Skilled maker, robotics engineer, and Instructables member “RoboAvatar” has created a new Arduino-powered chess-playing robot. This innovative device is powered by an Arduino Uno development board and is triggered by 64 reed switches located underneath each square of the chessboard. The robot is designed to bring the classic game of chess into the realm of robotics, providing a unique and interactive experience.
How the Arduino Chess Robot Works
The core of this robotic chess player is its XYZ gantry system and crane gripper, which are used to move the chess pieces as required. The XYZ gantry system allows for precise movement in three dimensions, ensuring that the gripper can accurately pick up and place pieces on the board. The gripper itself is designed to handle the magnetized chess pieces with ease, ensuring a firm grip and smooth movement.
Instead of relying on a vision system to detect the pieces, RoboAvatar’s creation uses 64 reed switches, one for each square on the chessboard. These switches detect the presence of the magnetized pieces, sending signals to the Arduino Uno to determine their positions. This method provides a reliable and straightforward way to track the pieces without the need for complex image processing algorithms.
Technical Details and Components
The project also features a Mux Shield and a pair of MCP23017 I/O expander chips, providing a total of 93 available pins. These components are crucial for managing the numerous inputs and outputs required to control the reed switches and the gantry system. The Mux Shield allows for efficient multiplexing of signals, while the MCP23017 chips expand the number of I/O pins available to the Arduino Uno, enabling it to handle the complex task of managing the chessboard’s state.
The use of these components highlights the importance of careful planning and design in robotics projects. By selecting the right hardware and integrating it effectively, RoboAvatar has created a system that is both functional and reliable. The result is a robotic chess player that can compete with human opponents, providing a challenging and engaging experience.
While playing board games on a computer screen can be entertaining, this experience lacks a certain tangible aspect. YouTuber RoboAvatar decided to take things into the third dimension with a chess machine that uses an XYZ gantry system and gripper to move pieces as needed. Instead of a vision system, RoboAvatar’s robotic device uses 64 reed switches (one for each square) to tell an Arduino Uno where the magnetized pieces reside. The project also features a Mux Shield and a pair of MCP23017 I/O expander chips, providing a total of 93 available pins.
Building Your Own Arduino Chess Robot
For those interested in building their own Arduino-powered chess-playing robot, RoboAvatar has provided detailed instructions and resources on the Instructables website. The guide covers everything from the initial design and component selection to the final assembly and programming. By following these instructions, makers can create their own version of this impressive robotic chess player.
This project is an excellent example of how Arduino and other open-source hardware platforms can be used to create sophisticated and interactive devices. It demonstrates the potential of combining robotics with traditional games, offering new ways to engage with classic activities. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a newcomer to the world of robotics, this project provides a valuable learning experience and a fun challenge.
Jump over to the Instructables website for more details and full instructions on how you can create your very own Arduino-powered chess-playing robot.
Source: Arduino : Instructables
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