Paul McCabe
A simple $25 Robot based on the ESP32 and assembled using cardboard and hot glue. It uses the Bluepad32 Bluetooth library, so a large number of game controllers are supported. For a list see the Bluepad32 Bluetooth Game Controller Library by Ricardo Quesada.
Bill of Materials
| # | qt | Unit Cost | Total Cost | |
| 1 | ESP32-WROOM | 1 | 4.66 | $4.66 |
| 2 | DRV8833 | 1 | $1.20 | $1.20 |
| 3 | DC Motor Wheel Kit | 2 | $2.16 | $4.33 |
| 4 | Breadboard - 400 pins | 1 | $1.20 | $1.20 |
| 5 | Breadboard wires - Male/Male | 6 | $0.05 | $0.28 |
| 6 | 5/8" Roller Ball Bearing | 1 | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| 7 | Mini USB Battery Bank | 1 | $6.99 | $6.99 |
| 8 | USB-A to USB Micro Data Cable | 1 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| 9 | Cardboard | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| TOTAL | $22.13 |
*Some items were bought in larger quantities to reduce cost. See the BOM file for links to all items.
Github
Tools
- Hot Glue Gun
- Scissors
- Laptop with Arduino IDE software installed
- Soldering Iron
- Wireless Game Controller that supports Bluetooth
Software
The DirtCheapRobot.ino file for the ESP32 is in the Files section.
Next Steps
Investigate ESP32 boards with built in LiPo charging so a smaller LiPo battery with a JST connector can be used.
Eliminate use of the breadboard
Create Soccer Robot with linear actuator for kicking