Arduino Robot Kits: A Shopping and User Guide

What is an Arduino Robot Kit?

An Arduino robot kit includes all the components and instructions needed to build a functional robot powered by an Arduino microcontroller board. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform that’s easy to use for creating interactive projects. Kits usually come with motors, wheels, a chassis, sensors, and other electronic components in addition to the Arduino board. You assemble the robot according to the provided directions and then use the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) software to program your robot to move and respond to sensor inputs.

Benefits of Arduino Robot Kits

Arduino robot kits offer several benefits, especially for those new to robotics:

• All-in-one: Kits include everything you need to build a working robot in one package.
• Educational: Building a robot helps you learn electronics, mechanics, and programming skills.
• Beginner-friendly: Many kits are designed for beginners and include detailed tutorials.
• Expandability: Arduino is open-source, so you can find many extra components, code libraries, and project ideas shared by the maker community.
• Affordability: Robot kits are an affordable way to start compared to building a robot from scratch.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Kit

With the wide variety of Arduino robot kits available, here are the main factors to think about when making your selection:

Skill Level

Some kits are designed for complete beginners with no prior experience, while others are meant for intermediate or advanced users. Consider your skill level and look for a kit that matches your current abilities and learning goals.

Type of Robot

Arduino robot kits come in many styles including wheeled rovers, bipedal walkers, quadrupeds, hexapods, robotic arms, and more. Think about what type of robotic project most interests you.

Included Components

Check what specific components are included, such as the number and type of sensors, motors, servos, wheels, chassis material, etc. More complex kits will include a greater number and variety of parts.

Assembly and Programming Difficulty

Pay attention to the estimated build time and whether soldering is required for assembly. Also check what programming language is used (Arduino uses C++) and whether sample code and libraries are provided. Some kits are easier to assemble and program than others.

Documentation and Support

Look for a kit with clear assembly instructions, a troubleshooting guide, and sample programs. Video tutorials are very helpful. Check if the manufacturer offers technical support and whether there is an active user community for the kit.

Expandability

Since Arduino is open-source, many kits allow you to expand their capabilities with extra sensors, servos, etc. Some are easier to modify and build on than others.

Price

Arduino robot kit prices vary from under $50 to over $200 depending on the size, complexity, and components included. Decide your budget, but keep in mind that buying a quality kit with good documentation is worth it, especially for beginners.

Top Arduino Robot Kits

Here are some of the best and most popular Arduino robot kits with their key specifications:

Kit Name	Includes	Price	Skill Level
Elegoo Smart Robot Car Kit V4.0	UNO R3, Ultrasonic Sensor, Line Tracking Module, IR Remote, BT-4.0, 4WD	$79.99	Beginner
Freenove Big Hexapod Robot Kit	Freenove Board (Arduino-Compatible), HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor, Infrared Receiver, Servo Control Board, 18 Servos	$159.00	Intermediate
SunFounder Robotic Arm Edge Kit	Nano Board, 4 Servos, Gripper	$62.99	Beginner
Sphero RVR	Sphero RVR Robot, Color Sensor, Light Sensor, IR, IMU, Encoders	$249.99	Beginner to Advanced
Yahboom Professional Arduino Robot	UNO R3, Bluetooth, Tracking Sensor, Ultrasonic Sensor, Servo, UNO Expansion Board	$100.99	Intermediate

Elegoo Smart Robot Car Kit V4.0

The Elegoo Smart Robot Car Kit V4.0 is an affordable and feature-packed kit great for beginners learning Arduino programming and robotics. It includes an Arduino UNO R3 board, a strong aluminum alloy chassis, 4 DC motors with wheels, an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle avoidance, a line tracking module to follow lines, an IR remote control, and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. The kit can be assembled in a few hours without soldering and comes with a detailed tutorial book and sample code. Once built, you can program the robot to drive around autonomously, follow lines, avoid collisions, and be controlled remotely via IR or your phone over Bluetooth.

Freenove Big Hexapod Robot Kit

If you’re looking for a more advanced project, the Freenove Big Hexapod Robot Kit lets you build a six-legged walking robot. It uses 18 servo motors, a Freenove expansion board (Arduino-compatible), and an ultrasonic sensor to navigate. Also included are a remote control, powerful LiPo battery pack, and acrylic frame. Some soldering is required. Sample code is provided for walking gaits and obstacle detection. The robot connects to your computer for programming via USB. While more complex than wheeled robot kits, the Freenove Hexapod is a challenging and impressive robotics project.

SunFounder Robotic Arm Edge Kit

The SunFounder Robotic Arm Edge Kit is an inexpensive way to experiment with robotic arm mechanics and control. It includes an Arduino Nano board, acrylic base and links, 4 servos, and a gripper. Assembly takes under 2 hours and the kit comes with detailed video tutorials. After building, you can program the arm to perform various motions and pick up lightweight objects. SunFounder provides graphical programming lessons for beginners using Mixly (based on Scratch) as well as Arduino sample code for more advanced users. The kit is a great STEM learning tool.

Sphero RVR

Unlike most Arduino robot kits, Sphero RVR comes fully assembled and includes built-in sensors, motors, and an onboard Sphero Edu app for programming. But it also includes an expansion port to connect Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other hardware for advanced users who want to customize the robot. The treads, high-resolution encoders, and 9-axis IMU allow for precise movements. You can program RVR with the Sphero Edu app, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or even JavaScript. RVR is a versatile robotics platform suitable for learners of all levels. However, it is pricier than most kits.

Yahboom Professional Arduino Robot

The Yahboom Professional Arduino Robot is a complete set for building a 2WD Arduino robot car. The kit uses an UNO R3 board along with Bluetooth connectivity, an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection, a line tracking sensor, and support for adding a servo arm. The tutorial teaches Arduino C programming to control the robot autonomously or via a mobile app. Yahboom also provides expansion modules you can add later like a 7-segment display, joystick, and light & Sound Sensors. This is a robust kit for those with some Arduino experience.

Tips for Building Your Arduino Robot

Once you’ve selected an Arduino robot kit, follow these tips to ensure a smooth build process:

1. Read the manual thoroughly before starting. Familiarize yourself with the components and steps.
2. Ensure you have all the necessary tools like small screwdrivers, pliers, and soldering iron (if needed).
3. Follow the assembly instructions carefully. Double check your work at each step.
4. Pay attention to component orientation and polarity. Inserting parts backwards can damage them.
5. Route wires neatly and ensure connections are secure. Use a multimeter to check for continuity.
6. Take your time and be patient. If something isn’t working, retrace your steps and consult the troubleshooting guide.
7. Make use of online resources like video tutorials, forums, and maker communities if you get stuck.

Programming Your Arduino Robot

After assembling the hardware, it’s time to bring your robot to life with code. Arduino robots are typically programmed in C++ using the free Arduino IDE software. Here are some key concepts to understand:

• Sketches: Arduino programs are called sketches. They consist of two main functions: setup() which runs once, and loop() which runs repeatedly.
• Variables: Use variables to store data like sensor readings or motor speeds. Specify the data type (int, float, etc.) when declaring a variable.
• Control Structures: Use if/else statements to make decisions and for/while loops to repeat blocks of code.
• Functions: Organize your code into reusable functions. Call them from setup() or loop() to perform specific tasks.
• Libraries: Many kits include custom code libraries to simplify using the included sensors and motors. Install these in the Arduino IDE.
• Serial Monitor: The serial monitor allows you to send and receive data between your computer and robot for testing and debugging purposes.

Start by uploading the sample sketches included with your kit to understand how they work. Then try modifying them to change your robot’s behavior. As you gain experience, you can write your own sketches from scratch to implement more advanced functionality.

Expanding Your Arduino Robot

One of the great things about Arduino is the extensive ecosystem of compatible hardware and software. You can expand your robot’s capabilities by adding new sensors, actuators, wireless communication modules, and more. Here are a few popular options:

• Distance Sensors: The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor and Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F infrared sensor allow your robot to detect obstacles at different ranges.
• IMU: An Inertial Measurement Unit like the MPU-6050 provides orientation data for better navigation and balancing.
• GPS: Add a GPS module to give your robot awareness of its location and create waypoint navigation.
• Wireless: Modules like the ESP8266 add WiFi connectivity for remote control and data logging. Bluetooth and radio modules are also available.
• Cameras: The Arduino-compatible OpenMV Cam allows your robot to perform machine vision tasks like object detection and tracking.
• Servos and Stepper Motors: Add more degrees of freedom with extra servos and stepper motors.
• Displays: LCD and OLED displays can show sensor data and robot status.
• Manipulators: Robotic arms and grippers allow your robot to interact with objects in the environment.

Research what components are compatible with your specific robot kit and follow online tutorials to implement them. Note that some may require additional power sources and changes to your robot’s frame. Always check the component specs and Arduino pin assignments to avoid damage.

Arduino Robot Project Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the basics of your Arduino robot kit, try taking on more challenging projects. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Maze Solving Robot: Program your robot to navigate a maze using sensors and a solving algorithm like the left-hand rule or flood fill.
• Line Following Robot: Use reflectance sensors to make your robot follow a line track. Implement PID control for smoother performance.
• Sumo Robot: Build a robot that can push other robots out of a ring. Add extra weight and a front scoop.
• Dancing Robot: Make your robot groove to music by programming sequences of movements to match the beat.
• Robo-Artist: Attach a pen or marker to your robot and program it to draw patterns and pictures.
• Environment Monitor: Equip your robot with temperature, humidity, and Air Quality Sensors to log data as it drives around.
• Autonomous Delivery Bot: Give your robot a basket and program it to navigate to specified locations to transport small items.

Look for Arduino robot project tutorials and videos online. Adafruit and Instructables are great resources. Don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with your own unique project ideas!

FAQ

Q: What’s the best Arduino robot kit for beginners?

A: The Elegoo Smart Robot Car Kit V4.0 is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s affordable, comes with a variety of sensors and motors, has clear instructions, and includes sample code to get you started.

Q: Do I need to know how to code to use an Arduino robot kit?

A: While programming is required to control your Arduino robot, many kits are designed for beginners with no prior coding experience. Look for kits that include detailed programming tutorials and sample sketches you can learn from and modify.

Q: Can I build an Arduino robot without a kit?

A: Yes, you can purchase individual components and design your own Arduino robot from scratch. However, this requires more robotics and electronics knowledge. Using a kit is recommended for beginners to ensure all the parts are compatible and to take advantage of the included tutorials and support.

Q: How long does it take to build an Arduino robot?

A: Build time varies depending on the complexity of the kit and your skill level. Simple robot kits can be assembled in a couple hours, while advanced kits may take a weekend or more. Expect to spend additional time reading the manual, troubleshooting, and learning to program your robot.

Q: What can I do if I get stuck while building or programming my robot?

A: First, consult your kit’s manual and troubleshooting guide. If you can’t find a solution there, search online for your specific issue as others may have encountered the same problem. The Arduino forums, StackExchange, and the Arduino subreddit are helpful resources. You can also contact the kit manufacturer for support.

Conclusion

Arduino robot kits are a fantastic way to dive into the world of robotics and coding. They provide all the necessary components and guidance to build your own robot and bring it to life through programming. Whether you opt for a beginner-friendly wheeled kit or a more advanced legged robot, you’ll gain valuable skills and have a lot of fun in the process.

Remember to choose a kit that matches your skill level and interests, take your time with the build process, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. With practice and experimentation, you’ll soon be designing your own robotic creations.

The Arduino community is full of helpful resources and inspiration for taking your projects to the next level. So roll up your sleeves, grab your toolkit, and get ready to enter the exciting world of Arduino robotics!