Build Your Own Self-Driving Go-Kart and More

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Build Your Own Self-Driving Go-Kart

Austin Blake designed a self-driving go-kart that can navigate a small track in his workshop using just a single camera, without any other complex sensors. Typically, self-driving cars require a full set of sensors to gather environmental information, but Blake proved that under specific conditions, autonomous driving can be achieved using only visual data.

This go-kart operates in Blake’s workshop, with clear markings on the track edges for easy computer recognition. In the early stages of the project, Blake used a machine learning model to observe his driving process around the track, recording the relationship between the track and steering wheel angles. The go-kart utilizes three Arduino Nano boards for control: one transmits the steering wheel angle calculated by the model, another adjusts the steering wheel based on that angle, and the last one controls the go-kart’s throttle.

This design allows the go-kart to navigate the track solely based on the camera and the steering wheel angle monitor, showcasing how efficient autonomous driving can be achieved in a simple environment.

Source:<span>https://www.hackster.io/news/this-self-driving-go-kart-doesn-t-need-any-fancy-sensors-to-get-around-a-track-1fbe3d5e3430</span>

Smart Fish Programmable Robot

This is a programmable robot based on the ATmega 328P microcontroller. Its design is inspired by ocean pollution issues; this exoskeletal fish-shaped robot can leave the water, symbolically reminding us of environmental concerns. This project is not only a fun electronic product but also a tool to inspire children’s and beginners’ interest in electronics, programming, and robotics.

The highlight of the smart fish is its modular design. Users can achieve different functionalities by swapping out different modules, such as wheels, biped walking modules, or OLED display modules.

Beginners can start with simple LED and button operations, gradually exploring more complex sensor applications.

For advanced users, the smart fish can be controlled via Bluetooth or infrared, and can even be combined with old toys or designed with their own modules for expansion.

Source:<span>https://www.instructables.com/The-Smart-Fish-Programmable-Robot/</span>

CNC Plotter Controller

This is a CNC plotter controller designed by Deepaksh123, driven by the ATmega328, which can operate independently without a computer.

This controller is powered by batteries and supports the operation of various CNC plotters; users only need to store the drawing programs on a storage card.

The controller is made using components like Arduino Uno, LCD keyboard module, and Micro SD card module, making it simple and suitable for hands-on makers to try. By copying G-code files to the SD card, users can conveniently select and execute drawing programs to achieve automated drawing effects.

Source:<span>https://www.instructables.com/CNC-Plotter-Controller/</span>

Steampunk Style Lamp Tube Robot

This DIY project will guide you to create a unique steampunk-style robot—the lamp tube robot. Throughout the process, you will learn how to cleverly assemble various parts, giving the robot a distinct personality.

This robot can not only stand and sit but also make various interesting poses and even attach to metal surfaces.

Source:<span>https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Mechanical-Sculpture-Steampunk-Robot-Lamp-Tube/</span>

LIDAR Point Cloud Scanning System

This project creates a system capable of scanning and visualizing 3D spatial data by combining a 2D LIDAR sensor and a stepper motor. The system captures distance and angle data by rotating the sensor with the motor and converts it into a 3D point cloud. After data processing, it is stored as an interactive 3D model, which users can view and manipulate through a user-friendly graphical interface.

The highlight of the project is its data customizability and visualization features, such as distance-based color coding and point smoothing. This system is suitable for robotics, spatial analysis, and educational demonstrations, providing a powerful and easy-to-use tool for exploring and understanding 3D environments.

Source:<span>https://www.instructables.com/LIDAR-PointCloud-3D-Mapping-With-Stepper-Motor-Con/</span>