The KC01 robot is a robot prototype in the "mini" weight class.
Requirements#
Here are the requirements for the robot:
 |
- around NZ$100 if possible as a base price
- small and lightweight so that it can be run using a pair of micro gear motors
- to use the Circuit Playground Express and Crickit
- to use a 5 volt USB battery (commonly available)
Bill of Materials#
Below is the Bill of Materials, with an estimated cost of NZ$143. This doesn't include miscellaneous parts, wire, connectors, etc., or shipping costs and import duties (which can be significant).
| Count | Item | Each | Total Price* | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x | Circuit Playground Express | US$25 | NZ$37 | AdaFruit |
| 1x | Crickit for Circuit Playground | US$30 | NZ$45 | AdaFruit |
| 2x | Micro Metal Gearmotor with Push Header Shim – 298:1 | £6 | NZ$23.40 | Pimoroni (from Pololu) |
| 1x | Micro Metal Gearmotor Bracket (Pair) (to connect to chassis) | £3.90 | NZ$7.60 | Pimoroni |
| 1x | 90mm x 90mm chassis plate (2-4mm thick wood or plastic: nylon, polycarbonate, Delrin or ) | NA | NZ$5 | |
| 1x | USB battery | NA | NZ$25 (est) | |
| 1x | 1/2 inch – Pololu Ball Caster | £2.10 | NZ$4.10 | Pimoroni |
| Total | NZ$143 |
* total price shown is total in New Zealand dollars for row
Pimoroni has the option of using the UK Post, which is relatively cheap, whereas AdaFruit's shipping is more expensive (even if their prices are in US dollars and tend to be lower).
Known Questions and/or Issues#
- Circuit Playground requires exactly a 5 volt supply (AA/AAA batteries not suitable)
- what will we use for the free-wheeling caster?
- likely cannot handle transitions between carpet and floor, i.e., requires a smooth operating surface
- relatively limited battery life (is this really an issue?)