Q&A for How to Build a Robot at Home

This depends on the complexity of the robot. You could build a simple robot in as little as a day. A more complex robot could take several several months.

Servos (servomotors) are usually used to move robotic arms. Regular servos have a limited circulation.

Arduino code is very simplified and based off of C++. Other micro controllers are also available that use other software.

Yes, probably the simplest. The main necessary parts that you need to build the basic robot are listed at the top of the page. The only hard part is the wiring, really.

You could get some of your materials from Amazon or elsewhere online.

You could in theory use it for anything from serving the dinner table to doing the dishes or sweeping, depending on the strength of your programming skills.

In later programming, your bot will use an ultrasonic sensor. Google "Ultrasonic Sensor with Arduino" for help!

Arduino is like the operating systems for your phones, but it is the OS for robots. There are many such programmes, like C++ or Java, etc.

By rotating only the left motor it will turn right, and by rotating only the right motor it will turn right.

Yes of course. Bluetooth modules can be used to connect Arduino with a cell phone.

You will first need to learn robotics and programming, then you will understand the process.

That depends on your skill level and how you program your robot.

You can purchase the parts of a robot from Amazon.com and many other websites.

You might want to buy another Arduino board in case it is broken. Or, you could update the code system to a higher rank.

There are online courses to learn robot programming, also known as coding.

Wikihow's article on how to start learning computer programming is a great resource.

Yes, but you must use another set of distance sensors or add a Bluetooth module.

Check out Lego Mindstorms. These kits allow you to click the parts into place and then use a controller to move the robot around.

Yes, with small solar panels. These should be available from Amazon or other internet retailers.

These codes will vary depending on the type of robot you want to make. The codes for an obstacle avoiding robot will be longer than the codes for a robot that goes forward.

As it is drawing its power from a battery pack, there won't be much danger to the person/child who is building it, but having adult supervision is not a bad idea.

Yes, but it may be more complicated.

You could use a plastic bowl, or some cardboard box that you find laying around. It doesn't matter. Be creative!

It depends, if the robot is really easy than it would take less than an hour.

It depends on too many factors to say for sure, like what materials you need to purchase, where you purchase them, etc.

To connect the wires to the breadboard, you will need male wires. But if you have many headers and only female wires, you can put the headers in the wires to convert them to female. Although it would be easier to just use male wires from the start.

You could do something to control it from you phone, or you could get a sensor so it can track your feet, hands, or some light you flash on the floor.

You can skip steps 7 through 10 if you do not want to use the sensor. You need no changes to the code.

Yes, but it may be difficult for them. The programing will most likely be over their heads. You can help them with the project and it may be something that you can bond together with.

Start simple: don't start building a robot, first start with a servo, LED, etc. When you do eventually get money for the materials, then you can start building the robot.