Super-Simple Audio Cellbot

User-Contributed Project

User-Contributed Project

This project guide is not managed by MAKE staff.

Learn how to build a simple robot controlled by the audio output of your smartphone.

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Celljoust!

What is a cellbot?

A cellbot is a small robot using a smartphone as the brain. They can be autonomous or remotely controlled over the Internet. There are many different types of cellbots, but they typically share the following features:

  • Small; around 6 in. square, less then 1 lb.
  • Mobile; uses wheels and motors to get around
  • Cheap, compared to other robotics platforms
  • Based on open-source code
  • Clever; has lots of processing power and sensors due to leveraging smart-phone technology
  • DIY; there are kits and plans available, fun to build
  • Simple; can be successfully built by the beginner roboticist

How is TRRSTAN special?

TRRSTAN’s servos are controlled via the headphone jack so she does not need a microcontroller. This dramatically reduces cost and complexity.

Tools
Relevant parts
Relevant parts (continued)
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Super-Simple Audio Cellbot  ¶ 

  • There are two ways to get the parts that you will need for this project. The easy way is to buy a kit from robots.allthingsgeek.com. The harder way is to scrounge the parts yourself and use a protoboard. The basic circiut is a PPM-to-PWM decoder. This is a standard RC controller circuit. To build it you will need a 4017 decade counter. You will also need to find some continuous-rotation servos, or you can modify some standard servos.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Solder up the board. If you are using the kit this step is very simple. Just make sure you put the chips in the right way. If you are using a protoboard you will have to follow the schematic.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Assemble the mechanicals. The basic design is two large drive wheels attached to the servos and two small wheels with an axle bolted to the circuit board. You may also attach optional weapons or other devices driven by the extra servo headers.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Install the software. The software can be downloaded from the Android market. Just open the market app and search for Cellbots. Once the app is installed you can configure the robot by clicking on the Cellbot+ image, Add new Cellbot, and finally selecting Trrstan 2.X Controller as the type.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • There are a couple of different ways to control your robot. You can use voice commands, Google Chat, a web browser, or another Android device. Refer to the Cellbots website for more details. You can also do local control with a Wii controller which is our favorite for fighting. For this you must first install the WiimoteController from the market. We made a fighting game with parts from the dollar store. The object is to pull the gold-colored shield off the front of the other robot using a magnet wand. We also added dart guns from the dollar store for extra firepower.

For more information, check out the Microcontrolled Bots category page.

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I think if you made a way to shut down the oppenents robot after you magnetically grabbed the little shield it would be really cool. Then, you just pop the shield back on and it is time for round 2!!

Jaryd, · Reply