Category Archives: robots

Neat homebuilt robot dog ball (Doge Ball)

Posted on September 12, 2016 by robertwilkie

Its a hampster wheel that is motorized, with some smarts in it (oh and an app to help out too). Doge Ball: remotely play with your dog and give it treats you can find the project here: http://devpost.com/software/doge-ball

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Homemade remote gate opener

Posted on August 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK this is basically a fancy RC car.  The author took a big wheel, put in a gear system with a cordless drill motor and attached it to the gate.  Clever and cheap build overall. Remote-Operated Gate On A Budget

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Neat and simple hopping robot build

Posted on August 8, 2016 by robertwilkie

Pretty easy build.  Will have to remember this one in the future. http://makezine.com/2016/08/07/make-simple-running-robots-using-whegs/

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3D print and make your own automated pool skimmer

Posted on July 13, 2016 by robertwilkie

Well not fully automated (remote controlled).  but I see the potential here.  The build is pretty simple and I could see turning this into a bot that is more automated.  Maybe has some solar cells to help keep it charged … Continue reading →

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Convert old printer rollers into caster wheels

Posted on July 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting idea, the author 3D printed out the holder for the “wheel” from a roller from a Xerox machine.  The rubber rollers are pretty durable and the rubber part will help with not slipping of the wheel.  Not so sure … Continue reading →

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How to make your own anti backlash nuts

Posted on June 17, 2016 by robertwilkie

Well this is cheaper than buying them by a long shot.  Backlash nuts are important in CNC and robotics to as its the movement a nut may have on a threaded rod.  Think of slippage or unwanted movement.  Seems like … Continue reading →

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Interesting project, a closed loop control for stepper motors

Posted on June 8, 2016 by robertwilkie

Looks like the board can be mounted right on the motor.  This is nice so it the stepper skips a step, gets jammed, etc etc, you get built in autocorrection.  Its on github right now. Mechaduino- Closed Loop Stepper Servos … Continue reading →

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Good idea, use bike wheels for your robot

Posted on June 8, 2016 by robertwilkie

You can get tires for them, they can come with a gear built in…chain based.  And I like how the author used the front fork for a trailing wheel to keep the bot steady.  Definitely something to remember. http://letsmakerobots.com/node/49194

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3D print your own smartphone robot

Posted on May 23, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice robot build.  Downside, I think it would take my printer a week to print it all out. http://www.instructables.com/id/DriveMyPhone-Smartphone-Controlled-Hybrid-Vehicle/

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A $600 underwater robot

Posted on May 13, 2016 by robertwilkie

Seems a bunch of Stanford kids built a cheap underwater exploring robot.  By cheap, $600. http://spectrum.ieee.org/view-from-the-valley/robotics/drones/stanford-ai-grads-launch-lowish-cost-underwater-robot?utm_source=feedburner-automaton&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ieeespectrum%2Fautomaton+%28Automaton+-+IEEE+Spectrum%29  

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