Arduino Robotics: Building and Programming Robots

About Arduino Robotics: Building and Programming Robots

An

Arduino Robotics

course is an introductory course that teaches students the basics of building and programming robots using the Arduino microcontroller platform. The course typically covers both the hardware and software aspects of robotics, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. During the course, students will learn about the components of a robot, such as motors, sensors, and microcontrollers, and how to use them to build a functional robot. They will also learn how to program the robot using the

Arduino programming language

, which is based on C++. The course will cover topics such as basic electronics, mechanics, and mathematics, providing students with a foundation for understanding how robots work. Additionally, the course may include projects and hands-on activities that allow students to apply what they have learned in a practical setting By the end of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to design and build their own simple robots using Arduino microcontrollers. This may include programming the robot to perform specific tasks, such as following a line or avoiding obstacles. Overall, an

Arduino Robotics course

is a great way for students to gain an introduction to the exciting field of robotics and to gain practical experience in building and programming robots.

Chapter 1: The Basics of Electricity

Electrical Analogy Electrical Basics Circuits Measuring Electricity Multi-Meters Measuring Voltage Measuring Amperage Measuring Capacitance Measuring Resistance Calculating Resistor Power Using Ohm’s Law Oscilloscope Loads Electrical Connections

Electronics

Semi-Conductors Datasheets Integrated Circuits Through-Hole Components Arduino Primer Arduino Variants Arduino IDE The sketch Signals Building Circuits Circuit Design Schematics Prototyping Building a Robot Hardware Materials Work Area Summary

Chapter 2: Arduino for Robotics

Interfacing Arduino Relays Transistors Interfacing a Motor-Controller User Control Tethered (Wired) Control Infrared Control (IR) Radio Control Systems Sensor Navigation Contact Sensing Distance and Reflection Sensing Orientation (Positioning) Non-Autonomous Sensors

Chapter 3: Let’s Get Moving

Electric Motors Brushed DC Motor (Permanent Magnet Type) Brushless Motors Stepper Motors Gear Motors Servo Motors Linear Actuators Calculating Power Driving Finding the Right Motor

The H-Bridge

Generating a Brake Implementation H-Bridge ICs Changing PWM Frequencies Back EMF Current Sensing Commercial H-Bridges (Motor-Controllers)

Batteries

Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Lead-Acid Charging

Materials

Materials Wood Metals Nuts and Bolts Plastics Chain and Sprockets Wheels

Chapter 4: Linus the Line-Bot

Parts List for Linus How Linus Works The Track Building the IR Sensor Board Modifying a Servo for Continuous Rotation Method 1: Direct DC Drive with External Speed Controller Method 2: Servo Pulse Drive with Internal Motor Driving Ci Fitting the Drive wheels Making a Frame Making Connections Installing Batteries Install Power Switch Loading the Code Making the Track Testing Add-ons LED Lights Painting Adding Speed Regulator (Potentiometer)

Chapter 5: Wally the Wall-Bot

How Wally Works Parts List for Wally The Motor-Controller The High-Side Switches The Low-Side Switches Building the Circuit Building the Frame Installing the Sensors Installing the Battery and Power Switch Installing a Power Switch The Code Code Objectives

Chapter 6: Making PCBs

PCB Basics What You Need to Get Started Circuit Design Searching for Open-Source Designs Making Your Own Designs Working with the Schematic Editor Working with the Board Editor Transferring the Design Let’s Make an Arduino Clone: the Jduino Making the Transfer Etching Measuring the Solution Etching: Method 1 Etching: Method 2 Removing the Toner Drilling Soldering Building the Arduino Clone Building the BJT H-Bridge Testing

Chapter 7: The Bug-Bot

Reading a Switch with Arduino How the Bug-bot Works Antennae Sensors Bumper Sensors Parts List for the Bug-bot The Motors odifying the Servo Motors Controlling the Servo Motors Converting the Pulse Value to Degrees Mounting the Wheels to the Servos Building the Frame Marking the PlexiGlass Cutting the PlexiGlass Mounting the Motors Mounting the Caster Wheels Mounting the Arduino Installing the Battery Making the Sensors The Front Antennae Sensors The Rear Bump Sensors Making Wire Connections Loading the Code Creating a Delay Variables The Code Making a Top Hat