Results: Besides its unique "face", Sparky 2 is a lot faster with higher gear ratio motors and have a battery life of nearly an hour. The faster speed however did not allow the bot enough time to scan for objects and react to it before it crashed into it. Some additional software work needs to be done to better control motor speed and acceleration so it doesn't tip over every time it stops!
Cost did improve significantly from over $60 to less then $25. A lot more reasonable and justifiable.
Sparky 1
Status: Complete (Jan-2017)
Type: 2-Wheel Drive
Weight: <1 lbs
Power: 9V Battery Cell
Max Speed: TBD
This fun looking little bot was our first attempt at developing a 2WD robot that utilizes an ultrasonic sensor to determine when it will drive into an obstacle and an Arduino UNO to make local decisions.
The chassis, housing, and pivot are simple 3D prints that require minimal support material and secondary rework.
The two DC gear motors, Arduino, and motor controller fasten directly to the 3D printed parts with #4-40 screws. The ultrasonic sensor is a press fit into the housing.
A 9V battery rests in a pocket on top of Sparky's housing and supplies power to the Arduino. The Arduino breaks down the 9V into 5V for the sensors & motors.
SPARKY
Results: Sparky 1 is a slow moving bot due to the gear-ratio of the DC gear motors but is fairly reliable and will trigger a reversing pivot when it is within 6" of an object. Although simple to build and power, Sparky 1 had expensive electronics and the 9V battery had plenty of voltage but lacked the AMP hours to last long. Several attempts to minimize battery consumption were made but the bot can only last 15minutes at most.
Sparky 3
Status: In Process (since Mar-2017)
Type: 2-Wheel Drive
Weight: <1 lbs
Power: 4 - AAA battery pack (6V)
Max Speed: TBD
A hybrid of Sparky 1 +2 this rendition of Sparky returns to the original look of Sparky 1 but the improved power management and the lower cost controls of Sparky 2.
The electronics mount to an easy to access carriage that mounts to the motor platform. The power supply is a 4 cell AAA battery pack that can slide in and out of the bot.
Results: The 6V is plenty of power to operate the device for about 30 minutes. Rechargeable batteries are highly recommended. The arrangement of the electronics lower in the bot allow it to glide smoothly without the possibility of tipping. Overall the bot operates very well however it experiences some confusion when deciding when to turn. There is either a short in the connections or instability in the power levels. Still some debugging to do. Oh, and I forgot to design in an on/off switch. Maybe the next one will be better!
Monkey Robot Factory (2014 - 2023)
MONKEY ROBOT FACTORY
Sparky 2
Status: In Process (since Feb-2017)
Type: 2-Wheel Drive
Weight: <1 lbs
Power: 5V / 1A (2000mAh) Power Bank
Max Speed: TBD