How to build a robot using Raspberry Pi/BeagleBone the simplest way?

March 17, 2015 1:35 PM

I'd like to start experiment with building robots (drone, car,..). But since I don't have too much time would like to get to a fast track, where I can simply get to some at least elementary results. I have a raspberry pi, some lego blocks from my childhood. What do you suggest, what do I need to buy and build to get something. I found lots of projects, but actually that's my problem, they are too many and few seemed convincing. I'm not underestimating building robots, I'm a software engineer, I know it will effort, but also I know how much motivation and fun a good starting path can give. Thank you for suggestions.
posted by fifigyuri to Technology (4 answers total)

I have about a million gripes with Make Magazine these days, but I would still advise you to check out the books at their store. They have at least one book specifically for building Raspberry Pi controlled robots.

Some of my gripes are due to their focus on Arduino / Raspberry Pi stuff so if that's your thing you might like the magazine more than I do. Just be advised that half their projects now begin with "Step 1: download and print the parts on your 3D printer."
posted by bondcliff at 1:51 PM on March 17, 2015

So I am told that the BeagleBone has direct 5v PWM outputs that will drive an RC servo, though from that article it looks like you want a resistor too.

That plus an RC car and a USB web cam, and you have a robot that can see.

There are a ton of other "robot experiment platforms", but that's the way I'd go for land-based.

For air based, start with ArduPilot and hang something else off that for the higher level decision making.
posted by straw at 1:54 PM on March 17, 2015

I think your best bet is to figure out what you want a robot to DO, and work from there.
posted by sexyrobot at 2:38 PM on March 17, 2015

If I were a software-dev type person I'd probably work on the raspberry pi and target some of the super cool onboard processing stuff like opencv, and start with simple output devices like servos (position servos or continuous rotation or both, they're easier to get started with than pwm/dc motor) and make simple fun things to start, like a robot that rotates its own webcam to keep faces centered.

If you already do development then you already know how these projects are structured: build modules, test separately, connect interfaces to put it together.
posted by range at 8:42 PM on March 17, 2015