Arduino + Lego Bee-Bot Project

This project aims to replicate the basic functionality of a Bee-Bot robot using an Arduino microcontroller. A Bee-Bot is a small, programmable, floor robot designed primarily for young children (typically ages 3-7) to introduce them to basic coding concepts.

Project Goals

• Implement basic movement commands:
  • Forward
  • Backward
  • Left Turn
  • Right Turn
• Use push buttons for command input.
• Include buttons for:
  • Clear Program (reset command sequence)
  • Start Program (execute command sequence)
• No sensors will be used in this initial phase.

Components Required

• Arduino Uno
• Lego DC Motors (2) with Wheels
• Motor Driver TB6612FNG
• Push Buttons (6)
• Power Source: 9V battery for Arduino, battery pack for motors
• Jumper Wires
• Breadboard

Button Assignments

• Forward: Moves the Bee-Bot forward.
• Backward: Moves the Bee-Bot backward.
• Left Turn: Turns the Bee-Bot left.
• Right Turn: Turns the Bee-Bot right.
• Clear Program: Resets the stored command sequence.
• Start Program: Executes the stored command sequence.

Incremental development in 4 steps:

1. One button:
   • Connect a pull-up button to pin 2 to control internal led.
2. One motor:
   • Connect a motor to the motor driver.
   • Connect the motor driver to the Arduino.
   • Connect one push button to control the motor.
3. Two motors:
   • Connect arduino to lego chasis with 2 motors and one free wheel, using the motor driver, and the 6 buttons, using the directional ones to control the motors and the other 2 to control the motor speed
4. Full BeeBot:
   • Implement storing commands and sequencing
   • Test parameters like time and speed required for a 90 degree turn
   • Let the kids have fun !
5. Full BeeBot (new motor driver):
   • Update code to use L298NH shield
   • Let the fun continue

Wiring Diagram

Arduino Uno                L298NH Motor Driver Shield (diymore)
+---------+              +------------------+
|         |              |                  |
|     5V  |--------------|  5V         OUT1 |----- Motor1 +
|    3.3V |              |             OUT2 |----- Motor1 -
|    GND  |--------------|  GND        OUT3 |----- Motor2 +
|         |              |             OUT4 |----- Motor2 -
|         |              |                  |
|     D12 |--------------|  Motor A Dir     | 
|     D13 |--------------|  Motor B Dir     |
|      D3 |--------------|  PWMA            |
|     D11 |--------------|  PWMB            |
|      D9 |--------------|  Break A         |
|      D8 |--------------|  Break B         |
|      A0 |--------------|  Current Sense A |  (not used)
|      A1 |--------------|  Current Sense B |  (not used)
|         |              +-----------------+
|         |
|      D2 |----- [ Start Button   ]---> GND
|      D4 |----- [ Clear Button   ]---> GND
|      D5 |----- [ Forward Button ]---> GND
|      D6 |----- [ Left Button    ]---> GND
|      D7 |----- [ Right Button   ]---> GND
|     D10 |----- [ Back Button    ]---> GND
+---------+

Power Connections:
- Arduino: 9V battery via DC jack
- Motors (VM): 9V battery pack (6x AA batteries)

Future work / ideas

• Add a camera and use COCO SSD to find a person in a frame and control motors to follow it
• Add microphone and Speech Commands to control the BeeBot via voice commands