Check out this cool Wi-Fi Robot, made by Jonathan Bennet from JB Projects.
A remote control car that can be driven over the internet or with a laptop wirelessly from up to 500m away. It has a live-feed network camera so that it can be driven without line of sight and a horn so that you can honk at people. Adding a network camera, router, heavier batteries, extra circuits, and a whole bunch of wires adds a lot of extra weight that the car wasn’t designed for. Because of all of the additions, you’ll need to find a pretty large RC car. Thrift stores often sell RC vehicles (without remotes!) for $3-5. I have bought a number of cars this way for taking apart. Vehicles in the 1:10 size ratio or bigger are appropriate; you probably don’t want to go any smaller. I bought this car for $5 at Value Village
Features and Capabilities
The Wi-Fi Robot is not just an ordinary remote control car; it is a sophisticated piece of technology that combines the fun of RC vehicles with the advanced capabilities of modern wireless communication. One of the standout features of this robot is its ability to be controlled over the internet. This means you can drive it from virtually anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. The live-feed network camera is another impressive feature, allowing you to navigate the robot without needing to see it directly. This is particularly useful for exploring hard-to-reach areas or for surveillance purposes.
The horn is a fun addition, enabling you to interact with people or objects in the robot’s vicinity. Imagine driving your robot around your house while you’re at work, honking at your pets or checking if you left the stove on. The possibilities are endless.
Building Your Own Wi-Fi Robot
If you’re interested in building your own Wi-Fi Robot, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. First, the size of the RC car is crucial. As mentioned, a 1:10 size ratio or larger is recommended to accommodate the additional weight of the network camera, router, batteries, and extra circuits. Smaller cars may struggle to move efficiently under the added weight.
Thrift stores are a great place to find affordable RC cars for this project. You can often find them for as little as $3-5, although they may not come with remotes. This isn’t a problem if you’re planning to modify the car extensively. Once you’ve acquired a suitable vehicle, you’ll need to gather the additional components. These include a network camera for the live feed, a router for internet connectivity, and heavier batteries to power the extra electronics.
The assembly process involves integrating these components into the RC car. This can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with electronics. However, there are plenty of online resources and communities that can offer guidance and support. Websites like JB Projects provide detailed tutorials and project ideas that can help you through the process.
Here’s a video of it in action.
JB Projects via
The Wi-Fi Robot by Jonathan Bennet is a fascinating blend of traditional RC car fun and modern technological innovation. Whether you’re interested in remote surveillance, exploring hard-to-reach areas, or just having fun, this project offers a unique and rewarding experience. With a bit of effort and some basic electronic skills, you can build your own Wi-Fi Robot and enjoy the endless possibilities it offers.
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