop, and vacuum floors. Start with a simple chassis and drive motors, then add cleaning tools and sensors. Useful skills in electronics, 3D printing, and coding are learned along the way. With some tweaking and refinements, your Arduino cleaning robot can dutifully tidy up your house!