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How To Make an Obstacle Avoiding Arduino Robot

by generalgeek314 on February 11, 2012

Table of Contents
How To Make an Obstacle Avoiding Arduino Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: How To Make an Obstacle Avoiding Arduino Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: Centering Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: Attach the Arduino to the Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 4: Attach the Motor Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 5: Motors!!!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 6: Tail Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 7: De-blinding the Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 8: Breadboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 9: MORE POWER! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 10: Wiring and Completion! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

Author:generalgeek314
A kid who is passionate about robotics, electronics, and computer programming.

Intro: How To Make an Obstacle Avoiding Arduino Robot

Hello all! In this Instructable I'll be showing you how to make a robot similar to the "Mobile Arduino Experimental Platform" (MAEP) that I made. It is equipped with two
motors that can steer the robot and the ability to see obstacles in front of it with a PING))) ultrasonic sensor.
With the attached breadboard, you can do more electronics experiments, fool around with different sensors, etc. This project can teach you about electronics,
programming, and robotics. It is also a fun toy to entertain younger siblings and pets (just be sure they don't break it!).
Here is a video of what MAEP will do when it is done:

Step 1: Parts
Here's everything you need to make MAEP. I tried to provide links to where you can buy these parts from YourDuino.com, which is the official shop of
letsmakerobots.com. I recommend you shop there, as they give 5% of the money to LetsMakeRobots, which is a great community of robot builders.
- Arduino compatible microcontroller. I used an Arduino Uno, so I recommend one if you wish to follow closely along with this tutorial. There are also some Arduino based
controllers that are designed specifically for robotics that may be helpful, but youll have to find your own method of mounting those. You can buy a copy of the Uno from
YourDuino which I believe is completely compatible: http://arduino-direct.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=5
- Breadboard. Make sure its not too big, or else it wont fit. However, we want it to be as big as possible so we have more room for electronics. This is good:
http://arduino-direct.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=168
- A standard old 9 volt alkaline battery (which you can probably find at home), as well as a barrel jack connector to hook it up to your Uno easily (not required, but again,
easier): http://arduino-direct.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=119
- A power supply for the motors. I dont believe the power supply I chose is the cheapest or best option, so Im not going to recommend it to you. I used a 4.8 volt
rechargeable NiCad battery, but its probably easier to just use a 4 AA battery holder (no need to buy a charger that way)
- A bunch of Boe-Bot hardware for the chassis. Unfortunately, you cant get this from YourDuino, so look at Parallax, the manufacturers website. You can choose either
to buy this: http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/304/Default.aspx?txtSearch=boe+bot+chassis which comes with tons of
extra components you dont need (although may be useful someday), or you can buy all the components in the following list from Parallax and no, Im not gonna provide
a link for each one:

Stock # Quantity Product Name

700-00002 8 Panhead screw, 4/40, 3/8
700-00003 8 4/40 x 3/8" Nut
700-00009 1 Tail Wheel Ball
700-00015 2 #4 Nylon Washer
700-00022 1 Boe-Bot Aluminum Chassis
700-00023 1 Cotter Pin-1/16" Diameter
700-00025 1 Rubber Grommet-13/32" Hole Diameter
700-00028 4 Panhead screw, 4/40, 1/4
700-00060 2 Standoff, threaded aluminum, round 4-40

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

721-00001 2 Wheel, Plastic, 2.58 Dia, .3 W

721-00002 2 Rubber Band Tire for 721-00001
900-00008 2 Continuous Rotation Servo

- Wire to hook things up will be necessary. Some male-to-male jumpers will do the trick: http://arduino-direct.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=94
- Finally, the PING))) sensor and mounting bracket, so that your robot doesn't kill itself:
http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/563/Default.aspx?txtSearch=ping+sensor+mount
As for tools, all you need is a phillips head screwdriver, a computer, and one of those standard USB printer cables. The Arduino Uno I provided a link for has a cable
included.
Now lets get building!

Step 2: Centering Servos

First, we need to calibrate the servos so that our robot stops when we want it too.
Actually, before you do that, you need to set up the Arduino with your computer! Go do this quick little tutorial here: http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage , and then
come back (I'll be waiting).
Finished? Good! You should now be able to get your Arduino blinking an LED. Now, you're going to get it to center your servo motors. Download the attached Arduino file
(.ino) and open it with the Arduino IDE. Next hook up your servo motors like in the picture. The black wire should be connected to ground on your Arduino (labeled
"GND"), the red one to 5 volts (labeled "5V"), and the white one to pin 11 (labeled "~11"). Make the connections from the Arduino pins to the servo with some male-tomale jumpers.
Now, upload the program to your Arduino board. Once it runs, one of two things will happen:
1) Your motor won't spin: You're done! Now go back and repeat for the other motor.
2) Your motor will spin. Adjust the potentiometer (see picture 2) with a phillips head screwdriver to stop it from spinning. Slowly turn the screwdriver in either direction until
you find the setting that makes it stop. Remember to be gentle and turn slowly... otherwise you'll probably overshoot and have to turn the screwdriver the other way.

Image Notes

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

1. Here is the potentiometer you need to adjust.

File Downloads

Center_Servo.ino (127 bytes)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Center_Servo.ino']

Step 3: Attach the Arduino to the Chassis

To attach the brains of the robot, you're gonna need the four panhead screws, spacers, and nylon washers. Make a sandwich like in the picture, with this order from top
to bottom: screw head, washer, Arduino board, standoff. Attach the standoffs on the two mounting holes on the right side of the Arduino (the side opposite the USB
connector and barrel jack).
Once you have the standoffs firmly attached to your Arduino, line up the bottom one with the bottom of the backmost mounting strip (um... just look at the picture). Attach
that into place, then line up the front standoff with the next mounting strip, and screw that in place. Yippee, you're done!
Note: There's a zip-tie in the picture because I did step 4 before this one... then realized that it's easier to do this step first.

Step 4: Attach the Motor Battery

I gave you a lot of freedom in choosing a battery to power the motors (just make sure it's from 4.8-6 volts), so I don't have much to say here. There are various ways you
can attach it/them, I'll name some:
- If you're using a 4 AA battery pack, use the screw holes on the chassis
- I used a zip-tie through some of the mounting slots to attach the NiCad battery I used
- Double sided tape
- Velcro
- Used chewing gum
Also, insert the little black rubber grommet into the hole in the center of the chassis and route the battery wire through that.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

Step 5: Motors!!!!!
Now it's time to make put the M in MAEP (M=Mobile, remember?). Your servos should come with black "servo horns" attached to them already. Unscrew them and pop
them off. You don't need them anymore, but be sure to save the screws! Next, put a rubber band "tire" on each wheel. This is really, really difficult, but keep trying.
Using the eight 3/8 inch panhead screws and nuts, attach the two continuous rotation servo motors to the chassis. Insert them into the cut-outs from the inside of the
chassis, and then secure them firmly in place with the motor shaft towards the back of the robot. Use the pictures as a reference.
Once you have that done, thread the wires from the motors up through the whole in the middle of the chassis. Pop a wheel onto each motor shaft, and using the screw
that attached the servo horn, attach the wheels to the motors.

Step 6: Tail Wheel

As of now, your robot is probably awkwardly leaning backwards... that's why it is time to insert the tail wheel! Take the little black ball, and line the holes in its side up with
the holes on the back of the robot (see pictures). Then, insert the cotter pin through all these holes, and fold up the two ends so that it can't come out. Now you're robot
should stand level, and have a low friction caster for turning.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

Step 7: De-blinding the Robot

Okay, here's something else I'm not going to walk you through. Take your Parallax PING))) (yes, it is spelled with those three parentheses) sensor and mounting bracket
kit and build it according to the instructions. The only thing you don't need to do is attach the included cable (well, you can, but I'm doing something different and more
efficient). Attach the whole shabaam onto the robot like they tell you too, and you're done with this step.
Note: In the pictures you'll see something attached to the bottom of the motor that my PING))) sensor is mounted on. Ignore it, it's from another project I did with this
robot.

Step 8: Breadboard
Now, to once again use the letter analogy... time to put the E in MAEP! With a solderless breadboard, you can quickly make and de-make circuits to try out new things
and not have to break out the soldering iron each time. Most breadboards of this size come with an adhesive backing, in which case you can just stick it on. I used a
rubber band, which you can feel free to do.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

Step 9: MORE POWER!

Okay, time to attach the battery that powers the logic for the electronics. Take some masking tape, or whatever you want to use to attach it. Loop the tape, and attach the
battery. Take the 9 volt barrel jack adapter thingy and put it on the battery. You're done. *clicks Staples button* "that was easy!".

Step 10: Wiring and Completion!

Now, time to wire everything up, download the program, and test her out!
I'll tell you how everything is connected one component at a time. Refer to the pictures to get a better idea of how it should look (if it's a rats nest of wires... you're on the
right track).
Motor battery: Hook up positive and negative to the positive and negative power rails on the far side of the breadboard (see picture 2).
Grounds: Take a jumper wire and attach the grounds of both power rails together (see picture 3).
5 volt power supply: Attach a jumper from 5V on the Arduino to the power rail on the breaboard closest to the Arduino (see picture 4).
Servo motors: Attach the left motor with the red and black wires going to the 5 volt power rail and ground respectively. Then, attach the white wire of the left servo to pin
10, the right one to pin 11, and the PING))) sensor panning servo to pin 7.
PING))) sensor: Either use the included cable and attach male-to-male jumpers to that, or use separate male-to-female jumpers to make the following connections:
connect the pin on the PING))) that says 5V to the 5 volt rail... connect the pin that is labelled GND to either ground rail... and finally connect the one labelled "SIG" to pin
7 on the Arduino.
Holy crap, I think that's everything... well, if it doesn't work you can yell at me in the comments because I probably forgot something. The wiring will look like a total rats
nest, if you want it to look a little neater you can use male to male header pins like the setup I used in the video.
To get her going, download the attached Arduino program, run it, and it should have behavior similar to that in the video at the beginning of this Instructable. If it works,
congratulations, you're done! If not, tell me the problem in the comments and I'll do my best to help you.
If you want to do more experiments with Arduino on the breadboard, check out sciguy14's Arduino tutorials on Youtube! They're very well done, and they're how I learned
originally. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA567CE235D39FA84&feature=plcp
I hope my Instructable helped you, this is my first one and so I appreciate any feedback you can give. Please vote for me in the Arduino contest as well! Bye!

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

File Downloads

MAEP2Obstacle.ino (3 KB)
[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'MAEP2Obstacle.ino']

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/

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