14. Radio-controlled Robot

The new challenges

We consider our tank-robot project as a very successful one - our creature can be nicely controlled remotely over Wi-Fi, or navigate around in the autonomous mode avoiding dangers and collisions. Still, there are questions which we could not answer:

• Remote control over the Wi-Fi lags even if you connect your agents directly. Is there any better way to control the robot? Can the Radio Controlling system be the answer?
• Do you really need to purchase expensive factory-made chassis, or there is some better way?
• Could LCD displays be useful for a small robot?
• Is it hard to use Li-Ion battery in the project?

To answer these questions - we decided to build a new robot, which will be a lightweight peer for our tank.

6. Power for the Robot

The fіrst prototype

While working with the introductory Arduino experiments, it is unlikely you face any concerns on how to power your circuits. Usually, your board receives all it need through the USB connection from the computer. For the sophisticated experiments you can even buy a breadboard with the power supply module (like this one).

Talking about the autonomous robot - it starts to be a bit more complicated. You can't rely on external power, and you need to find the way to have everything on board.