ServoBot

thingiverse

I created this robot kit to give teachers, students, and hobbyists an affordable way to start learning and sharing robotics in their community. Most robotics kits that have the same functions as the ServoBot cost upwards of $150. Most schools, clubs, and maker spaces can afford a few, but not one for every 1 to 2 students. When I took on this project, I wanted to create a kit that people could build for under $50. I designed the ServoBot to be easy to assemble and program, using common hand tools and electronic components. The robot's chassis is made from 3D printed parts, which can be customized to fit different needs and requirements. As students work to complete the ServoBot, they will learn to wire an electronic circuit board, install software and connect their circuit board to a computer for testing and troubleshooting, construct the robot platform using common hand tools, and finally, program the ServoBot to use sensors and servo motors to interact in different ways with its environment. The project is recommended for kids (5th through 12th) and adults wanting to learn more about robotics. After completing this project, students will be able to: * Know when to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect both themselves and equipment. * Safely wire and handle electronic components. * Construct an electronic circuit onto a prototype board. * Download and install the Arduino IDE software onto a computer. * Connect an Arduino Microcontroller to a computer. * Upload a sketch from a computer to an Arduino Microcontroller. * Execute a sketch on an Arduino Microcontroller. * Monitor the output of a sketch from an Arduino Microcontroller from a computer. * Use common hand tools to construct a robot chassis. * Calibrate continuous running servos. * Program the ServoBot using functions to make it maneuver forward, backwards, turn in place, and turn left or right. * Program infrared sensors on the ServoBot so it can detect objects and avoid them. * Write more efficient code so the ServoBot has better performance. The project can be completed in as little as 6 hours. For more in-depth coverage of programming concepts, it may take 15 hours or more. This project can be used in various settings, including: * 1-day science camps * 1-week science camps * Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to help earn Merit Badges or Patches * Youth groups and Pre-Teen groups To build the ServoBot, you will need a 3D printer, a computer (preferably one for each ServoBot), small diagonal cutters, small needle nose pliers, wire strippers, a pen, safety glasses, an anti-static wrist strap, a hack saw, and a jeweler's screwdriver set with a #1 Philips Screwdriver. The references include the Arduino Website, where you can download the Arduino IDE software. This website is great for beginners new to the arduino and has great code ideas if students want to experiment adding additional sensors to the ServoBot. Assessment is determined by the instructor and includes participation, quality of robot construction, does the robot perform as stated in the activities' descriptions, do students experiment with modifying the code to see how this affects robot performance? The handouts and assets include a ServoBot_Bill_of_Materials_BOM.pdf, ServoBot_Construction_and_Programming_Manual_8-13-16.pdf, and Controller Board Schematic.