How to build your own robot

The idea of owning your own robot used to only be available to dreamers, science fiction authors and engineers at large industrial plants. Thanks to recent advances in hobby electronics and microprocessor technology, building your own robot is now not only much cheaper but also requires much less technical knowledge.This article will look at how you can create a robot in your own home.

Radio controlled robots

Technically, a robot should be a machine which is able to sense its own environment and react accordingly to inputs based on the information that it has gathered. However, since the craze of "Robot Wars" in the late 90s, the definition of a robot has been expanded to include large radio controlled vehicles. There are several 'build your own' kit robot packages available from online suppliers and the latest information can be found on Fightingrobots.co.uk. Generally, these systems will include large 12V motors, a speed controller and a radio control system consisting of a transmitter, receiver and a fail safe electronic devices. The kits can be assembled by following the instructions or by custom building your own chassis and drive train, which of course, requires a good deal of technical knowledge and workshop equipment.

Automated robots

If you wish to make a true DIY robot, then there are many automated robot kits available on PICAXE.co.uk. These use much smaller motors but a more advanced controller. The PICAXE micro-controller is designed to be programmed via USB and can be interfaced with a huge array of sensors. Once you are familiar with working with the PICAXE processor by following the tutorials available with the kits or through the website, it is possible to customise your robot in a huge number of ways through adding different sensors. Younger children can gain a great insight into robotics with the LEGO mind storms hobby kits. The final option available when deciding which robot to build is the robotic arm. Hobbyist robotic arms have been popular for many years and they rely on the use of radio controlled servos. The popular MAKE magazine has tutorials in its archives on how to build a simple three-axis device. If you are not confident in working with tools or you lack the necessary technical knowledge, then you might find it best to visit a technology lab, fabrication lab or hacker space. These community-based technology labs are sprouting up all over the country and are a great place to get started in electronics, robotics and to meet like-minded individuals.