Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

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Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

Want to develop a pathfinding robot worth over a thousand for just $15?

Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

Image source: Taobao

Perhaps you saw someone using a robot to buy groceries during the pandemic, and you are eager to try?

Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

Today, we bring you a simple and easy-to-use pathfinding robot project, and on this basis, you can infinitely expand the robot’s functions:
It looks simple and plain, but there is a lot of room for expansion and modification later!
Project Implementation Principle
It is simple to implement. After connecting to the same Wi-Fi, you can send control commands to the ESP32 through your phone, and the camera carried by the ESP32 will return in real-time in FPV (first person view) format to your phone, making it easy for us to perform the next operation.
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
Components and Costs
Let’s first take a look at what equipment is needed and how to control the cost to $15 for this project!
ESP32-CAM about $9
TTL to serial downloader about $1.5
L298N motor driver module about $0.75
Smart car chassis kit about $1.5~4.5 (choose four-wheel or two-wheel according to needs)
FPV gimbal camera about $1.5
MB102 power module about $0.75
All of the above components can be searched and purchased directly on Taobao.
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
All components needed to realize the pathfinding robot
Hardware Setup Process
First, connect the L298N motor driver module to the purchased car chassis, where the connection method between the motor driver module and the car motor can refer to the following diagram:
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
After connecting the motor driver module to the DC motor and fixing it on the car chassis, we can start installing the FPV gimbal.
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
The car chassis can be selected in different styles according to needsstyle
What is the FPV gimbal for? It is a camera platform equipped with an SG90 servo that can be controlled to move up and down, allowing for up and down movement of the viewing angle!

Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

FPV servo gimbal image
The various mounting holes on the base can help us securely install the FPV gimbal on the car, as shown in the following image:
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
Next comes the power module for the car: to ensure that the ESP32-CAM works stably at 5V voltage, we use the MB102 power module. The module can stably convert a DC voltage of 6.5-12V or USB power supply into 3.3V TTL level or 5V voltage, and the module is equipped with a button switch that can serve as the main switch for the robot car.
This design uses rechargeable 18650 lithium batteries, connecting two lithium batteries in series to provide 8.4V voltage, which is converted to 3.3V and 5V voltage for other modules to work through the MB102 power module. The robot’s “brain” ESP32 is connected to the L298N motor driver module to control the movement and steering of the car, and connected to the MB102 power module to obtain the working voltage. It is also connected to the TTL serial downloader to upload the code.

Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

The overall system schematic is shown below:
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
The car after connection is shown in the following image:

Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

Finally, fix the camera on the gimbal to ensure it works stably. Since the gimbal is too large compared to the ESP32, we can use sponge padding to secure it on the gimbal.
The layout here is not fixed; you can fully utilize your imagination to upgrade and modify the car. Providing design ideas is the purpose of this article.Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
Software Code
In terms of code, programming the ESP32 through the Arduino platform. If you want to see the specific code, you can reply ““Darwin says” with “Pathfinding Robot” to obtain it. Note that this part of the code needs to be changed according to your own WiFi!
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

The IP address of the ESP32-CAM can be obtained through the Arduino serial monitor. After entering the IP address into the mobile app, you can start using it. The mobile app can be found in the Apple App Store by searching for iRobbie-A, but sadly this app is not free. If you want to try the app’s programming, why not design your own?

Alright, at this point, you might say that such a car has a few functions and seems unable to satisfy our wild imagination. The key point is that you can further expand on the car later, such as adding infrared sensors for line following, adding ultrasonic modules for distance measurement to avoid obstacles automatically, adding HC-05 modules for Bluetooth control, adding LED lights for night work, etc. This way, such a car can be unbeatable!Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

Darwin’s exclusive star rating

Practicality:★★★★☆

Difficulty:★★★☆☆

Innovation:★★★★☆
END
Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

Darwin Project Sharing Series—— Focusing on popular application technologies such as IoT, embedded systems, AI, FPGA, etc., sharing schematics, codes, and project solutions, making it your knowledge base.

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We are Nimo, the founder of Darwin, a sister who only talks about technology and not flirting. The Darwin online education platform aims to serve professionals in the electronics industry, providing skill training videos covering popular topics in various sub-fields, such as embedded systems, FPGA, artificial intelligence, etc. We tailor layered learning content for different groups, such as common knowledge points, disassembly assessments, competitions/smart cars/postgraduate entrance exams, etc. Welcome to follow us.

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Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

Build a High-Value Pathfinding Robot for Just $15

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