Arduino Robotics: Building and Programming Robots

Description

An Arduino Robotics course is an introductory course that teaches students the basics of building and programming robots using the Arduino microcontroller platform. The course typically covers both the hardware and software aspects of robotics, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.

During the course, students will learn about the components of a robot, such as motors, sensors, and microcontrollers, and how to use them to build a functional robot. They will also learn how to program the robot using the Arduino programming language, which is based on C++.

The course will cover topics such as basic electronics, mechanics, and mathematics, providing students with a foundation for understanding how robots work. Additionally, the course may include projects and hands-on activities that allow students to apply what they have learned in a practical setting

By the end of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to design and build their own simple robots using Arduino microcontrollers. This may include programming the robot to perform specific tasks, such as following a line or avoiding obstacles.

Overall, an Arduino Robotics course is a great way for students to gain an introduction to the exciting field of robotics and to gain practical experience in building and programming robots.

Chapter 1: The Basics of Electricity

Electrical Analogy

Electrical Basics

Circuits

Measuring Electricity

Multi-Meters

Measuring Voltage

Measuring Amperage

Measuring Capacitance

Measuring Resistance

Calculating Resistor Power Using Ohm’s Law

Oscilloscope

Loads

Electrical Connections

Electronics

Semi-Conductors

Datasheets

Integrated Circuits

Through-Hole Components

Arduino Primer

Arduino Variants

Arduino IDE

The sketch

Signals

Building Circuits

Circuit Design

Schematics

Prototyping

Building a Robot

Hardware

Materials

Work Area

Summary

Chapter 2: Arduino for Robotics

Interfacing Arduino

Relays

Transistors

Interfacing a Motor-Controller

User Control

Tethered (Wired) Control

Infrared Control (IR)

Radio Control Systems

Sensor Navigation

Contact Sensing

Distance and Reflection Sensing

Orientation (Positioning)

Non-Autonomous Sensors

Chapter 3: Let’s Get Moving

Electric Motors

Brushed DC Motor (Permanent Magnet Type)

Brushless Motors

Stepper Motors

Gear Motors

Servo Motors

Linear Actuators

Calculating Power

Driving

Finding the Right Motor

The H-Bridge

Generating a Brake

Implementation

H-Bridge ICs

Changing PWM Frequencies

Back EMF

Current Sensing

Commercial H-Bridges (Motor-Controllers)

Batteries

Nickel Cadmium (NiCad)

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)

Lithium Polymer (LiPo)

Lead-Acid

Charging

Materials

Materials

Wood

Metals

Nuts and Bolts

Plastics

Chain and Sprockets

Wheels

Chapter 4: Linus the Line-Bot

Parts List for Linus

How Linus Works

The Track

Building the IR Sensor Board

Modifying a Servo for Continuous Rotation

Method 1: Direct DC Drive with External Speed Controller

Method 2: Servo Pulse Drive with Internal Motor Driving Ci

Fitting the Drive wheels

Making a Frame

Making Connections

Installing Batteries

Install Power Switch

Loading the Code

Making the Track

Testing

Add-ons

LED Lights

Painting

Adding Speed Regulator (Potentiometer)

Chapter 5: Wally the Wall-Bot

How Wally Works

Parts List for Wally

The Motor-Controller

The High-Side Switches

The Low-Side Switches

Building the Circuit

Building the Frame

Installing the Sensors

Installing the Battery and Power Switch

Installing a Power Switch

The Code

Code Objectives

Chapter 6: Making PCBs

PCB Basics

What You Need to Get Started

Circuit Design

Searching for Open-Source Designs

Making Your Own Designs

Working with the Schematic Editor

Working with the Board Editor

Transferring the Design

Let’s Make an Arduino Clone: the Jduino

Making the Transfer

Etching

Measuring the Solution

Etching: Method 1

Etching: Method 2

Removing the Toner

Drilling

Soldering

Building the Arduino Clone

Building the BJT H-Bridge

Testing

Chapter 7: The Bug-Bot

Reading a Switch with Arduino

How the Bug-bot Works

Antennae Sensors

Bumper Sensors

Parts List for the Bug-bot

The Motors

odifying the Servo Motors

Controlling the Servo Motors

Converting the Pulse Value to Degrees

Mounting the Wheels to the Servos

Building the Frame

Marking the PlexiGlass

Cutting the PlexiGlass

Mounting the Motors

Mounting the Caster Wheels

Mounting the Arduino

Installing the Battery

Making the Sensors

The Front Antennae Sensors

The Rear Bump Sensors

Making Wire Connections

Loading the Code

Creating a Delay

Variables

The Code

Making a Top Hat

TAKE THIS COURSE