Arduino Smart Car
The Arduino Smart Car is a versatile 3D-printed vehicle platform designed for a wide range of Arduino-based robotics projects. This car comes with all the components necessary to build and program a fully functional smart car, making it perfect for obstacle avoidance, line-following, or even internet-controlled robotics experiments. With easy assembly and a modular design, it is ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
What is it made of?
The Arduino Smart Car consists of several key components:
Car Base:
- The base is the foundation of the car, providing space to mount all the necessary components. It includes dedicated slots for three 9V batteries at the rear to power the vehicle.
Ultrasonic Sensor Mount:
- A two-part support structure at the front holds an ultrasonic distance sensor in place, allowing the car to detect obstacles and make intelligent navigation decisions.
Line Detection Sensors:
- Mounted at the front of the car are two line-detection sensors, which enable the car to follow lines on the ground—ideal for line-following projects.
Arduino Uno and H-Bridge Motor Controller:
- The car is controlled by an Arduino Uno mounted in the center of the base, which acts as the brain of the car. An H-Bridge motor controller is also installed to manage the two 5V DC motors that drive the wheels. Each motor controls one wheel, allowing for differential steering.
Metal Ball Caster Wheel:
- At the front of the car, a metal ball caster wheel provides smooth motion and stability while moving.
Modular Design for NodeMCU:
- For more advanced projects, the car comes with a special mount that allows you to swap out the Arduino Uno for a NodeMCU, enabling internet connectivity for remote control or IoT applications.
- Assembly:
- All components are secured together with screws and nuts. The 3D-printed parts have pre-designed holes for easy assembly, ensuring a precise and sturdy build.
What can it be used for?
The Arduino Smart Car is designed to support a variety of different projects. Here are a few potential applications:
Self-Driving Car:
- Use the ultrasonic distance sensor to create a self-driving car that can navigate its environment, avoid obstacles, and change direction automatically.
Line Following Car:
- With the line-detection sensors, you can build a car that follows a track or path, making it ideal for educational purposes or fun racing challenges.
Obstacle Avoidance:
- Program the car to detect obstacles using the ultrasonic sensor and autonomously avoid collisions by reversing or turning to steer clear.
- Internet-Controlled Car:
- By swapping the Arduino Uno with a NodeMCU, you can connect the car to the internet and control it remotely using the Blynk app. This opens up possibilities for creating IoT projects and experimenting with remote control over Wi-Fi.
Coding and Resources
All the necessary code and detailed instructions for different types of smart car projects are available on my GitHub. There are examples for:
- 3 Arduino Uno-based cars:
- Line following
- Obstacle avoidance
- Self-driving car
GitHub: https://github.com/tonihamza/Arduino-Car-V1-Codes/tree/main
- 1 NodeMCU-based internet-controlled car using the Blynk app for remote control and interaction.
Conclusion
The Arduino Smart Car is a highly customizable, modular platform that provides endless opportunities for creative robotics projects. Its easy-to-assemble design and flexibility make it a great choice for anyone looking to explore the world of Arduino and NodeMCU-controlled robotics. Whether you’re building a line-following car, a self-driving vehicle, or a Wi-Fi-enabled smart car, this kit has everything you need to bring your ideas to life.
Check the GitHub link for the code, wiring diagrams, and detailed setup instructions.
GitHub: https://github.com/tonihamza/Arduino-Car-V1-Codes/tree/main