How to Build a RC Robot

Building an RC robot is a great project for any person who has a vivid imagination and a deep interest in science and technology. This project is guaranteed to challenge the mind and help you learn how to use basic tools. This type of robot is usually very cost-efficient as well, which should put a smile on any science lover's face.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• Tuna can
• Scissors
• Wires
• Water bottle
• Rubber bands
• Velcro
• 9-volt battery
• Remote and receiver
• Soldering gun

Instructions

1. Design your robot. This is the most important step of the entire process and should never be rushed. If you are a beginner, this is the phase of building your robot that should take the longest. You can also find plans already drawn up for free on the Internet if this is your first time building a robot.

2. Make wheels for your robot. Take a sheet of cardboard, trace a round object on it and cut out the shape. This is a cheap and easy way to make wheels using tools and materials commonly found at home

3. Purchase two servo motors from a hobby shop. A servo motor is what allows your robot to turn, but is limited to either a 90-degree turn or a 180-degree turn.

4. Poke a hole in the middle (center) of the wheels and tape them to the servo. Attach the servo mounts and then screw them onto a rectangular piece of cardboard.

5. Cut a small square piece of cardboard and mount it between the servos.

6. Put a piece of Velcro on the small square piece of cardboard between the servos, and attach a 9-volt battery to the piece of cardboard.

7. Get a water bottle and cut it in half. Use the bottom half of the water bottle as a castor to help give the robot the proper balance. Use two rubber bands to attach your water-bottle castor to your robot chassis. Cut slits in your castor so it will slide over the rectangular cardboard piece to which you attached your servos.

8. Connect the wires from the servos to the battery and to a receiver from a remote control set . You will need a soldering gun for this particular step. Make sure to heat the soldering gun to the proper temperature, and to carefully attach all the wiring and the receiver for the remote.

9. Place the receiver for the remote control inside the castor you made from the water bottle. Turn on the remote and test your robot to make sure all the parts are properly connected.

Resources

• Society of Robots