LED Matrix Bar Weather Station V1 – 3D Modeling

Features:

  • ESP8266 WeMos D1 mini module which I finally found good application for (now you can buy better cheap ESPs)
  • 6 x LEDMatrix module with MAX7219 driver
  • supplied directly from USB port with USB plug
  • all data are synchronized every 7-8 minutes
  • time and date are taken from google.com
  • weather informations are grabbed from openweather.org JSON api
  • in the future also other news and infos grabbing can be possible
  • no hardware RTC clock is necessary
  • responsive web(UI) design
  • internal temperature, humidity sensor (options – DS18B20, DHT22, DHT12)
  • ESP8266 setup and control as a Wi-Fi Web Server (WiFiManager, OTA, mDNS)
  • receives a message input from a User Input page, then displays the message on a scrolling LED matrix display.

Parts List:

  • 6 x MAX7219 8 x 8 LED Matrix module
  • 1 x WeMos D1 mini
  • 1 x Interface shield

Additional Parts:

  • N x DS18B20 temperature sensor
  • 1 x DHT22 temperature and humidity sensor
  • 1 x DHT12 temperature and humidity sensor
  • N x WS2812B RGB LED

Source code is available here:
The code is being cleaned up. Please wait… I’ll share it soon.

3D Parts:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2650808

NOTE: Recently added support for rotated LED Matrices

https://youtu.be/51wum5p9660

The open source ProfileBlock hardware and software is free and made with love. Please show your level of support with a voluntary donation.

Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RDN7ZGAVFS5UE

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miniMe™ – DIY mini Robot Platform – Design Concepts

miniMe™ is 3D printing DIY mini robot platform

  • Balancing Robot
  • Rover
  • Line Tracer
  • Etc…

miniMe-BB: TT motor type

miniMe-BB: N20 motor type

miniMe-BB: SG90 Servo Motor type

miniMe-Rover: Servo motor type (Standard Servo)

miniMe-Rover: TT motor type

Designs – pinshape

 

Designs – Thingiverse

 

PANDORA Jr. DXs – DIY 3D Printer – 3D Design Conceptby ZalophusDec 12, 2017

LED Matrix Bar Weather Station V1by ZalophusDec 5, 2017

ProfileBlock™ – Balancing Robot – DIY Robot Platformby ZalophusNov 12, 2017

ProfileBlock™ – DIY Robot Platform – Design Conceptsby ZalophusApr 19, 2017

Project Hexapod Robot – H1 – Design conceptby ZalophusOct 1, 2016

Project Humanoid Robot – M1 – Design conceptby ZalophusOct 1, 2016

Super Ultra Compact Pan/Tilt Camera Mount – V2by ZalophusOct 1, 2016

Super Ultra Compact Pan/Tilt Camera Mount – V1 Upgradeby ZalophusJan 4, 2016

MobBob V2 Remix Upgrade – Smart Phone Controlled Robotby ZalophusJan 4, 2016

CapBot – DIY Web Controlled Camera RoBotby ZalophusJan 3, 2016

Modular Holderby ZalophusDec 30, 2015

18650 x 2 Battery Bankby ZalophusDec 30, 2015

Smartphone Stand Type C (Clip-Y)by ZalophusDec 30, 2015

MobBob V2 Remix – Smart Phone Controlled Robotby ZalophusDec 30, 2015

My Customized USB stick and SD card holderby ZalophusDec 23, 2015

Modular Holderby ZalophusOct 23, 2015

Binocular Tripod Adapterby ZalophusSep 11, 2015

Smartphone Stand Type C (Clip)by ZalophusAug 26, 2015

Smartphone Stand Type D (Delta)by ZalophusAug 22, 2015

Smartphone Stand Type F (Fire)by ZalophusAug 17, 2015

Smartphone Stand Type B (Beta)by ZalophusAug 17, 2015

PokeBall – Upgrade Ball Caseby ZalophusJul 28, 2015

Ball Caseby ZalophusJul 19, 2015

Barrelby ZalophusJul 17, 2015

Desktop Cooling FAN & LED Light – DeskFAN 3D Designby ZalophusJul 13, 2015

HexaBot – DIY Delta 3D Printer – 3D Designby ZalophusJul 9, 2015

PANDORA DXs – DIY 3D Printer – 3D Designby ZalophusJul 9, 2015

FAN 90mm Replacementby ZalophusJul 7, 2015

PANDORA DXs – Profile DRF 3030 Corner Coverby ZalophusJul 7, 2015

Kitchen Sink Drain Coverby ZalophusJul 7, 2015

Profile DRF 3030 Corner Capby ZalophusJun 2, 2014

Super Ultra Compact Pan Tilt Camera Mount – V1by ZalophusJun 2, 2014

eX-Robot – ProfileBlock™ Robot Platform

[ Upload 20170424]
[ Upload design concept 20170418]
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2256715

ProfileBlock – Balancing Robot – DIY Robots Platform

3D Design Tool: SketchUp Pro

ProfileBlock’s robots are built on top of an open source Arduino-based(with ESP8266, Raspberry Pi) platform.

Self Balancing Robot (eX-Robot, B-Robot, Roverbot, …

Hardware_____

Base Plate(Parts):

6 x ProfileBlock™ DF 2020 85mmAcrylic Plate (t = 3mm)1 x Top Plate1 x Bottom Plate
2 x Step Motor Mount Plate
1 x Front Plate
1 x Rear Plate3D Printing Parts
2 x Servo Mount ProfoleBlock
12 x Knob M5 Hexaheard
2 x Wheels 100mm or Inline Wheels 70mm(with 2 x Inline Wheels Hub)
2 x Tire Mudguards
1 x Stand1 x Battery Holder

Step Motor:

2 x Nema 17 Stepper Motor bipolar 4 leads 34mm 12V 1.3A 26Ncm(36.8oz.in) 3D printer motor 42SHD0001
2 x NEMA 17 – Phase: 4, Step Angle: 1.8 Deg/Step, Holding Torque: 2.6Kg.cm

Servo:

1 x Standard Servo or SG90 Metal Servo
1 x Standard Servo (Option) or SG90 Metal Servo

12 x M5 10mm Nylon Bolts
12 x M5 8mm Nylon Bolts
12 x M5 Nylon Nuts
8 x M3 8mm Bolts
4 x M3 10mm Bolts
4 x M3 15mm Bolts
8 x M3 Nuts

Electrical______

Control Board:


1 x ESP8266 Witty Cloud or WeMos (eX-Robot)

1 x HC-SR04 ultra sonic module
1 X MPU6050
2 x A4988 Step Motor Drive
1 x LM1117-5.0 5,0V 1A Regulator
1 x LM1117-3,3 3,3V 1A Regulator
6 x 100uF 25V Capacitor
4 x 0.1uF Capacitor
1 x 220KOhm Resistor
1 x 100KOhm Resistor
4 x 10KOhm Resistor
7 x 8P Female Pin Header Connector 2.54mm Pitch
3 x 4P Male Pin Header Connector 2.54mm Pitch
2 x 3P Male Pin Header Connector 2.54mm Pitch
3 x 2P Male Pin Header Connector 2.54mm Pitch
1 x 2EDGK 5.08mm 2P Plug-in terminal connectors set
1 x Right Angle SPDT 4 Pin On-On I/O Boat Rocker Switch
1 x Interface Mother boardPower Requirements:8.4VDC
12 VDCBattery:2 x 18650 Litum Ion Battery = 7.2 VDC ~ 8.4 VDCSoftware:

ESP8266 WeMos D1 mini code: Coming soon…
WiFi UDP Control TouchOSC Layout file: Coming soon…

Arduino IDE (ESP8266 ESP-12E/F)Support SoftAP and StationSupport OTA (at Local network)Support mDNS (at Local network)

The open source ProfileBlock hardware and software is free and made with love. Please show your level of support with a voluntary donation.

Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RDN7ZGAVFS5UE

B-Robot EVO 2 KIT (Plug and Play Robot version)

JJrobots´s B-ROBOT EVO 2 Kit. Created to simplify the set up and integration of all the different devices involved in this project.

This COMPLETE VERSION includes all the electronic and hardware components required to create the B-Robot. You just need to assemble everything  (optional 3D parts)

What you get when you buy this KIT:

  •  jjRobots Brain Shield 
  •  Arduino Leonardo (CLONE) + USB cable (already programmed)
  •  2x High Quality NEMA17 stepper motors +14 cms cables (pair)
  •  2x Stepper motor driver
  •  IMU (gyro+accelerometers) + custom cable
  • Powerful servo: Metal gears (you will need an arm to fight and raise your B-robot…)
  • 6x AA Battery case with ON/OFF Switch  (batteries not included)
  • Bolts+nuts needed to set everything up
  • Pair of nylon bumpers (14×5 cms)
  • Double side tape, googly eyes…
  • Optional: 3D printed parts

NEW: control your B-robot using the JJrobots FREE APP! (Android devices) or the Roverbot APP (for iOS phones. not official)

new B-ROBOT Evo 2 FEATURES:

    • STEM education robot: perfect introduction to a robot that solves the inverted pendulum problem. Modify the B-robot EVO 2 as much as you can (both the robot parts themselves or its code) while you have fun!
    • Control it using your smartphone/tablet via the free jjRobots APP
    • Google Blockly controllable!
    • Perfect to have fun as you learn robotics (Take a look to the Robotics Challenges!)
    • Now can use regular AA batteries (or a 3 cells LIPO battery)
    • Two SERVO outputs (one used for the ARM). Both can be controlled from the jjRobots APP
    • Easier to print and using less plastic
    • PRO MODE can be activated from your smartphone/Tablet (increased agility and velocity)
    • Increased WIFI range (up to 40 meters)
    • Battery status
    • “Tilt angle” displayed in real time on your smartphone screen

 

logo GOOGLE PLAY v2

 

Personalise your B-robot to fight, create your own weapons, increase the size of the wheels… it is up to you! Take a look to some parts (and send us yours!)
Customise your own bumper using the online tool at Thingiverse 

 

B-ROBOT Evo 2 Features:

  • STEM education robot.  In addition to being fun, the B-robot EVO 2 engage beginners and advanced students and incorporate many of the fundamental STEM concepts providing a learning platform that everyone enjoys
  • Control it using your smartphone/tablet using the free jjRobots APP
  • Google Blockly controllable
  • Perfect have fun as you learn about robotics (Take a look to the Robotics Challenges!)
  • Open Robot project: code and 3D design files are open and shared. You could personalise your robot as much as you want.
  • DIY & Hackeable: BROBOT is not a closed final product, BROBOT is an open, modifiable and hackeable platform, perfect to learn and play as much as you want!
  • Develop your own apps: You could modify the source code of BROBOT to perform new tasks but the communication protocol is also open so you can develop your own IOS, Android, PC remote apps to control your BROBOT!
  • Learn: BROBOT is a JJROBOTS product and this mean that you will receive a well documented project (source code and external documentation). We want you know all that is happening inside your Robot! This is ideal for learning and teaching technology. We will provide very good documentation. How we are controlling the motors, how we read and integrate the information from gyros and accelerometers, how we are controlling de stability of the robot, how we communicate with the control apps, etc…

– Build with your kids, at school, for yourself… this is a unique gadget. A perfect STEM education robot

– This self balancing robot has a medium size, perfect to carry your own beer (or mineral water ;-))

– There is a community behind BROBOT so you will have a forum to ask questions, share your experiences, MODs/ Hacks and contact other users…

– You can use these self balancing robot parts to create more robots or gadgets, keep in mind all the devices used in a BROBOT are standard electronic devices with a lot of potential. In the JJROBOTS community we want to show you how! You are now buying a self balancing robot, you are buying your a versatile set of electronics and ancillary devices.

 

B-Robot EVO 2. Much more than a self balancing robot

 

 


REMOTELY CONTROL YOUR B-ROBOT EVO

 

Control and tune-up your B-robot from your own smartphone/ tablet using the Control APP (freely available on Google play).

Modify its PID robotic control in real time and see how that affects to its behaviour and performance.

The new version displays the battery status and robot´s tilt angle in real time. Control the two servo output just tapping on the screen.

 

 

 

HAVE FUN LEARNING ROBOTICS

Learn Robotics and have fun with the STEM Challenges!

How does this robot work? Can I adjust its behaviour? And modify it?

STEM education robot:  In addition to being fun, the B-robot EVO 2 engage beginners and advanced students and incorporate many of the fundamental STEM concepts providing a learning platform that everyone enjoys

Bring a beverage can to the other side of the room not dropping it, race against other B-robots with different configurations and add-ons and understand what it is going on. The B-robot EVO 2 is a very versatile and fun STEM learning robot

CUSTOMISE YOUR ROBOT!

Create your own bumpers and personalise your B-robot with the online customisation tool on Thingiverse

 

USEFUL LINKS

B-Robot EVO 2 Assembly guide

Better than a bunch of photos we have created an Assembly guide video. Some steps, like how to program the Arduino, controlling your robot or Troubleshooting are listed below. The interactive 3D model will help you to get a good idea about how the B-robot EVO looks.

Part list:
  •  jjRobots Brain Shield  (or equivalent: schematic info here)
  •  Arduino Leonardo (CLONE) + USB cable (already programmed)
  •  2x High Quality NEMA17 stepper motors +14 cms cables (pair)
  •  2x Stepper motor driver
  •  IMU (gyro+accelerometers) + custom cable
  • Optional: 3D printed parts (vibrant colours)
  • Powerful servo: Metal gears (you will need an arm to fight and raise your B-robot…)
  • 6x AA Battery case with ON/OFF Switch  (batteries not included)
  • Bolts+nuts needed to set everything up
  • Pair of nylon bumpers (14×5 cms)
  • Double side tape, googly eyes…

Have questions/ comments? Refer to the B-robot EVO community!

HOW TO:

UPLOAD the ARDUINO CODE to the ARDUINO LEONARDO

(skip this step if you got the Plug & Play B-robot EVO kit version. The Arduino is already programmed)

a) Install the Arduino IDE on your PC from (skip this step if you have the Arduino IDE already installed)
This B-robot code has been tested and developed on IDE version 1.6.5 and later versions. If you have a problem compiling the code, let us know
b) Download all the arduino files from GITHUB (https://github.com/jjrobots/B-ROBOT_EVO2/tree/master/Arduino/BROBOT_EVO2) or from here
Copy the files inside the BROBOT_EVO2 folder in your hard drive
c) Compile and send the code to the Arduino Leonardo
  1. Open your Arduino IDE
  2. Open the main code in /BROBOT_EVO2/BROBOT_EVO2-XX.ino
  3. Connect your Leonardo board with the USB to the PC
  4. Note: If this is the first time you connect a Leonardo board to your PC maybe you might need to install the driver.
  5. Select the board Leonardo (tools->board)
  6. Select the serial port that appears on the tools->Serial port
Send the code to the board (UPLOAD button: Arrow pointing to the RIGHT)
upload
d) Done!

CONTROL YOUR B-ROBOT EVO 2:

Android users:

We have developed a FREE APP to control the Brobot (and future JJrobots) for your Android based Smartphone/Tablet:

logo GOOGLE PLAY v2
Download it for FREE

It works sending UDP packets to the B-robot. It uses a simple layout with Throttle and Steering slicers and several buttons.

Steps to follow:

  1. Install the JJRobots control APP
  2. After turning the Brobot EVO ON, connect your smartphone/tablet to the B-robot EVO´s wifi network (remember, the WIFI´s password is 87654321)
  3. Launch the JJrobots control APP and play with your B-robot EVO!

Above: Screen capture of the JJrobots B-robot control APP (available for free in GOOGLE PLAY)

iOS users. App Store App or TouchOSC :

iOS  B-robot control APP (thanks to Xuyen for this great contribution!)ios tiny2

It is quite straightforward to use. Just connect your iPhone/iPad to the B-robot EVO´s wifi (use the password “87654321“) and launch the App.

(thanks to Xuyen for this great contribution!)

iOS TouchOSC APP: Alternative way to control the B-robot EVO. Setup guide and files here 

USEFUL LINKS:

Arduino CODE (latest version V.2.0) and the GITHUB REPOSITORY

3D PARTS (STL) Files

B-robot Challenges (robotics, Academy)

B-robot alternative frames: Stealth versionCompact version (credits to s199)

B-robot EVO 2: 3D MODEL

TROUBLESHOOTING:

My B-robot is not responding to the command sent from my smartphone/tablet

Check you are connected to the JJROBOTS_XX netwrok using the correct password (by default: 87654321) and your device has not blocked the data traffic to the B-robot (stay always connected to the robot)

The IMU gets loose/ the i2C cable is too short

The gyroscope (IMU) is one of the most important element in this robot. It provides the current angle of the robot updating its value hundred times per second. The protocol used to send the data is quite sensitive to any electromagnetic interference so a very short cable is needed to connect the IMU and the Brain Shield. At the same time, vibrations create false angle measurements so we have to isolate the Brobot´s main frame vibrations from the IMU: that is the reason to use a double sided sticky pad to fix the IMU to the Brain Shield.

Place the IMU as indicated above: Close to the Brain Shield´s i2C connector. Bend the cable if needed. If you place the IMU as above, there should not be any lateral force pushing the IMU out of place

My B-robot lacks of power or fall without reason

Adjust the current delivered by the stepper motors drivers. Use a screwdriver and gently rotate the screws indicated on the photo below. Rotating 10º-30º is more than enough.

Clockwise rotation: increase the power delivered to the motors

 

A4988 STEPPER MOTOR DRIVERS output current potentiometer

My B-robot can not stand up by itself.

If everything is ok, the B-robot only needs a little bit of help from the servo to stand up by itself. Take a look to the video below. If your robot does not behave like in the video, adjust the stepper motor drivers output power (instructions above). Keep in mind that the bumpers have two functions here: protect the electronics+robot and help it to stand up easily.

Video Player

DEBUG MODE

There is a DEBUG MODE inside the B-robot CODE. This MODE will allow you the debug the behaviour of the robot if you are having issues.  Please, refer to the B-robot community if you have problems or questions.

Look at the sketch line “#define DEBUG 0″ and change the 0 to 1…8 depending on what info you want to get. Take a look to the CODE below:

#if DEBUG==8
Serial.print(throttle);
Serial.print(” “);
Serial.print(steering);
Serial.print(” “);
Serial.println(mode);
#endif

//angle_adjusted_radians = angle_adjusted*GRAD2RAD;

#if DEBUG==1
Serial.println(angle_adjusted);

#endif

//Serial.print(“\t”);
mpu.resetFIFO(); // We always reset FIFO

// We calculate the estimated robot speed:
// Estimated_Speed = angular_velocity_of_stepper_motors(combined) – angular_velocity_of_robot(angle measured by IMU)
actual_robot_speed_Old = actual_robot_speed;
actual_robot_speed = (speed_M1 + speed_M2)/2; // Positive: forward

int16_t angular_velocity = (angle_adjusted-angle_adjusted_Old)*90.0; // 90 is an empirical extracted factor to adjust for real units
int16_t estimated_speed = -actual_robot_speed_Old – angular_velocity; // We use robot_speed(t-1) or (t-2) to compensate the delay
estimated_speed_filtered = estimated_speed_filtered*0.95 + (float)estimated_speed*0.05;

#if DEBUG==2
Serial.print(” “);
Serial.println(estimated_speed_filtered);
#endif

// SPEED CONTROL: This is a PI controller.
// input:user throttle, variable: estimated robot speed, output: target robot angle to get the desired speed
//target_angle = (target_angle + speedPControl(estimated_speed_filtered,throttle,Kp_thr))/2.0; // Some filtering : Average with previous output
//target_angle = target_angle*0.3 + speedPIControl(dt,estimated_speed_filtered,throttle,Kp_thr,Ki_thr)*0.7; // Some filtering
target_angle = speedPIControl(dt,estimated_speed_filtered,throttle,Kp_thr,Ki_thr);
target_angle = constrain(target_angle,-max_target_angle,max_target_angle); // limited output

#if DEBUG==3
Serial.print(” “);
Serial.println(estimated_speed_filtered);
Serial.print(” “);
Serial.println(target_angle);
#endif

#if DEBUG==10
Serial.print(angle_adjusted);
Serial.print(” “);
Serial.println(debugVariable);
#endif

#if DEBUG==6 //BATTERY STATUS
Serial.print(“B”);
Serial.println(battery);
Serial.print(” “);
#endif
#if DEBUG==7
Serial.print(distance_sensor);
Serial.print(” A”);
Serial.println(autonomous_mode_status);

 

USEFUL INFO: ARDUINO LEONARDO, IMU 6050 & STEPPER MOTOR DRIVER(A4988):

Arduino Leonardo:

  • Schematic can be found here
  • Info about this Arduino model here

MPU-6050 (gyro+accelerometers)

  • MPU-6050 series info can be found here
  • How to integrate it with any Arduino, here
  • Schematic and connection info, here

Stepper motor driver A4988:

 

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Why are you using Stepper motors?

There are several options for motors: DC, Brushless, Steppers… We choose stepper motors because they have enough torque, you could connect the wheels directly without gears that generate some backslash (this is a common problem in balancing robots), they have good bearings and you will be able to control the speed of the motors with accuracy. In standard sizes these motors are cheap (we use the same motors used on a regular 3D printers) and the drivers are cheap and easy to interface with Arduino too.

Why you use a Wifi connection?

Using a Wifi connection allow us to work with a lot of devices (Smartphones, Tablets, PCs…) Bluetooth devices are cheaper but their range is usually shorter. Old devices are not supported and you could not connect it to Internet easily. The Wifi module that we recommend, allow us to create an Access Point, so you don’t need to use an existing Wifi infrastructure (cheap Wifi modules don´t let you do this). You can connect your device directly to the Robot anywhere but if you prefer you can hack it and use your own infrastructure therefore controlling your robot (or whatever you have created) over the Internet from any remote place in the world! (Cool, isn´t it?)

Why BROBOT?

Self balancing robots are fun to see and play. A self balancing robot requires sensors and control algorithms. You will find all the HOWTO and technical documents which explains the “behind the scenes” in JJROBOTS. Learn electronics and robotics creating your own BROBOT from scratch!.

There are some commercial solutions to the balancing robot, but here we want to share knowledge and thoughts. You can use the BROBOT parts to create more robots or gadgets, keep in mind all the devices used in a BROBOT are standard devices/electronics with a lot of potential. In the JJROBOTS community we want to show you how! You are now buying a self balancing robot, your are buying your own electronic and ancillary devices!

Thinking about creating a GPS self guidance robot? a modified version of BROBOT is your robot!

How much payload could carry BROBOT?

BROBOT could easily carry your soft-drink cans. We have tested with 500g of payload with success. More weight makes the robot more unstable but this could be fun also, isn’t it?

Why use stepper motors for a balancing robot?

There are several options for motors, DC, Brushless, Steppers… We choose stepper motors because they have enough torque, you could connect the wheels directly without gears that generate some backslash, they have good bearings and you could control the speed of the motors very precisely. Also they are cheap and the drivers too…

Could I use rechargeable batteries of Lipo batteries?

Yes, you could use standard AA batteries (alkaline recommended), AA rechargeable batteries (e.g. NiMh) or you could optionally use a 3S Lipo battery. Run Lipo batteries at your own responsibility.

What is the runtime of BROBOT?

With rechargeable AA batteries (e.g. Ni-Mh 2100mAh) you could expect around half to an hour of runtime

Could BROBOT work without the wifi module?

Yes, BROBOT could work and keep its stability. But, of course you could not control it without the module.

 

Could I change the name of the Wifi network that BROBOT generate?

Yes, on the configuration sketch you could change the name and also some other internet configurations. You could also connect BROBOT with your existing Wifi network

Is this a project for an Arduino beginner?

Well, BROBOT is not an easy “beginner project”, but it has a lot of documentation so you have a platform to grow your skills. You could first mount your BROBOT following the instructions and it should work OK, then you could start understanding some parts of the code and finally writing your own pieces of code…

For example it could be easily (there are tutorials for this) to write your code so the robot automatically move the arm and spin itself if you don’t send a command in 10 seconds…

More advanced hacks: Convert to a totally autonomous robot with obstacle avoiding adding a SONAR, convert to a follow line robot, and so on…

Why BROBOT electronics are not so cheap?

We are a really small startup (2 persons in our free time) and now we could only run small batch of electronics. As yo know the price of electronics drops quickly in high volume productions but we are starting… If we sell many boards and we could run more volume productions we will drop the prices!!. JJROBOTS didn´t born to get money, our spirit is to sell “good products” to found our next projects and spread the robotics knowledge

Have fun!

LINK: B-robot EVO original assembly guide 

Creating a Remotely Controlled Arduino Self Balancing Robot: B-robot EVO

How does it work?

B-ROBOT EVO is a remotely controlled self balancing arduino robot created with 3D printed parts. With only two wheels, B-ROBOT is able to maintain its balance all the time by using his internal sensors and driving the motors. You can control your Robot, making him move or spin, by sending commands via a Smartphone, Tablet or PC while it maintains its balance.

This self balancing robot reads his inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes integrated on the MPU6000 chip) 200 times per second. He calculates his attitude (angle with respect to the horizon) and compares this angle with the target angle (0º if he wants to maintain balance without moving, or a positive or negative angle if he wants to move forward or backwards). Using the difference between the target angle (let’s say 0º) and actual angle (let’s say 3º) he drives a Control System to send the right commands to the motors to maintain his balance. The commands to the motors are accelerations. For example if the robot is tilted forward (angle of robot is 3º) then he sends a command to the motors to accelerate forward until this angle is reduced to zero to preserve the balance.

Step 1: A Bit More in Depth…

The physical problem that B-ROBOT solves is called the Inverted Pendulum. This is the same mechanism you need to balance an umbrella above your hand. The pivot point is under the center of mass of the object. More information on Inverted Pendulum here. The mathematical solution to the problem is not easy but we don’t need to understand it in order to solve our robot´s balance issue. What we need to know is how should do to restore the robot´s balance so we can implement a Control Algorithm to resolve the problem.

Control System is very useful in Robotics (an Industrial automation). Basically it´s a code that receives information from sensors and target commands as inputs and creates, in consequence, output signals to drive the Robot actuators (the motors in our example) in order to regulate the system. We are using a PID controller (Proportional + Derivative + Integral). This type of control has 3 constants to adjust kP,kD,kI. From Wikipedia: “A PID controller calculates an ‘error’ value as the difference between a measured [Input] and a desired setpoint. The controller attempts to minimize the error by adjusting [an Output].” So, you tell the PID what to measure (the “Input”),where you want that measurement to be (the “Setpoint”,) and the variable you wish to adjust to make that happen (the “Output”.)

The PID then adjusts the output trying to make the input equal the setpoint. For reference, a water tank we want to fill up to a level, the Input, Setpoint, and Output would be the level according to the water level sensor, the desired water level and the water pumped into the tank. kP is the Proportional part and is the main part of the control, this part is proportional to the error. kD is the Derivative part and is applied to the derivative of the error. This part depends on the dynamics of the system (depends on the robot,´s weight motors, inertias…). The last one, kI is applied to the integral of the error and is used to reduce steady errors, it is like a trim on the final output (think in the trim buttons on an RC car steering wheel to make the car go totally straight, kI removes the offset between the target required and the actual value).

On B-ROBOT the steering command from the user is added to the motors output (one motor with a positive sign and the other with a negative sign). For example if the user sends the steering command 6 to turn to the right (from -10 to 10) we need to add 6 to the left motor value and subtract 6 from the right motor. If the robot is not moving forward or backwards, the result of the steering command is a spin of the robot

Step 2: What About the Remote Control?

We wanted B-ROBOT to be controlled by the user from almost any existing device, but we don´t want to develop a lot of different interfaces for different systems (Android, IOS, PC-windows…). Moreover, we decided to use existing (and powerful) protocols to control “things” and we found (some years ago) a protocol called OSC(Open Sound Control, more info here) used to control musical instruments like synthesizers. Very visual and powerful (we can display volume control, equalizers, lights…and create our own). To remotely control B-robot, we use OSC protocol over an Internet connection (Wifi module) using UDP packets. This is a lightweight and efficient way to send commands to our Robots!. We could also personalize the Interface we are using in our device so we will be able to control anything! (well…almost) What we need to do is to implement a lightweight library for Arduino in order to support this protocol (easy). We only use a subset of the OSC protocol to keep things small.

More info in the jjrobots webpage

Step 3: FIRST! Check You Have Everything You Need

  1. B-ROBOT electronic brain shield (or create your own PCB board using the info available here)
  2. B-Robot 3D printed plastic parts (STL models available here)
  3. Arduino LEONARDO
  4. 2x Stepper motor DRIVER (A4988)
  5. IMU MPU-6050 (gyro+accelerometer)
  6. 2x NEMA 17 stepper motors (40mm length, example:42BYGHW609)
  7. 8xAA battery holder (for NiMh or alkaline batteries)
  8. OPTIONAL: Mini servo (21g) to move the arm (this is a fun feature)

The easy way to get everything is buying from us (and that encourages us to keep doing these robots) here (plus bolts, nuts, strap…)

HINT:

We are working on other robots that are using the same electronics and ancillary elements. If you get the items above you will be capable of assemble new different robots soon. Take a look to them at the last step

Step 4: ​Programming the ARDUINO LEONARDO

a) Install the Arduino IDE on your PC from (skip this step if you have arduino already installed)

This B-robot code has been tested and developed on IDE version 1.6.5

b) Install the libraries (https://github.com/jjrobots/B-ROBOT/tree/master/libraries) Copy the folders inside the /libraries into the Arduino/libraries folder on your hard drive

JJROBOTS_BROBOT

JJROBOTS_OSC

I2Cdev

MPU6050

c)  Get the main CODE (https://github.com/jjrobots/B-ROBOT/tree/master/BROBOT).

d) Compile and send the code to the Arduino Leonardo:

  1. Open your Arduino IDE
  2. Open the main code in /BROBOT/BROBOT.ino
  3. Connect your Leonardo board with the USB to the PC
  4. Note: If this is the first time you connect a Leonardo board to your PC maybe you will need to install the driver.
  5. Select the board Leonardo (tools->board)
  6. Select the serial port that appears on the tools->Serial port
  7. Send the code to the board

Step 5: Assemble the B-robot Frame+ Ancillary Elements

Step 6: (Optional But Recommended) Controlling the B-robot Using WIFI

Setting up the TouchOSC software: If you are going to use the Touch OSC software to control the B-robot (and according to the current B-robot´s CODE available for the Arduino Leonardo), you will need to set these parameters in the TouchOSC like is shown in the images above.

Download the B-robot control layout (you can modify it if you want to) and install it using the OSCtouch APP

LINK: OSC layout used to control B-robot

Once the B.robot is switched on, a new WIFI signal will appear: “JJROBOTS-XX”. You will need to connect the controlling device to this network using the default WIFI password: 87654321

An OSC control software alternative: OSCillation and how to use it (Thanks Patrick!)

Step 7: ​Powering Up the B-robot:

  1. Lay down the B-robot on a static horizontal position in order to let it calibrate itself after powering it up.
  2. Turn the B-robot ON
  3. Let the B-robot 10 seconds to calibrate itself. Once self-calibrated, B-robot will spin its wheels a little.
  4. Time to stand up!: Use its arm or help it to stand up.

HINT: If the stepper motors do not have enough power to spin the wheels, try to adjust the current output in the A4988 stepper motor drivers rotating the screw indicated in the photo

QUESTIONS?

have a look to the B-robot forum

Step 8:

Other robots created (or under the last stage of development) which use the same electronics and ancillary elements.

THE B-ROBOT EVO (the self balancing robot)

 How does it work?

B-ROBOT is a remotely controlled self balancing arduino robot created with 3D printed parts. With only two wheels, B-ROBOT is able to maintain its balance all the time by using his internal sensors and driving the motors. You can control your Robot, making him move or spin,  by sending commands via a Smartphone, Tablet or PC while it maintains its balance.

Above: the B-Robot “brainstorming” creation ideas

This self balancing robot reads his inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes integrated on the MPU6000 chip) 200 times per second. He calculates his attitude (angle with respect to the horizon) and compares this angle with the target angle (0º if he wants to maintain balance without moving, or a positive or negative angle if he wants to move forward or backwards). Using the difference between the target angle (let’s say 0º) and actual angle (let’s say 3º) he drives a Control System to send the right commands to the motors to maintain his balance. The commands to the motors are accelerations. For example if the robot is tilted forward (angle of robot is 3º)then he sends a command to the motors to accelerate forward until this angle is reduced to zero to preserve the balance.

image02

Stable position                  leaning forward                    Correcting its tilt using motors

A bit more in depth…

The physical problem that B-ROBOT solves is called the Inverted Pendulum. This is the same mechanism you need to balance an umbrella above your hand. The pivot point is under the center of mass of the object. More information on Inverted Pendulum here. The mathematical solution to the problem is not easy but we don’t need to understand it in order to solve our robot´s balance issue. What we need to know is how should do to restore the robot´s balance so we can implement a Control Algorithm to resolve the problem.

Control System is very useful in Robotics (an Industrial automation). Basically it´s a code that receives information from sensors and target commands as inputs and creates, in consequence, output signals to drive the Robot actuators (the motors in our example) in order to regulate the system. We are using a PID controller (Proportional + Derivative + Integral). This type of control has 3 constants to adjust kP,kD,kI.

 From Wikipedia: “A PID controller calculates an ‘error’ value as the difference between a measured [Input] and a desired setpoint. The controller attempts to minimize the error by adjusting [an Output].”

 So, you tell the PID what to measure (the “Input”) ,where you want that measurement to be (the “Setpoint”,) and the variable you wish to adjust to make that happen (the “Output”.) The PID then adjusts the output trying to make the input equal the setpoint.

For reference, a water tank we want to fill up to a level, the Input, Setpoint, and Output would be the level according to the water level sensor, the desired water level and the water pumped into the tank.

 

kP is the Proportional part and is the main part of the control, this part is proportional to the error. kD is the Derivative part and is applied to the derivative of the error. This part depends on the dynamics of the system (depends on the robot,´s weight motors, inertias…). The last one, kI is applied to the integral of the error and is used to reduce steady errors, it is like a trim on the final output (think in the trim buttons on an RC car steering wheel to make the car go totally straight, kI removes the offset between the target required and the actual value).

More information on PID controller here.

On B-ROBOT the steering command from the user is added to the motors output (one motor with a positive sign and the other with a negative sign). For example if the user sends the steering command 6 to turn to the right (from -10 to 10) we need to add 6 to the left motor value and subtract 6 from the right motor. If the robot is not moving forward or backwards, the result of the steering command is a spin of the robot.

image01

Above: Top view of the B-ROBOT and the commands to the motors

 

What about the user control?

NEW: (Android devices) control your B-robot using the JJrobots FREE APP! 
logo GOOGLE PLAY v2

We have developed an APP for Android users that simplifies the control of the B-robot EVO.

NEW: adjust the stability and behaviour of the B-robot in real time from the PID control APP (free)

More info in the assembly guide page

NEW: (iOS devices)

B-robot control APP (thanks to Xuyen for this great contribution!)

 

We wanted B-ROBOT to be controlled by the user from almost any existing device, but we don´t want 😉 to develop a lot of  different interfaces for different systems (Android, IOS, PC-windows…). Moreover, we decided to use existing (and powerful) protocols to control “things” and we found (some years ago) a protocol called OSC (Open Sound Control, more info here) used to control musical instruments like synthesizers. Very visual and powerful (we can display  volume control, equalizers, lights…and create our own). To remotely control B-robot, we use OSC protocol over an Internet connection (Wifi module) using UDP packets. This is a lightweight and efficient way to send commands to our Robots!. We could also  personalize the Interface we are using in our device so we will be able to control anything! (well…almost) What we need to do is to implement a lightweight library for Arduino in order to support this protocol (easy). We only use a subset of the OSC protocol to keep things small.

image04 v2
OSC interface on an Android Device.
animacion-test-para-Brobot
controlling the B-ROBOT (the old version in this case)

 

More about the Control System…

But things are a bit more complex… We have really two PID controllers in a cascade configuration (the output of one controller connected to the next one). The output controller is a speed controller and the inner controller is the stability controller.

BROBOT_control1

ABOVE: B-ROBOT  control algorithm loop

 

We could use only one stability controller (the second one) but this would mean that the control´s output would be the desired robot tilt angle, so the user would control the robot angle directly. The problem is that if the center of gravity is not perfectly located above the wheels axis , so the robot needs a little tilt angle to keep the balance and if the user sends a command of tilt=0 then the robot will maintain its balance whilst moving… When adding the second controller (speed controller) the system compensates automatically for this. The user sends a command to the robot speed=0 and this controller will send the “correct” tilt angle to the second controller (stability controller) to mantain the robot balanced and not moving! For the users it is much simpler to set the desired robot speed and the system will find the right robot angle to achieve this speed.

 

Now… How to create a self balancing robot like B-robot

 

To create a B-ROBOT, you will need:

  1. B-ROBOT electronic brain shield
  2. B-Robot 3D printed plastic parts (include bolts+nuts+ON/OFF switch) or print them by yourself (DOWNLOAD B-robot EVO STL 3D parts)
  3. Arduino LEONARDO 
  4. 2x Stepper motor DRIVER (A4988)
  5. IMU (gyro+accelerometer)
  6. 2x NEMA 17 stepper motors (40mm length, example:42BYGHW609)
  7. 8xAA battery holder (for NiMh or alkaline batteries)
  8. OPTIONAL: Mini servos (21g) to move the arm (arms)
  9. Programming the Leonardo with the latest code (ESP12-E version)
  10. Have a look to the FORUM, there you will find modifications of the robots (sonar sensors, different cases, sizes…)

 


FAQ: More questions

 

Why are you using Stepper motors?

There are several options for motors: DC, Brushless, Steppers… We choose stepper motors because they have enough torque, you could connect the wheels directly without gears that generate some backslash (this is a common problem in balancing robots), they have good bearings and you will be able to control the speed of the motors with accuracy. In standard sizes these motors are cheap (we use the same motors used on a regular 3D printers) and the drivers are cheap and easy to interface with Arduino too.

Why you use a Wifi connection?

Using a Wifi connection allow us to work with a lot of devices (Smartphones, Tablets, PCs…) Bluetooth devices are cheaper but their range is usually shorter. Old devices are not supported and you could not connect it to Internet easily. The Wifi module that we recommend, allow us to create an Access Point, so you don’t need to use an existing Wifi infrastructure (cheap Wifi modules don´t let you do this). You can connect your device directly to the Robot anywhere but if you prefer you can hack it and use your own infrastructure therefore controlling your robot (or whatever you have created) over the Internet from any remote place in the world! (Cool, isn´t it?)

Why BROBOT?

Self balancing robots are fun to see and play. A self balancing robot requires sensors and control algorithms. You will find all the HOWTO and technical documents which explains the “behind the scenes” in JJROBOTS. Learn electronics and robotics creating your own BROBOT from scratch!.

There are some commercial solutions to the balancing robot, but here we want to share knowledge and thoughts. You can use the BROBOT parts to create more robots or gadgets, keep in mind all the devices used in a BROBOT are standard devices/electronics with a lot of potential. In the JJROBOTS community we want to show you how! You are now buying a self balancing robot, your are buying your own electronic and ancillary devices!

Thinking about creating a GPS self guidance robot? a modified version of BROBOT is your robot!

How much payload could carry BROBOT?

BROBOT could easily carry your soft-drink cans. We have tested with 500g of payload with success. More weight makes the robot more unstable but this could be fun also, isn’t it?

Why use stepper motors for a balancing robot?

There are several options for motors, DC, Brushless, Steppers… We choose stepper motors because they have enough torque, you could connect the wheels directly without gears that generate some backslash, they have good bearings and you could control the speed of the motors very precisely. Also they are cheap and the drivers too…

Could I use rechargeable batteries of Lipo batteries?

Yes, you could use standard AA batteries (alkaline recommended), AA rechargeable batteries (e.g. NiMh) or you could optionally use a 3S Lipo battery. Run Lipo batteries at your own responsibility.

What is the runtime of BROBOT?

With rechargeable AA batteries (e.g. Ni-Mh 2100mAh) you could expect around half to an hour of runtime

Could BROBOT work without the wifi module?

Yes, BROBOT could work and keep its stability. But, of course you could not control it without the module.

Could I change the name of the Wifi network that BROBOT generate?

Yes, on the configuration sketch you could change the name and also some other internet configurations. You could also connect BROBOT with your existing Wifi network

Is this a project for an Arduino beginner?

Well, BROBOT is not an easy “beginner project”, but it has a lot of documentation so you have a platform to grow your skills. You could first mount your BROBOT following the instructions and it should work OK, then you could start understanding some parts of the code and finally writing your own pieces of code…

For example it could be easily (there are tutorials for this) to write your code so the robot automatically move the arm and spin itself if you don’t send a command in 10 seconds…

More advanced hacks: Convert to a totally autonomous robot with obstacle avoiding adding a SONAR, convert to a follow line robot, and so on…

Why BROBOT electronics are not so cheap?

We are a really small startup (2 persons in our free time) and now we could only run small batch of electronics. As yo know the price of electronics drops quickly in high volume productions but we are starting… If we sell many boards and we could run more volume productions we will drop the prices!!. JJROBOTS didn´t born to get money, our spirit is to sell “good products” to found our next projects and spread the robotics knowledge

If you want to know more, we recommend you have a look at the B-ROBOT´s code (or to the jjrobots forum).

 

jjrobotsJJROBOTS Science&fun 2015