You’ve seen robots in the movies. You might already have a drone. You might be ready for a new electronics challenge: building a robot of your own! Fortunately, you don’t need an engineering degree from MIT or millions of dollars to get started. You just need to pick up an Arduino robot kit and follow the instructions.
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If you are an electronics novice, building a robot from scratch is difficult. There are mechanical issues to consider, such as Legs or Wheels: Which Is the Robotic Future?. You also have programming and control matters to solve. It is tough to overcome so many challenges simultaneously! By using Arduino Robot Kits, you can take a shortcut to success. These kits give you all the parts and instructions you need to get started. Once you master using a kit to build a robot, you can always build your robot.
There are a few questions to consider before you buy a robot kit. First, ask yourself how much money you’re willing to spend on the kit. If this is your first-ever electronics project, consider making a small purchase because you may decide that building electronics may not be a good fit for you. Second, find a workspace within your home (e.g., an unused part of your basement) where you can work on your electronics safely.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the more popular options for adults and children.
These Arduino Robot Kits give you an introduction to robotics without breaking the bank.
With more than 500 reviews on Amazon.com, this is one of the most popular robot kits on the market. Aimed at children interested in science and technology, this kit gives you a variety of options. Hardware components in the kit include an ultrasonic sensor, a line follower sensor, and Bluetooth radio. Also, the kit includes expansion slots so that you can plug in additional components in the future. With a weight of under three pounds, this kit is recommended for children aged eight years and up. That said, it is also an excellent option for adults to explore on their own or with family members.
Maybe you’re more interested in driving instead of flying? In that case, check out this robot car kit. The kit has over 150 reviews on Amazon.com. Once you have it assembled, you can control it via Android and Apple smartphones. By using the robot car, you can learn about popular technologies like obstacle avoidance technology.
Explore Related Robot Technology: Self-driving cars use a variety of technologies to avoid crashes like LiDAR. Find out more about this navigation technology in our article: The LiDAR System Drivers of The Future Will Count On.
There are two ways to unlock access to advanced robotics if you are using Arduino Robot Kits. You could buy a low-priced robot kit and then purchase add-on equipment and components like sensors. Also, you can use your programming skills to push the limits of the robot kit! However, there is a chance that you might end up buying the wrong component and end up with a broken robot.
Fortunately, there are intermediate and advanced robotics kits available for purchase.
This device comes pre-assembled, so it is a good choice if you are less interested in assembling robots. Specific hardware capabilities available include:
Since the kit is so small — only 12 ounces — it is an excellent choice if you live in a smaller home or if you like to navigate in small spaces.
Do you enjoy the mechanical challenges of working with many different components? In that case, you should get Hexy. It has 19 servo motors to install and configure. That means you have plenty of opportunities to learn design as you put it together. Best of all, the design is open source so you can easily add other capabilities to this robot.
There are two notes of caution for this robot kit. First, due to the number and complexity of parts, this robot kit is recommended for people aged 15 and up. Second, the assembled robot resembles a spider, so if you are uncomfortable around spiders, you might want to look for a different kit to use.
Using robot kits is just the start of a robotics journey. There are many more ways you can explore this field of technology. Here are some DIY project ideas you can explore after becoming familiar with kits.
We’re living in a golden age of robot technology. By using Arduino robot kits, you can build your robot out of small parts in a weekend or less. Then you can take the robot apart and rebuild it differently. For example, you could experiment with larger batteries or motors! Since small electronic components have become inexpensive, it is easy and inexpensive to get started with robotics today.
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