Welcome to the ChipuRobo Robot Project, a comprehensive robotics educational kit designed to teach STEAM concepts such as robotics, AI, 3D printing, and sustainability. This kit is part of ChipuRobo's vision to empower young African innovators with future-ready skills.
- Overview
- Key Features
- Hardware Components
- Software Components
- Getting Started
- Basic Usage
- Contributing
- License
The ChipuRobo Robot is an open-source robotics platform designed for learning and experimentation in robotics and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. The robot is fully customizable and expandable, making it a valuable tool for students, hobbyists, and educators. The platform integrates Arduino with a variety of components, including a motor driver, an ultrasonic sensor, and more.
Built with sustainability in mind, the robot includes laser-cut and 3D-printed components, some of which are made from recycled PET plastics. This allows students to engage in hands-on robotics projects while learning about sustainable materials and practices.
- Modular Design: Build and expand your robot with modules including sensors and motor drivers.
- Arduino-Based Learning: Provides an introduction to robotics and electronics using Arduino.
- 3D Printing & Laser Cutting Integration: Includes laser-cut and 3D-printed parts, promoting the use of recycled materials.
- Open-Source Software: Compatible with Arduino IDE for a variety of programming applications.
- Sustainability Focus: Utilizes parts made from recycled PET plastic, fostering environmental awareness.
The ChipuRobo Robot includes the following hardware:
- Arduino Uno R3 - The main microcontroller for running the robot’s programs.
- Fundomoto Motor Driver - Used to control the robot’s motors.
- Ultrasonic Sensor - For obstacle detection, enabling safe navigation.
- 9V Battery - Powers the Arduino and other electronic components.
- Laser-Cut Platform - Provides a sturdy, flat surface for mounting components.
- 3D-Printed Pillars - Support the platform structure, with some parts made from recycled PET plastic.
- Wheels and Motors - Allow for smooth movement and control.
- Arduino IDE - The primary development environment for programming the Arduino.
- Basic C++ - Language used to program control algorithms and sensor integration.
- Open-Source Libraries - Libraries for handling sensor data and motor control.
To begin with the ChipuRobo Robot, you need the following:
- A computer with the Arduino IDE installed
- Arduino Uno R3 (included in the kit)
- Basic tools such as a screwdriver
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Set Up Arduino IDE:
Download and install the Arduino IDE from the official Arduino website.
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Connect Arduino Uno R3 to Your Computer:
Use a USB cable to connect the Arduino to your computer.
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Upload Sample Code:
Open the Arduino IDE, choose the correct board (Arduino Uno), and upload sample code to test the sensor and motor functionality.
- Obstacle Detection: Use the ultrasonic sensor to detect objects and program the robot to stop or turn.
- Motor Control: Program the Fundomoto motor driver to control movement and speed.
- Custom Projects: Experiment with additional sensors and motors to enhance functionality.
We welcome contributions from the community! Feel free to submit issues or suggestions to improve the ChipuRobo Robot and its educational resources.
The ChipuRobo Robot Project is open-source and available under the MIT License.