This is a simple Arduino-based object-avoiding robot. It uses two inexpensive ultrasonic distance sensors, an Arduino Uno, four continuous rotation servos to drive, and one 180 degree servo to rotate the top distance sensor to the left, center, and right positions. For its frame, I used a 1ft x 1ft square piece of wood I got from a local crafts store.
Total cost apparently adds up to around $100. I didn't realize I spent that much on this thing until I listed the parts out for this post. Oh well. I've since dissasembled it, repurposed the Uno, and I'll repurpose the servos for another experiment. All of those parts can be reused project after project. The Arduino could definitely be bought cheaper. I've gotten several Arduino Nanos for around $4 each in bulk. Good continuous rotation servos don't come cheap though. You might find some for $8 or so, but that's probably the last thing I'd recommend skimping on. Good servos will bring much more fun in future projects than crappy weak servos.
I have attached the Arduino code as a text attachment. Here is a detailed parts list:
- 1 x 1ft square - Local crafts store (Michael's, JoAnn, etc...), just a little piece of plywood. $2
- 4 x Continuous rotation servos - $13 x 4 = $52
- https://www.pololu.com/product/1248
- 4 x Wheels stolen from an RC car I got at a local thrift shop (Goodwill) - $1
- 1 x Arduino Uno - $17 or so
- 2 x Ultrasonic Distance Sensors - about $2 each
- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IJWZTI4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00
- 1 X Breadboard - $2
- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ARUF2JM/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1
- Miscellaneous nuts/bolts/metal contruction pieces from Lowe's - $10
- Miscellaneous male-to-female, male-to-male wires - $10
- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JUKL4XI/ref=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_1
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://community.robotshop.com/robots/show/arduino-object-avoiding-robot