Since BeagleBoard’s inception in 2008, the world of robotics has exploded, with many novice robotic fanatics getting involved in fun and functional projects that are pretty cool if we say so ourselves!
If you’ve dabbled in robotics (or want to!) then read on for some of the coolest robotics projects we’ve found.
Fun robotics projects to try
1. Pick and place robot
As the name suggests, these types of robots are used in the manufacturing industry to pick objects up and – yes you guessed it – place them in a new desired spot. Although you may not be manufacturing anything yourself, it could come in handy for tidying up around the house!
2. Smart cleaning robot
According to statistics, 43% of people spend one hour each week doing household cleaning chores. So, what if you could create a robot to do part of it for you?
Well… you can! In fact, by creating a smart cleaning robot, you can let them take the brunt of the chores by programming them to clean and mop your floors every day. The result? More time for you to spend with friends and family.
3. Dancing Spiderbot
A quirky invention made by robotics novice John Jensen, a dancing Spiderbot will dance to the beat of any song it hears! If you’d like to give it a go, simply get yourself a BeagleBoard and start programming.
4. Underwater robot
Create your very own robo-fish to make bath times more fun! Easily programmed using controllers and servos, this robot uses servos to propel it through the water, as you watch it swim away like a fish.
5. Chess robot
Struggle to find someone willing to sit down for a serious game of chess? Then what about a chess robot?
Using a robotic arm and some clever programming, AI can be used to play a serious game of chess, with no need for an external computer.
6. Simple robotic arm
If you’re looking for a desktop gadget to sit pride of place, what about a simple robotic arm? Capable of not only looking cool but performing simple tasks that help you while you work, it’s one of the handiest robots around.
7. Drones
Nowadays, drones are coming part and parcel of daily life, from delivering your shopping to assisting in medical emergencies. But did you know that you can make one yourself for a fraction of the cost?
All you need to get started are a few components and a bit of patience!
8. Obstacle avoiding robot
Have you ever wondered how to make an autonomous car? Well, the answer to that is an obstacle avoiding robot!
Whilst we’re not suggesting that you could build a road-worthy car, what you could try in 2022 is building an obstacle avoiding robot.
Working just like a normal robot, an obstacle avoiding robot will avoid obstacles like the plague and can be used in the home, but also in more dangerous terrains.
9. Soccer playing robot
If you’re a football fanatic, then why not try building a soccer playing robot? A hybrid between a following and an obstacle avoiding robot, you’ll have hours of endless fun playing football with your soccer robot.
10. Self-balancing robot
To learn more about feedback and fine tuning your bot, you should consider creating a self-balancing robot. As the name suggests, this quirky robot must balance on two wheels to avoid falling over and is a great learning exercise for newcomers to the robotics game or seasoned enthusiasts.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that there are so many weird and wonderful projects to get stuck into in the world of robotics. From robotic arms, to cleaning robots and wacky dancing Spiderbots – you can create virtually anything with some simple tools and the right attitude. So why not make 2022 your year and give robotics a go?