Adafruit Simple Raspberry Pi Robot User Manual
Simple Raspberry Pi Robot
Created by Tony DiCola
Last updated on 2020-10-07 12:33:08 PM EDT
Overview
This is a fun project to build a simple robot using the Raspberry Pi and Adafruit's awesome robot chassis
kit (http://adafru.it/2939). This robot is one of the simplest robots you can build and uses two DC motors to control a
pair of wheels. A swivel caster in the front holds the robot up, and the Raspberry Pi with motor
HAT (http://adafru.it/2348) controls the motors.
There are no sensors or other inputs to the robot, it will just follow a set of instructions in Python code that tell the
robot how to move. Use this project as a starting point for your own amazing Raspberry Pi robot projects! You could
add sensors to detect objects around the Pi, add a camera to get a robot's eye view of the world, or even connect the
robot to web services that control its actions--there's almost no limit to what you can do with this amazing robot!
To build this project it will help to familiarize yourself with using the Raspberry Pi. Follow these great learn Raspberry
Pi guides (https://adafru.it/dpe) to learn the basics. You will also want to review the motor HAT
guide (https://adafru.it/kCC), and skim the Bluefruit LE feather robot guide (https://adafru.it/kCD) to learn more about
the robot chassis.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/simple-raspberry-pi-robot Page 3 of 12
Hardware
Parts
You'll need the following parts to build this robot:
Mini Rover Robot Chassis Kit (http://adafru.it/2939)
This kit includes almost everything needed to build the robot: a beautiful anodized aluminum
chassis (http://adafru.it/2943), two mini DC motors in a stepper case (http://adafru.it/2941), two motor
wheels (http://adafru.it/2744), a front caster wheel (http://adafru.it/2942), and a top plate with
standoffs (http://adafru.it/2944).
Raspberry Pi Model 2 (https://adafru.it/eCB), B+ (http://adafru.it/1914), or A+ (http://adafru.it/2266)
Stick with a more recent Raspberry Pi Model 2, B+, A+ as these boards have convenient mounting holes for
attaching to the robot chassis. I recommend the Model 2 because it's the most capable. You could
potentially use the Pi Zero but it is a bit small for mounting the motor HAT securely.
Motor HAT (http://adafru.it/2348)
This has everything needed to drive DC & stepper motors from the Pi, perfect for small robot projects.
Brass M2.5 Standoffs for Raspberry Pi HATs (http://adafru.it/2336)
These help hold the Motor HAT securely to the Pi. Although not shown in the photos these are highly
recommended!
4x AA Battery Holder With Switch (http://adafru.it/830)
The motors need a separate power supply from the Pi since they can draw a lot of current (much more
current than the Pi can source!). A small 4x AA battery pack with switch like this is perfect.
Small USB Battery Pack (http://adafru.it/1959)
This will power the Raspberry Pi. Use a pack that's small and light enough to mount on the robot. A ~2200
mAH pack like this one will run a Pi with WiFi dongle for about 5 hours on a full charge.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/simple-raspberry-pi-robot Page 4 of 12
Miniature WiFi Module (http://adafru.it/814)
Although not technically required, a small Pi-compatible WiFi adapter will make it much easier to log into
and control the Pi robot.
2x #4-40 3/8" or longer machine screws and nuts
You'll need a couple machine screws to hold the Pi to the robot chassis.
Small Piece of Cardboard
You'll want a small piece of cardboard that's as large as the Raspberry Pi to help protect the bottom of the
Pi from touching the metal robot chassis and shorting out. Cut out a square from the box your parts ship to
you inside.
Jumper Wires (http://adafru.it/153)
Precision Screwdrivers & Small Adjustable Wrench or Pliers
Soldering Tools (https://adafru.it/fE3)
You'll need to solder a header and a few connectors onto the motor HAT. This is a relatively easy
soldering job, be sure to follow the guide to excellent soldering (https://adafru.it/dxy) if you're new to it!
Raspberry Pi Setup
You'll want to make sure your Raspberry Pi is running the latest version of the Raspbian Jessie operating
system (https://adafru.it/fQi). In addition the Pi will need access to the internet through a wired or wirless network
connection so it can download necessary software.
If you're new to the Raspberry Pi be sure to follow a few getting started guides (https://adafru.it/dpe) to learn how to
load an operating system on the Pi (https://adafru.it/jd0), setup a wired or wireless network
connection (https://adafru.it/dDN), and connect to its command line terminal (https://adafru.it/jvB).
Motor HAT
Start the project by following the motor HAT guide (https://adafru.it/kCC) to assemble and test the HAT. Make sure you
can install the motor HAT software and test each DC motor to verify it spins. It's much easier to troubleshoot issues
with the HAT and motors when it's outside the robot chassis!
Once you've assembled and checked the motor HAT works, continue on to learn how to put together the robot.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/simple-raspberry-pi-robot Page 5 of 12
Loading...