What is a robot?
In general, a robot could be described as an electromechanical machine that can react to its environment in one manner or another and then autonomously make a decision or complete a task.
The capability of robots to make the right decision and then respond to their surroundings is what differentiates them from toasters and cars, for example. In contrast to robots, objects cannot recognize them as they do not sense or respond independently to their surroundings.
Electronic circuits or computer programs typically control the robot. A robot’s body or platform is the element of a it that determines how its appears and the function it can play. The most popular robotic platform for robots is the wheeled model. It is a good choice compared with other platforms for robots.
There are many benefits to this, including things like relatively low-cost construction and numerous design options. They also come with an easy layout and structure. A wheeled robot platform can be the ideal design for robots for those who are just beginning.
How to Make a Robot: The Complete Guide
Although it could appear that computer programming or programming for kids and teens is only becoming increasingly popular in recent times, it’s been in educators’ hands for more than six decades. The confidence and experience gained by students are worth it. Another more accessible and inviting method to engage kids in technology and science is to start by building an electronic robot. This isn’t as hard as you might imagine, and it is much less daunting for youngsters than you might imagine.
We spoke to Sphero group members Rabia Aslam, who is a Firmware Engineer, and Bryce Gaston, an Electrical Engineer, to find out more about their experience. Here, we will discuss everything we learned as well as provide you with the information you must learn to begin helping kids build robots as a STEAM project, such as the tools, materials, and equipment you’ll require, the steps you need to follow, and the reasons why programming can be the next thing children get involved in when they’ve built their robots.
What tools and materials are required to build a robot?
After you, as an educator or parent, can answer the following questions regarding the purpose of the robotic project, as its capabilities, objectives of your children’s education, and the available resources to you, you can begin putting together the materials you need.
Many pieces of hardware should be considered in the building of the robot you want to build:
Cameras
Motors
Servos are sensors or guides for moving
The robot’s brain, or “microcontroller,” could be a Raspberry Pi, an affordable and compact processor for development, which is as big as a credit card or the equivalent device.
Sphero RVR is effectively the machine’s “chassis,” consisting of the frame and wheels, or a similar model from the manufacturer’s chassis.
Tensorflow is a similar open-source solution to program, manage data flow and generate machine-learning capabilities for robots (to accomplish tasks such as locating objects in an area).
Sensors are examples of input/output devices.
What Is The Best Way To Make A Robot With Home Materials?
There are also low-tech components that you can use to increase the fun for children. It is possible to build the robots’ bodies using popsicle sticks and paper glued together. The more experienced builders may employ soldering irons as well as laser cutters. It is also possible to create a body using cutting-edge technology and materials such as 3D printing or plexiglass.
There is no need for expensive tools to construct an autonomous robot. All you need is some screwdrivers, a laptop running your preferred operating system, and a development processor board (as previously mentioned, alternative processor options are TI, ST, and Nordic, along with BeagleBone).
Of course, the process of building robots can be as complex as you like. For more complicated projects, the components will differ. You can incorporate a robotic arm, make use of Lego bricks to build your body (with Lego Boost and Mindstorms among the options for integrating microprocessors and motors inside the bodies), or even purchase an Ikea kit purchased from Robot Shop or other places that allows you to modify a robot to perform various tasks.
The Tools Required to Create A Robot
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is required for turning and driving into or out of fasteners and screws. It is recommended to buy a screwdriver set with different sizes and shapes that allow you to work with various types of screws.
Soldering Pencil
You will require a soldering pen. It is an essential component of any electrical job. It is used for soldering and de-soldering components on circuit boards. In this step-by-step robot tutorial, the soldering pencil can aid us in soldering the motor’s cable.
The point of a soldering pen is extremely hot when heated. It is imperative to be aware of using it to avoid injuries. If you’re the first user, you should take the time to learn how to utilize the pencil before you start creating your work.
Needle-Nose Pliers
Needle-nose pliers are often used to cut the extra length of wires and cables. While pliers are frequently used to complete a task, they aren’t necessary for this project.
Wire Stripper
Wire strippers are handheld devices that are used for stripping the electrical insulation from wires. It is possible to use scissors instead of the option if you want. When using the wire stripper, ensure that you remove only the insulation layer that is first. The stripper exposes the lead wire and allows you to connect.
Create a process to create a robot.
When you build the robot, you’re not just doing your research and building the actual structure. It’s about the process that you follow and how you collaborate with your team, be it in an industrial, professional environment, or in a classroom setting for educational purposes.
Let teams work at the same time.
Sphero robots are an excellent illustration of how to achieve joint collaboration. We create parts for robots and complete kits with robots and educational components. Sphero has separate electrical, firmware, mechanical, and electrical components teams. The first step is to analyze how physical bodies can be used to enhance the capabilities of a robot. Then, teams can work together to select parts. All the teams must perform their work simultaneously to ensure that all components are ready to be assembled when they’re finished. For instance, the firmware team can write code before getting the electronic components.
After the teams have gathered their efforts, they have to team up to analyze the final product.
Source: sphero.com
Make prototypes to aid in troubleshooting.
As a student project or for professionals in the robotics industry, making a robot prototype can make everything that a group or individual student can imagine become real. It is possible to determine whether the design is functioning to achieve the objectives of what they wish the robot to achieve. Testing the prototype gives feedback on what’s effective, what’s not, and how they can enhance it. The initial prototype should not be the final one either.
A successful method for creating a robot is to consider different ways to solve the problem or objective the robot is designed to solve or accomplish.
