Tim Heath and Ryan Hickman have ingeniously created an inexpensive robotic prototyping environment using an Android phone, cardboard from the trash, and around $20 worth of components. This innovative approach leverages the capabilities of a standard smartphone to keep costs down while providing a versatile platform for robotics enthusiasts. Check out the video for more information after the break.
Why Use a Smartphone for Robotics?
The main reason for using a cell phone was to keep costs down as a standard smartphone comes equipped with everything you need straight from the box. Modern smartphones are packed with a plethora of sensors and connectivity options that make them ideal for robotics projects. These include Wi-Fi, cellular connections, Bluetooth, GPS, touch sensing, accelerometers, magnetometers, displays, microphones, speakers, and cameras. By utilizing these built-in features, you can significantly reduce the need for additional components, making the project more affordable and accessible.
Building Your Own Robotic Prototype
If you fancy building your own $20 dollar robotic environment prototype, you can find all the source code and instructions online. The project involves using simple materials like cardboard for the robot’s body, which can be easily sourced from discarded packaging. The Android phone serves as the brain of the robot, controlling its movements and processing sensor data.
To get started, you will need a few basic components such as motors, wheels, and a motor driver. These can be purchased inexpensively from online retailers or repurposed from old toys and gadgets. The Android phone can be programmed using various development platforms like Android Studio, which allows you to write custom code to control the robot’s actions.
One of the key advantages of using an Android phone is the ability to leverage its connectivity options. For example, you can control the robot remotely using a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection, allowing for more complex and interactive behaviors. Additionally, the phone’s camera can be used for computer vision tasks, such as object recognition and navigation.
This project is a great example of how you can repurpose everyday technology to create something new and exciting. It also demonstrates the potential of low-cost prototyping for educational purposes, making it an excellent tool for teaching robotics and programming to students and hobbyists alike.
Via MAKE
Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
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