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Collision Avoidance Robot

Collision Avoidance Robot

A Cytron Maker Pi RP2040 robot with a distance sensor that stops, backs up, and turns before hitting obstacles. It is the robot behind the club's collision-avoidance challenge card (Chapter 18).

Source book: Learning MicroPython
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/learning-micropython/kits/maker-pi-rp2040-robot/
Printable one-pager: maker-pi-rp2040-robot-one-pager.html

Features

  • Lab: Assembling Your Maker Pi RP2040 Robot
  • Lab: Up Down Motor Speed Lab
  • Lab: Motor Drive Connection Test
  • Lab: Drive Square Lab
  • Lab: Maker Pi RP2040 Servo Lab
  • Lab: I2C Scanner Test

Benefits

  • Free, open lessons: the Learning MicroPython textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
  • Ready-made curriculum: 14 additional lab pages walk students through the build step by step.
  • Try before you build: an interactive MicroSim on the kit page runs in the browser.
  • Instant feedback: students see their code's results on lights or a display.
  • Real-world data: students read sensors and turn measurements into decisions.
  • Budget: under $20 (Maker Pi RP2040 board $10, SmartCar chassis $9).

Parts

  • Cytron Maker Pi RP2040 ($10) — Controller board (built-in RP2040)
  • 10K Potentiometer — Input knob
  • TT DC Gear Motors — Motor / actuator
  • HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor — Sensor
  • L298N / L293D Motor Driver — Motor driver
  • MX1508 Motor Driver — Motor driver
  • Piezo Buzzer / Speaker — Sound output
  • SG90 Micro Servo — Motor / actuator
  • SSD1306 128×64 OLED — Display
  • VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Sensor — Sensor
  • WS2812B NeoPixels — LEDs
  • 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
  • Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable