The LulaBot!

Project Perspective

LulaBot: Arduino Rolling Robot! is an innovative and basic 2WD rolling robot project. By utilizing the essential building blocks—the DC motors and an Arduino—you'll learn how to navigate and roll along any flat surface using a specialized software logic and a robust hardware setup.

Step 1: Parts You'll Need

1. 3.3k and 2.2k resistor

<_e_1jU4><_e_1jU4>Note: The HC05 will survive 5v butit's 3.3v logic voltage devicethat's why I used 3.3k and 2.2k resistors to step down the voltage from 5v to almost 3.3v. Better save to than be sorry right?<_e_1jU4>for body I used a Badminton shuttle box

Technical Implementation: Motility and Driving

The project reveals the hidden layers of simple robotics:

• Mobility layer: Using Two DC Motors with Gearbox, the robot can move forward, backward, left, or right by varying the speed of each motor.
• Actuation layer: An L298N Motor Driver Module provides the high current needed to drive the motors from a low-voltage Arduino signal.
• Sequential Motion Loop: The Arduino code uses two digitalWrite() or analogWrite() signals to drive either the "Right" or "Left" motors at different speeds.
• Sensing Interface layer: An optional Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) acts as the robot's "eyes," detecting obstacles and triggering an automatic steering response.

Step 2: Principle

This robot is wireless controlled. So the android app sends some characters and arduino reads them via the HC05 bluetooth module using Serial communication. Say I sent 'f' then coded the robot if it reads 'f' execute the forward statements. If no command do nothing means stop the robot.

Hardware Infrastructure

• Arduino Uno: The "brain" of the project, managing the motor driver signals and coordinating the locomotion and steering tasks.
• L298N Motor Driver: Effectively handles the 12V power required to drive the motor coils while protecting the Arduino.
• DC Motors: Providing the physical movement and orientation for Each of your robot's travels.
• 2WD Robot Chassis: The physical frame that houses the Arduino, motor driver, and battery pack.
• 7.4V Li-Po Battery: Essential for making the robot portable and self-sufficient.
• Micro-USB Cable: Use to program the Arduino directly from your computer for power and code.

Step 3: Make the Body

Don't know why I couldn't upload pictures to this site. Please watch the video to get to know I I made the body.

To make the body first I cut the box (rolling box). Then I cut some round pieces of card board to place the motor on each side (see picture 2 & 3). Then use sufficient amount of hot glue to secure everything in place. Also cut a place to add batteries and electronics inside. After that install the wheels. Now, you see the wheel just barely touches the ground so add some hot glue to make the wheel larger, looks kind of wheels ice trucks use (see last two pictures). Then paint it as you want, it's your robot baby ;). I used powder spray coat.

Step 4: The Circuit and Electronics

I have made it using L293d motor driver as it is too tiny and was suitable for small robots. But for your convenience I made the same circuit with L298n motor driver module (It's easier to use). Then I soldered everything on a vero board (look at pics).

find the images of circuits below.

Locomotion and Feedback Loop

The rolling robot is designed to be very efficient:

1. Initialize Hardware: Correctly seat the motor driver and motors on your 2WD chassis.
2. Setup Outputs: In the Arduino setup() function, configure the motor driver's control pins as OUTPUT.
3. Driving Execution: Use a simple sequence of commands (e.g., forward(), stop(), left()) to navigate across the floor.
4. Visual and Audio Feedback: Watch the movement update on the floor in real-time while a small buzzer or LED can be used to indicate "Path Found."

Step 5: Uploading the Code & Download App

|| Now Arduino pro mini is cheapest that's why It doesn't come with usb programming option. You can upload code using a usb to TTL module but I like another way. You can use your arduino Uno to upload code to your arduino pro mini.

Steps:

Remove the Atmega IC

Uno 5v -- pro mini vcc

TX -- tx

RX -- rx

reset -- rst

<_e_1jU4><_e_1jU4>Download the code from https://github.com/ashraf-minhaj/LulaBot

or find the code below.

<_e_1jU4>Then Download the app from here.

Step 6: Final Step

Now open the app and then it'll ask to on bluetooth hit ok. Before you can connect ot HC05 you need to pair to that bluletooth module first. Open your bluetooth settings and then click pair (password is already given there).

I used 2 3.7v lithium batteries to make a 7.4v battery. You may use 7 to 9 v batteries.

Now have fun and please pray and subscribe if you have liked the robot.

Future Expansion

• OLED Identity Dashboard Integration: Add a small OLED display to show a larger life bar and the "Reality Index" for your robot's path.
• Cloud Interface Registration Support: Add a WiFi module (ESP8266/ESP32) and link to a cloud dashboard to precisely control and track your robot from your smartphone.
• Advanced Velocity Profile Customization Support: Add an IR receiver and a remote control to manually drive yours rolling robot wirelessly.
• Multi-Sensor Bio-Security Integration Support: Connect several sensors (like an ultrasonic) to help the robot navigate through a more complex "Reality" or maze.

LulaBot: Arduino Rolling Robot! is a perfect project for any electronics enthusiast looking for a more interactive and engaging robotics tool!

Thanks a lot for reading.