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:

Building the Drivetrain

The drivetrain is the mechanism that propels your robot. Here are the steps to assemble a simple two wheeled drivetrain:

  1. Attach plastic wheels to each side of the motor shaft using tape or glue. Press firmly to ensure a snug fit.

  2. 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.

  3. Underline this: Place a few strips of tape underneath the motor to act as a spacer. This will allow the wheels to spin freely.

  4. Run wires from the motor to your battery pack and switch. Red wire goes to positive, black to negative.

  5. Temporarily attach the battery pack and switch to test the motor. Adjust as needed to ensure your wheels spin properly.

  6. 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:

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:

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:

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!