Beginner to intermediate robotics projects - HoseaCodes/OnePercent GitHub Wiki

Beginner Projects:

  1. Obstacle Avoidance Robot:

    • Tools: Arduino, ultrasonic sensor, DC motors, motor driver.
    • Objective: Build a robot that navigates around obstacles using an ultrasonic sensor to detect objects.

  2. Line-Following Robot:

    • Tools: Arduino, IR sensors, motor driver, wheels.
    • Objective: Create a robot that follows a predefined path using IR sensors.

  3. Remote-Controlled Car:

    • Tools: Arduino, Bluetooth module, smartphone.
    • Objective: Use a smartphone to control a robot car via Bluetooth.

Intermediate Projects:

  1. Voice-Controlled Robot:

    • Tools: Raspberry Pi, microphone, Python speech libraries.
    • Objective: Program a robot to respond to voice commands.

  2. Camera-Based Object Tracking:

    • Tools: Raspberry Pi, camera module, OpenCV.
    • Objective: Create a robot that follows an object, like a colored ball.

  3. Wi-Fi Controlled Surveillance Bot:

    • Tools: Raspberry Pi, camera module, motors.
    • Objective: Build a bot that streams video and can be controlled via a web interface.

  4. Self-Balancing Robot:

    • Tools: Arduino or Raspberry Pi, gyroscope, accelerometer.
    • Objective: Build a robot that balances on two wheels using feedback from sensors.

Machine Learning Robotics Projects

Integrate machine learning with your robotics projects:

  1. Face Recognition Bot:

    • Objective: Use OpenCV and a Raspberry Pi camera to identify and follow a person.
    • Tools: Raspberry Pi, Python, OpenCV.

  2. Speech Recognition Assistant:

    • Objective: Add a voice interface to your robot using pre-trained NLP models.
    • Tools: Raspberry Pi, Python, Google Cloud Speech-to-Text.

  3. Reinforcement Learning for Navigation:

    • Objective: Train a robot to navigate a maze using reinforcement learning.
    • Tools: Raspberry Pi, Python, TensorFlow or PyTorch.

  4. AI-Powered Gripper:

    • Objective: Use a robotic arm to pick up objects based on AI vision.
    • Tools: Raspberry Pi, robotic arm kit, OpenCV, TensorFlow.

What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field combining:

  • Mechanical Engineering (designing and building physical components).
  • Electrical Engineering (wiring, circuits, sensors).
  • Computer Science (programming, automation, AI).

Applications:

  • Robotics
  • Smart devices (e.g., IoT devices, automated manufacturing systems)
  • Autonomous vehicles
  • Drones

How to Get Started with Mechatronics

  1. Learn the Basics:

    • Electronics: Study basic circuit design, sensors, and actuators.
    • Mechanics: Understand gears, motors, and physical structures.
    • Programming: Learn languages like Python, C++, or Arduino IDE.

  2. Experiment with Projects:

    • Build simple robots, smart home devices, or automated systems.
    • Example: Combine Arduino with a motor and sensors to create an automated door opener.

  3. Use Online Resources:

  4. Collaborate:

    • Join a local robotics or maker club to learn from others.
    • Contribute to open-source mechatronics projects.

How to Start Robotics with No Experience

  1. Learn Basic Electronics:

  2. Practice Programming:

    • Start with Python for AI and automation or Arduino IDE for hardware programming.

  3. Start with Easy Kits:

    • Kits like Elegoo Smart Robot Car or Raspberry Pi Starter Kits are beginner-friendly.

  4. Build Incrementally:

    • First, learn to blink an LED with Arduino.
    • Progress to controlling motors, reading sensors, and combining them in projects.

  5. Online Tutorials and Resources:

  6. Join Communities:

    • Participate in forums like Reddit’s r/robotics or Stack Overflow.
    • Attend maker fairs or robotics meetups.

  7. Experiment with Pre-Made Projects:

    • Start by assembling and understanding basic robot kits.
    • Gradually modify them to add your own features.

Would you like detailed guidance on any specific project or topic from these suggestions?