Q&A for How to Build a Robot at Home

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How much time will it take to build a robot?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What is the device called that you need to move robotic hands, arms and legs?
    Community Answer
    Servos (servomotors) are usually used to move robotic arms. Regular servos have a limited circulation.
  • Question
    Why do I need to download the Arduino software?
    Community Answer
    Arduino code is very simplified and based off of C++. Other micro controllers are also available that use other software.
  • Question
    Is this a simple robot?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Where can I get the materials I need?
    Community Answer
    You could get some of your materials from Amazon or elsewhere online.
  • Question
    What kinds of things can I use a homemade robot for?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Which sensor is used for distance?
    Community Answer
    In later programming, your bot will use an ultrasonic sensor. Google "Ultrasonic Sensor with Arduino" for help!
  • Question
    What is the meaning of arduino?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Does it go left and right?
    Community Answer
    By rotating only the left motor it will turn right, and by rotating only the right motor it will turn right.
  • Question
    Can I use an old cell phone with Arduino?
    Community Answer
    Yes of course. Bluetooth modules can be used to connect Arduino with a cell phone.
  • Question
    How do I make a humanoid robot?
    Community Answer
    You will first need to learn robotics and programming, then you will understand the process.
  • Question
    Will my robot only be able to move in one direction?
    Community Answer
    That depends on your skill level and how you program your robot.
  • Question
    Where can I get the parts to build a robot?
    Community Answer
    You can purchase the parts of a robot from Amazon.com and many other websites.
  • Question
    I can't download code onto the Arduino board. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You might want to buy another Arduino board in case it is broken. Or, you could update the code system to a higher rank.
  • Question
    Where can I learn robot programming?
    Community Answer
    There are online courses to learn robot programming, also known as coding.
  • Question
    Where can I learn how to program so well that I can make any kind of robot?
    Community Answer
    Wikihow's article on how to start learning computer programming is a great resource.
  • Question
    Instead of connecting a jumper wire to A8, can I connect it to A5?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you must use another set of distance sensors or add a Bluetooth module.
  • Question
    Is there any simpler way to build a robot than this?
    Community Answer
    Check out Lego Mindstorms. These kits allow you to click the parts into place and then use a controller to move the robot around.
  • Question
    Can I make the robot solar powered?
    Community Answer
    Yes, with small solar panels. These should be available from Amazon or other internet retailers.
  • Question
    What are the codes for further programming?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Do I need adult supervision?
    NAGASREENIVASARAO PUPPALA
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can I make this mobile?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it may be more complicated.
  • Question
    How can I make the cover?
    Community Answer
    You could use a plastic bowl, or some cardboard box that you find laying around. It doesn't matter. Be creative!
  • Question
    Can I make a robot in less than an hour?
    Community Answer
    It depends, if the robot is really easy than it would take less than an hour.
  • Question
    How much will it cost to make a robot?
    Community Answer
    It depends on too many factors to say for sure, like what materials you need to purchase, where you purchase them, etc.
  • Question
    Can male or female wires be used for the robot?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is there any way I can connect it to my phone to make it follow me?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If I'm not including the sensor, which steps in the wiring section do I still need to follow?
    Community Answer
    You can skip steps 7 through 10 if you do not want to use the sensor. You need no changes to the code.
  • Question
    Is it safe for a young child to build a robot at home?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What if I can't get the items I need to build a robot?
    Community Answer
    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.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article