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Swarm Robot

Kit photo needed

We don't have a photo of the assembled kit yet. The image below shows a key part.

Key part: 9-DOF IMU module (store listing)

Key part: 9-DOF IMU module (store listing)

A build plan for a heading-follower robot swarm, using the Cytron Robo Pico, a Pico W, and an L3GD20 + LSM303DLHC 9-DOF IMU (the module was purchased for $5.96).

Source book: STEM Robots
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/stem-robots/kits/swarm-bot/
Printable one-pager: swarm-bot-one-pager.html

Features

  • Uses the TT DC Gear Motors
  • Uses the Piezo Buzzer / Speaker
  • Uses the Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040
  • Uses the Raspberry Pi Pico W / Pico 2 W
  • Uses the VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Sensor

Benefits

  • Free, open lessons: the STEM Robots textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
  • Wireless-ready: the Pico W option adds Wi-Fi for time sync and web projects.
  • Real-world data: students read sensors and turn measurements into decisions.
  • Budget: TBD (the IMU module was $5.96 and a Pico W is about $5; the Cytron Robo Pico board was not found on eBay).

Parts

  • Raspberry Pi Pico W ($5) — Microcontroller with Wireless (on Cytron Robo Pico)
  • TT DC Gear Motors — Motor / actuator
  • Piezo Buzzer / Speaker — Sound output
  • 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