Robotic Hardware Components#

This page is devoted to hardware components used to build robots.

Motors#

• OSEPP 25mm motors (part of the Tank kit), with encoders
• yellow plastic motors
• continual-rotation micro servos
• Pololu micro gearmotors (1:298, with encoders)

Switches#

See the page on Switches

Building Materials#

• plastics: nylon, acrylic (AKA perspex or plexiglas), Delrin, polycarbonate
• metals: copper, aluminium/aluminum, in tubes, "L", "U" channels, and square cross section
• PC boards: fibreglass, lightweight and extremely strong
• wood: e.g., birch is strong and light, especially if built as a laminate

It's also possible to 3D print plastic components.

Different Methods to Connect Things Together#

Glue is not recommended because it is permanent and hinders experimentation, except to construct components (like frames or armatures). Robot components are connected to each other with temporary/semi-permanent connectors like:

• 2mm (2M), 2.5mm, 3mm (3M) and 4mm (4M) nuts and bolts, preferably stainless steel (but any will do). You'll likely need some kind of lock washer, nylon lock nut (nylock), etc. to keep it from vibrating loose.
• nylon wire ties, which come in various widths and lengths
• velcro, normal or "industrial strength" (either as straps, dots, squares, or larger rectangles)
• electrical or masking tape (for temporary use, as the glue either hardens or gets sticky if you wait too long)