Raspberry Pi Robot – Project Overview
After being introduced to Raspberry Pi controlled robotics by Chris over at Bytemoose.co.uk I have (after owning a Pi since launch) finally decided to do something useful with my Raspberry Pi.
The basic goal of this project will be to create a remote controlled vehicle that can be controlled with a smartphone over wifi using a web server that will be running on the Raspberry Pi.
Once this basic goal has been met the project could (and probably will) be expanded to install a webcam on the robot or the addition of an ultrasonic sensor to stop unwanted collisions.
This should prove to be an interesting and informative project as I have very little electronics experience other than what I can vaguely remember from secondary school well over fifteen years ago.
Components:
- Raspberry Pi – The “brains” of the project this will drive the controller that runs the wheels.
- USB wifi adaptor – To enable the robot to roam free rather than be tethered via a cable.
- USB Battery Pack – To power the robot and free the robot from being tethered via a cable.
- AA Battery Pack – To power the robot and free the robot from being tethered via a cable.
- AA Batteries – To power the motors and motor controller.
- Breadboard – This will be used for prototyping and testing components.
- Zumo Chassis Kit – A two tracked platform that we will build our robot on.
- 2x 50:1 Motors – The motors that drive the tank tracks. One per side.
- L298N Controller – This will control the speed & direction of our motors.
In the near future I will be making further posts and guides on how I have managed to bring my robot to life.
Stay tuned for further articles that will hopefully include subjects such as:
- Setting up your Pi from scratch. (including wifi and remote access).
- Building the Zumo Chassis for our robot.
- Connecting the L298N to our Raspberry Pi and Motors.
- Example Python code for movement.
- Installing the webserver on the Raspberry Pi.
- Creating the scripts for movement.
- Bringing the web server and scripts together.