A Simple 3D Printed Robot
Introduction: A Simple 3D Printed Robot
Allow me to date myself. I grew up with erector sets and then LEGO. Later in life, I used 8020 to build prototypes types of systems I designed. There were usually scrap pieces around the house that my children used as their version of an erector set. The greatest thing about both of those building systems was that they were highly reusable. By breaking apart bricks or unscrewing some bolts, you could be off building somthing new in a couple of minutes.
When my children started to build robot kits, I noticed somthing sad, our robot graveyard was getting larger by the year. The kids would build a kit, learn the lession and be done with the robot. 949
They would occasionally scavenge the graveyard for parts, but for the most part the bulks of the kits just sat. It became obvious that the kits were good at teaching a single task, but you could not easily break the kit down and reconfigure it to a new or different task.
There a a lot of simple robot designs out there. This one is mostly 3D printed and used a raspberry pi.
The idea is to produce a rapid prototype of a robot.
Supplies
An 8020 Series 10 bumper for the Raspberry Pi 4 with a proto board
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3744587
Prototype Smooth Beams Large Holes http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3589546
TT Motor mount for 8020 Series 10 extrusions http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3752572
Adafruit CRICKIT HAT for Raspberry Pi
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3957
DC Gearbox Motor - "TT Motor"
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3777
Orange and Clear TT Motor Wheel for TT DC Gearbox Motor
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3766
Step 1: The Design
The basic design presented is for a differential wheeled robot. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_wheeled...) It incorporates two drive wheels, one on each side of the robot.
The basic design presented is comprised of a platform made from 5 printed beams (2x 4in, 3x 5in), two covers for TT geared motors and a printed stand for a castor. You will also want to print a holder for the microcontroller of your choice.
The example presented is built around Adafruits Crickit, but any Arduino, Feather, or Raspberry Pi that supports a motor driver board can be used.
Step 2: Hardware Needed Outside of Printed Parts
Some type of micro controller with Motor control
This is the heart of the project. There are many different choices available.
Machine Screws 1/4-20 x 1/2
Available at your local hardware store
T-Nuts and screws
1/4-20 Slide-in Economy T-Nut - Centered Thread 0.21 https://8020.net/shop/3382.html
1/4-20 x .500" Flanged Button Head Socket Cap Screw (FBHSCS) 0.30 https://8020.net/3342.html https://8020.net/3342.html https://www.amazon.com/80-20-Inc-Assembly-Slide/d...
Two TT Gear Motors
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3777
https://www.servocity.com/right-angle-gearmotor
Two Wheels
Adafruit Orange wheel : https://www.adafruit.com/product/3766
Actobotics 2.55" Press Fit Wheel: https://www.servocity.com/2-55-press-fit-wheels
Actobotics 3.10" Press Fit Wheel: https://www.servocity.com/3-10-press-fit-wheels
A ball castor
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3949
A battery case or system
4 x AA Battery Packs for NiMH ONLY
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3788
3 x AA Battery Packs for Alkaline ONLY
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3842
For higher current projects I tipicaly use a Battery Elimination Circuit (BEC) from a Radio control vendor. This is beond the scope of this project and if there is intrist can be covered in a seperate insturctable.
Some type of micro controller
Step 3: Print the Parts
The files can be found on Thingaverse
The simplest design will require:
https://www.thingiverse. 832