Build a Robot That Can Do Chores
Assigning all your chores to a robot sounds like a dream come true. However, robots are technically complex machines that can be difficult and expensive to build. Here are some general ideas for designing and building a robot to do your chores.
Steps
Buy a Kit
- Purchase a robot-building kit. Several companies offer kits that include the necessary electronics and parts to build your own robot, along with instructions. Do a web search to find a kit, or inquire at your local hobby store. (If you buy online, do your research and make sure you're using a reputable vendor.) Some beginners have had success with the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® series, but you might find a better starter kit elsewhere. Be aware that such packages can be expensive, and that you might have to save up for awhile before you can buy one.
- Learn from the instructions. Ideally, your kit will arrive with detailed instructions on how to assemble your robot. Read through all the information once before you begin building; then, when you're constructing the robot, try to pay attention to why the instructions are laid out as they are. Learning this way will help you build robots on your own later.
- Program actions. The kit should also contain instructions on how to program your robot. Remember that the more complex the action, the longer it will take you to program - for instance, making a bed is more complicated than dragging a wet rag across a tile floor.
- Think in "If-Then" statements when you're devising programs, focusing on cause and effect. For instance, if you want your robot to automatically recharge, the statement you base your program on might be "If battery less than 50%, go to charging station."
- Recharge your robot. Your robot might come with rechargeable batteries, a charging station, or some other way of keeping it going. Whatever it is, make sure that your machine is adequately charged for more convenient use.
Building from Scratch
- Know the language. Programming is a complex undertaking that can require years of training and practice. If you're interested in programming, try to learn the basics. You can look for materials online, or ask a knowledgeable friend to teach you. Some apps for phones and tablets also teach basic programming.
- Define a purpose. Decide what you want your planned robot to do. Remember, simplicity is key. The fewer moving parts, the easier the robot will be to make. Look at your basic goals. Do you want to move one object from one place to another? Use a platform to hold the object, and a rail system or a wheel system. Do you want to clean the bathroom floor? Use a spinning brush and three or four wheels.
- Locate materials. Building a robot requires several intricate pieces that you can't purchase just anywhere. Consider shopping at a computer supply store, a hobby shop or a specialized electronics shop. Know exactly what you need before you buy any potentially expensive parts.
- Build and program the robot. As you're assembling your machine, find ways to integrate form and function. Work methodically and with patience to avoid unnecessary or costly mistakes.
- Remember to think in "If-Then" statements while you're programming. These will allow you to set up parameters for your robot's behavior. For example, if you want your robot to automatically recharge, the statement you base your program on might be "If battery less than 50%, go to charging station."
- Improve as your skills progress. Once you are sure that your robot has one task down, then you can consider creating another robot to accomplish another task, or trying to make your first robot do another task as well. This will require more advanced programming, but can be a fun experience.
Tips
- In the field of robotics, simplicity is the key. Limit your robot to as few moving components as possible. This will reduce the potential for error. For instance, three wheels will function just as well as four in most cases.
- When building your robot, keep the function in mind. If you are looking for a robot that has a sole purpose of putting the trash out, perhaps a rail system would be best for you, so that it can guide the robot to the outside trash bin.
- Making the robot is often times a lot more work than just actually doing the chore.
- If building a robot proves too complicated, consider a Rube-Goldberg Machine[1] as a possibility for completing your chore. This would eliminate the need for a robot entirely.
- Understand that even if a robot is completed, it likely won't be as efficient as simply completing the chore itself. Robots are somewhat new inventions and have a long way to go before being significantly useful to the general public.
Warnings
- Building a robot can involve working with sharp tools and electrical circuits. Read instructions carefully to avoid injury, or ask someone knowledgeable to help you decide what's safe.
