Robot with ultrasonic distance measuring sensor and microcontroller

thingiverse

A robot with an HC-SR04 Ultrasonic distance sensor embedded in its eyes and a mini-breadboard housing an Arduino Nano microcontroller inside its body. This innovative model marks my first foray into integrating electronics directly into the design. Initially, it may seem complex due to the 10 STL files involved (with one needing to be printed twice), but the actual process is surprisingly straightforward. The model was meticulously designed using SketchUp, refined with Microsoft 3D Builder, sliced with Cura, and finally printed on a Robo3D R1+. Key Components: - An HC-SR04 module sourced from AliExpress. - Two 5mm LEDs also obtained from AliExpress. - A 170-point mini solderless breadboard (guess where I got it). - A microcontroller compatible with the breadboard, specifically an Arduino Nano. - And one PC case button (the type commonly used for power and reset buttons in most PCs), which I salvaged from an old PC. Printing Instructions: - Body.stl and Button.stl should be printed without supports. - FaceOuter.stl should have supports everywhere during printing. - Head.stl requires supports that touch the buildplate. - Leg.stl needs to be printed twice, with no support but a bit of infill for better quality. - ArmLeft.stl and ArmRight.stl will print better with a small amount of infill, without needing supports. - Finally, for HeadBack.stl, back.stl, and FaceInner.stl, supports and infill do not significantly affect the outcome. Assembly Process: 1. Insert FaceInner into FaceOuter, then position the HC-SR04 module within the holes in FaceInner. It should stay in place once assembled; if it keeps falling out, a bit of hot glue can secure it. 2. After soldering to wires, insert the two LEDs into the "hears" on the Head. 3. Place the PC switch into the square hole at the top of the Head and cover it with the Button. 4. The face assembly should be able to slide smoothly into one side of the Head. 5. Cut off the three triangles holding the neck and two arms connectors from the Body. 6. Connect the head to the body, pushing all wires from the HC-SR04, LEDs, and switch into the neck. 7. All wires from the button, leads, and HC-SR04 should be connected inside the neck and body. 8. The body has a small tray for the breadboard; leave the first row empty since the back features a ledge that will keep the breadboard in place. 9. There's a small hole on the left side of the body designed for the Arduino's USB connector, which can be hidden or left open by rotating the left arm. 10. Connect the two arms and two legs. 11. Finally, connect the Back and HeadCover to complete the assembly. I marked this project as "work in progress" since the STLs used are different from the original ones I designed with SketchUp. If you decide to print this model, please leave a comment and let me know if everything prints correctly.