How to Build a Remote Controlled Robot With Household Items
Introduction
Building your own remote controlled robot is a fun DIY project that can be done using common household items. It allows you to get hands-on experience with basic robotics and electronics. In this guide, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of constructing a simple remote controlled robot using materials you likely already have around the house.
Required Materials
To build your remote controlled robot, you will need the following materials:
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A cardboard box or plastic food container - This will form the body or base of your robot. Look for a box about 6 inches tall. You can cut and shape the box as needed.
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DC toy motor - This will power the drive wheels of your robot. A 3-6V motor is ideal. You can salvage these from old toys.
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Battery pack - A pack of 4 AA batteries connected together will power the motor. Make sure the battery pack voltage matches the voltage of your motor.
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Wheels - Plastic lids, bottle caps, or small disks can be used for wheels. The wheels should fit snugly on the motor shaft.
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Double sided foam tape - This will be used to mount the motor and wheels to the robot body.
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Wires and switch - You'll need hook up wire to connect the motor and battery pack. A simple switch can be used to turn the motor on and off.
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Remote control - A TV remote or other IR remote can be used to control your robot.
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Tape and glue - Use masking tape, duct tape, hot glue, or super glue to hold parts together.
Building the Drivetrain
The drivetrain is the mechanism that propels your robot. Here are the steps to assemble a simple two wheeled drivetrain:
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Attach plastic wheels to each side of the motor shaft using tape or glue. Press firmly to ensure a snug fit.
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Mount the motor near the front or back edge of your robot body using foam tape. Orient the motor so the axle runs perpendicular to the body.
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Underline this: Place a few strips of tape underneath the motor to act as a spacer. This will allow the wheels to spin freely.
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Run wires from the motor to your battery pack and switch. Red wire goes to positive, black to negative.
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Temporarily attach the battery pack and switch to test the motor. Adjust as needed to ensure your wheels spin properly.
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Once functional, you can securely glue or tape the motor, switch and wires in place on the top of your robot body.
Controlling your Robot
To control your robot remotely, you'll need a wireless remote of some kind. Here are two options:
TV Remote Control
Most ordinary television remotes use infrared light to send wireless signals. These signals can be detected using a phototransistor or IR receiver module.
To implement TV remote control, you'll need:
- IR receiver module
- Transistor and resistors for interfacing the receiver and motor
- Code for your TV remote buttons
By wiring the IR receiver to trigger your motor on and off, you can control your robot forward, backward, left and right using a TV remote. This takes some circuit knowledge but provides a low cost remote option.
Dedicated RC Remote
For an easier but more expensive solution, you can purchase a dedicated hobby RC remote and receiver. These operate on radio frequencies instead of infrared light.
A basic 2-channel RC system with a small pistol grip transmitter is perfect for controlling your robot. The receiver connects directly to your motor and comes pre-programmed with controls. This just requires connecting the receiver to your motor power - no coding needed.
Customizing your Robot
Here are some ideas for customizing the look and function of your homemade robot:
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Decorate the body with markers, stickers, cutouts, etc. Let your creativity run wild!
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Add LED lights that light up using the battery pack. Position them for eyes or running lights.
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Attach a pen or marker to draw as the robot moves.
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Add wire "antennas" or other structures using pipecleaners or wire.
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Upgrade to tank treads instead of wheels using rubber bands and cardboard.
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Add a second motor to control an arm or gripper.
The possibilities are endless - the key is experimenting to make your robot unique. The basic drivetrain gives you a platform to build upon as you advance your skills.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common issues and solutions you may encounter:
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Motor spins but wheels don't: Apply more tape or glue to the wheels so they grip the motor shaft tightly.
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Robot veers left/right: Check that both wheels are aligned perpendicular to the body. Balance by adding tape as needed.
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Remote has short range: Make sure there are no obstructions between remote and receiver. For IR remotes, operate in direct line of sight.
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Robot is slow/has no torque: Use fresh batteries in the battery pack. Make sure your batteries match the voltage of the motor.
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Loose wires or connections: Check all wires and connectors. Re-solder or firmly tape any loose connections.
Don't be afraid to take things apart, tweak the design, and re-build as you problem solve. Customizing and troubleshooting is part of the fun of DIY robotics!
Conclusion
Building a remote controlled robot out of household items is an enjoyable STEM project for kids and adults. With simple materials and basic tools, you can gain firsthand experience with electronics, mechanics, and robotics principles. Start with the drivetrain and then make it your own by customizing the body, controls, and functions. Fix any issues that come up and keep iterating. Robotics is a great way to learn by doing - so grab some household items and build yourself a robo-friend today!