how to make a simple and cheap robot

RObotika has become a field that attracts the attention of many people. However, often the assumption that making a robot is something expensive and complicated makes many people reluctant to try it.

However, you can actually make simple and inexpensive robots using materials and components that are easy to find.

This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple and inexpensive robot and present examples of projects that you can follow.

Selecting the necessary materials and components

Before starting the manufacture of the robot, the first step that needs to be done is to choose the materials and components needed. Here are some things to note:

1. Microcontroller

Select the appropriate microcontroller for your robot project. Arduino is one of the most popular and affordable microcontrollers, suitable for beginners.

2. Motor

Choose a motor that suits your robot’s needs, such as a DC motor for movement or a servo motor to control the angle of rotation.

3. Sensor

Sensors are an important component in the robot. For example, an ultrasonic sensor for detecting distance, a light sensor to measure the intensity of light, or a temperature sensor to measure the ambient temperature.

4. Battery

Make sure you have sufficient resources to run the robot. Choose a battery that suits your power needs and the type of robot you make.

steps and how to make a simple and cheap robot

Once you have selected the necessary materials and components, here are the steps for making a simple robot:

1. Design and create a robotic skeleton

Determine the design of the robot framework according to your goals and needs. Use materials such as wood or plastic to create a sturdy and light frame.

2. Install the motor and sensor

Install the motor on the robotic frame according to the needs of the movement. Then, install the sensor on the right part to get the required data.

3. Connect the components with the microcontroller

Solder or connect components such as motors and sensors with a microcontroller using a jumper cable. Make sure the connection between the components and the microcontroller is correct.

4. Microcontroller Program

Create a program that suits the function and purpose of your robot using a programming language that is compatible with the microcontroller you are using. Arduino IDE is one of the popular choices for Arduino microcontroller programming.

5. Trial and Correction

When finished programming the robot, do a test to make sure all components are functioning properly. If there is a problem, make the necessary corrections and repairs.

simple robot project example

Here is an example of a simple robot project that you can try:

1. Simple Ways to Make Obstacles Avoiding Robots

Make a robot that can detect and avoid obstacles using ultrasonic sensors. This robot will automatically change direction when approaching the object in front of it.

Here are the cost estimates for obstacle avoidance robot projects:

• • Arduino Uno: IDR 150.000
  • DC Motor: IDR 50,000
  • Ultrasonic Sensor: IDR 30,000
  • Breadboard: IDR 20,000
  • Jumper Cable: IDR 10,000

Total estimated cost: IDR 260,000

Manufacturing steps:

a. Prepare the materials and components needed, including Arduino Uno, DC motor, ultrasonic sensor, breadboard, and jumper cable.

b. Assemble the components by connecting the DC motor to the Arduino and the ultrasonic sensor to the breadboard.

c. Write the following program using the Arduino IDE:

#include <newping.h>

#Define Trigger_pin 12
#Define echo_pin 11
#Define max_distance 200

NewPing sonar(trigger_pin, echo_pin, max_distance);

void Setup() {
  serial.BEGIN(9600);
}

void Loop() {
  unsigned int Distance = sonar.ping_cm();
  if (distance > 0 && Distance <= 30) {
   // If there are obstacles within 30 cm, turn the robot in another direction
   // Change the direction of rotation of the motor according to your needs
   DigitalWrite(3, high);
   DigitalWrite(4, low);
   DigitalWrite(5, high);
   DigitalWrite(6, low);
 } Else {
   // if there are no obstacles, move forward
   DigitalWrite(3, high);
   DigitalWrite(4, low);
   DigitalWrite(5, low);
   DigitalWrite(6, high); }
}

d. Upload the program to Arduino Uno using a USB cable.

e. Install the battery to provide power to the motor and turn on the robot.

f. Test the robot by putting obstacles in front of the ultrasonic sensor.

The robot will automatically avoid obstacles and move forward if there are no obstacles in front of it.

2. Simple Ways to Make Robot Follower Lines

Make a robot that can follow the line using a light sensor. This robot will follow the specified path by adjusting the movement of the left and right motors.

Here is the estimated cost for the Robot Follower Line project:

• • Arduino Uno: IDR 150.000
  • DC Motor: IDR 50,000
  • Light Sensor: IDR 20,000
  • Breadboard: IDR 20,000
  • Jumper Cable: IDR 10,000

Total estimated cost: IDR 250,000

Manufacturing steps:

a. Prepare the materials and components needed, including Arduino Uno, DC motor, light sensor, breadboard, and jumper cable.

b. Assemble the components by connecting the DC motor to the Arduino and the light sensor to the breadboard.

c. Write the following program using the Arduino IDE:

INT LeftMotor1 = 3;
INT LeftMotor2 = 4;
INT RightMotor1 = 5;
INT RightMotor2 = 6;
INT Sensorpin = A0;
INT Threshold = 500;

void Setup() {
  Pinmode(leftmotor1, output);
  Pinmode(leftmotor2, output);
  Pinmode(RightMotor1, Output);
  Pinmode(rightMotor2, Output);
}

void Loop() {
 INT SensorValue = analogread(sensorpin);
 if (SensorValue < Threshold) {
  // if the light sensor detects the line, move forward
  DigitalWrite(leftmotor1, high);
  DigitalWrite(leftmotor2, low);
  DigitalWrite(rightMotor1, high);
  DigitalWrite(rightmotor2, low);
} Else {
  // If the light sensor does not detect the line, turn it to the left
  DigitalWrite(leftmotor1, low);
  DigitalWrite(leftmotor2, high);
  DigitalWrite(rightMotor1, high);
  DigitalWrite(rightmotor2, low);
  }
}

d. Upload the program to Arduino Uno using a USB cable.

e. Install the battery to provide power to the motor and turn on the robot.

f. Put the robot on the line and see how it follows the line automatically.

Note: The above cost estimates include only the main components and do not include additional charges such as batteries, USB cables, and other materials that you may need.

Questions Related to How to Make a Simple Robot

1. Apakah saya perlu memiliki pengetahuan pemrograman sebelum membuat robot?

   Ideally, basic knowledge of programming will help you in programming the microcontroller. However, there are many learning resources that can help beginners learn the basics of programming for robots.
2. Berapa perkiraan biaya untuk membuat robot sederhana?

   The cost of making a robot may vary depending on the components you choose. However, by choosing components that are cheap and available, you can make a simple robot at an affordable cost, around a few hundred thousand to one million rupiah.