Swarm Robot
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).
Key part: 9-DOF IMU module (store listing) (kit photo still needed)
Key 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
Key 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
| Part (price) | Role |
| 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 |
Microcontroller listed first. Prices shown only where known; see the source book for quantities, wiring, and current prices.
About this kit: From the STEM Robots collection.
Source: STEM Robots
Source: STEM Robots