Raspberry Pi Pico W: WiFi Controlled Robot

[@r1273m]

Hardware - check. Soldering - check. Breadboard - check. Coding - check. All adds up to my kind of project and video. Great stuff Chris!

[@RoboNuggie]

Chris, you always take me back to my school days of robots and BBC Micros in these videos, and I thank you greatly for that. As great as modern tech is, the idea that we can move a robot with a computer seems as fresh now as it was over 40 years ago and with your delivery, doubly so. Top stuff indeed!

[@ExplainingComputers]

I think that, because our brains are so intensely programmed to react to independent objects that move, we will always be fascinated by robots. :)

[@rohankeenoy2199]

I am a computer science major with an interest in robotics and engineering. These videos are incredible. Thank you.

[@lesliedeana5142]

My favorite way to spend Sunday morning!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings Leslie -- and a silver medal for being super early! :) I hope that all is well with you.

[@perrymcclusky4695]

I have to admit that the Pico is more impressive than I first thought. I really like the 3D printed bracket you created. With that being said, your friends Friction and Gravity haven’t always friendly with me. “Ouch, me fall down!” “Looking forward to your next video.” says Zeberdee.

[@ExplainingComputers]

:)

[@KennethScharf]

I wish the pico came with more than 2mb of flash, some third party clones (such as Adafruit) have 8 or 16mb of flash. They do cost a bit more though.

[@perrymcclusky4695]

@@KennethScharf More always seems to be better. My first computer was a Timex Sinclair 1000 and with its memory expansion pack it had a whole 16 k of memory. Now I suspect 16 gb of memory is a little small for my needs. LOL. With that being said, I do hope the next version of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W gets more memory too. We can only hope.

[@ahmad-murery]

​@@perrymcclusky4695 My MSX1 machine has 64K of memory (only 23K available for BASIC) and I was able to make almost everything I can think of, just remeber to not include unnecessary libraries. Programming back then was more exciting.

[@perrymcclusky4695]

@@ahmad-murery Yes, truly back then programming was fascinating!

[@deepsleep7822]

Respectfully, I’m Impressed with the response time. It executes the commands almost immediately. Good job.

[@Im_DJ]

Wow that was very impressive , I was thinking I can't understand the code but your explanation was exceptional. I understood everything.

[@PS_Tube]

Robot stuffs always seem cool. And you've explained the steps so eloquently. Great stuff ! Thanks. Have a productive and fun week ahead!

[@Riborwahz]

Zumo robot had come to said goodbye

[@maffysdad]

Woohoo! Back to robots and Raspberry Pi stuff!... Yep, a screen, little arms, a camera which feeds back to the interface, and oh look, we have a baby Vector Robot!!! 😊 All we need to do then is add voice commands!🤔 Really happy for this video, it's exactly what I've been struggling with getting working... Thank you soooo much!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thaks for this, and good luck with your project. :)

[@alerey4363]

Very tightly put, both in hardware (looks almost like a little chair on caterpillars) and software (you have almost real time reaction to the web controls) 👏

[@Paul-wd8cz]

The project episodes are always my favourite

[@PatrickConstant]

With our friend Christopher we go back to childhood. But today I could see this robot bringing my glass of Sunday night whiskey from the bar to my chair. I have until Christmas to finalize it. Thanks.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Whiskey-bot!

[@raspberrypi]

Lovely tutorial Christopher! We'll share it on the blog soon.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ZephodBeeblebrox]

Neat. I like it. The one thing I have never ever seen done is for the Pico W to be turned into an open access wifi hotspot to control robots etc. It's always done on another network or as a secure hotspot with IP login.

[@ExplainingComputers]

I think this video from the amazing Kevin McAleer is what you are looking for -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIqXY3eJj9WFZtk

[@ZephodBeeblebrox]

@@ExplainingComputers I think you're absolutely correct.

[@kevincaulkett9358]

Brilliant stuff as always Chris, thanks! (I bet Zebedee would love to replace his spring with that chassis)!

[@ahmad-murery]

Hello Chris, That's an amazing project because of simplicity and practicality reasons, I'm sure that you know all what I'm about to say but just to let others know that there is always a space for improvement as you mentioned in the video, Regarding the html code, you can actually use one form element (without specifying it's action) and then set required formaction on the submit buttons, also, instead of send the html in each response, you can send it only when the request is empty, and to prevent the page from reloading after submit you cam specify a target where the response will be delivered to, so it may look like this anyways, it will not make it faster but it may save a few bytes in the response, If it's up to me I'll use XHR or WebSocket API for faster response time Sorry for the long post but I just get excited 😁 Thanks once again Chris and have a nice week!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Your suggestion for the form button is very neat -- I had not thought of that. Thanks for sharing the code.

[@ahmad-murery]

@@ExplainingComputers My pleasure, and I really appreciate your reply 👍

[@howardwilliams2587]

Great content as always. I really like going from simple to complex as the project develops. Next, let's add a joystick for control!

[@Praxibetel-Ix]

What a good little robot! Now I'm wondering if it would be possible to put a camera on there so it could see where it's going... 🤔 Anyway, great video as always! It just isn't Sunday without a new EC upload. :)

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings! :) I've put a camera on a Pi Zero robot in the past -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnyTiamgnrVlp80 The Pico W (only being a microcontroller) lacks the processing power.

[@Praxibetel-Ix]

@@ExplainingComputers Aw, damn. It's still a good little robot!

[@Praxibetel-Ix]

@@ExplainingComputers Apologies for the extra reply but let me be the first to congratulate you on 100 million video views on the EC channel! 🎉

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Hardware and coding, doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks 👍👍

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings. :)

[@ridefast0]

Nice project, and I think Zebedee managed without an 'R' for most of his career!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Ah, I stand (spring) corrected. :)

[@elektron2kim666]

Amazing. I just saw the old video of the robot as I searched a lot of words recently about electronics.

[@none941]

This is precisely the kind of thing that I enjoy most! I tried to get an RPi RP2040, but was forced to settle for a board with the RP2040 included. The Cytron Maker Pi RP2040 includes 2 motor relays and 7 discrete 4-pin Grove connectors. So far it has been a disappointment, but that's likely because this is so different from using Python via GPIO on a Zero W or other CPU packing RPi. It would interest me to see the Maker Pi board run through its paces in your most capable hands as I am without much joy using the board so far. Perhaps you could repeat today's exercise using the Maker Pi RP2040? The whole smash cost me $12 and it will do as I require ... eventually!

[@jls9225]

Now you can remotely play with your pets and check the house at the same time (So many possibilities, OMG). Open Source is where it's at. Excellent video as usual Christopher, and have a good rest of your weekend. As Always, Be Smart and Stay Safe.

[@AJ-Palermo]

My dogs would try to eat it lol

[@jls9225]

@@AJ-Palermo I'm sure with your fantastic mind, you'll find a way to keep your best friend from eating the device. As Always, Be Smart and Stay Safe.

[@jeraldgooch6438]

What a fun video! One comment is that it felt a bit rushed. I am used top a more measured pace from your videos. Not a knock, just an observation. The documentation you provided is excellent and goes far beyond what most videos provide. Thanks much for that. I do hope you return to this project and look forward to what you do with it.

[@ExplainingComputers]

There was a lot to pack into this video! :)

[@TimmyXaero]

3.. 2.. 1.. Activate! I loved watching Robot Wars back in the day, so this is interesting for me. Nice how you can attach these boards together to control a Robot. And make a simple webpage as a GUI controller. Thumbs up, Chris! :)

[@ExplainingComputers]

Robot Wars was an excellent show. :) The Zumo chasis is apparently popular in "mini sumo" robot competitions, as a front "bulldozer" blade is available to slot into the front, whilst keeping the footprint within 10x10cm (which are apparently the rules).

[@glenszczypski7734]

I, for one, attest that I am more excited than I should be. Explaining Computers has coined a new meaning for "computer porn". Luv a bot!

[@DeanoEssex]

I have absolutely no interest in some of your videos but i do enjoy watching them lol.. Am i slowly becoming a tech geek? 🤣🤣🤣

[@MrGbotes]

Afternoon Chris, greeting form Cape Town, South Africa. Awesome video, thank you!!!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings from the UK! :)

[@adamward9310]

I love your videos!! Especially when you start with... "Right..." I find myself saying it with you.

[@Grandwigg]

Glad I was able to get to this before the day ended. The fact we can do this kind of thing with such a low cost and time investment (relatively speaking) is so amazing to me.

[@srtcsb]

Gotta love the Zumo. And the Pico. And the web interface. Easily accessed parts and code... Very cool project Chris, thanks for another great video. 😎👍

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks Steve! :)

[@mikiethebikie]

Thanks Chris, this looks heaps of fun, and as you said: lots of opportunities for additional features.

[@samaitcheson7057]

Very much looking forward to the continuing adventures of the Pico Zero W Robot 😁 Great video Chris. Thank you.

[@MichelMorinMontreal]

"I love the smell of micro-robotics in the morning"...! Thanks for the presentation!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Yes, indeed. There is a particular smell from the operation of small motors. :()

[@chriholt]

What a fun project Chris - can't wait to see what's next for the little robot.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings Chris. :)

[@Graham_Rule]

That looks like fun. I'd be interested to hear if you could calibrate it so that you could have buttons for different amounts of turn. For example 'turn 90 degrees left'. I guess you'd need to use that ratio for the motors to work out how long a full turn took as a starting point. Or maybe you could implement variable speed control to the motors.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Hi Graham. What you ask could be done in two ways. The simple way, as you say, would be to run the motors for a certain length of time -- using sleep command -- having worked out/experimented to get the right length of time. And this would basically work, although it would not be that accurate, as the time would change when the batteries wear down, the tracks could slip, etc. A more sophisticated solution would be to work out the number of motor rotations required, and to fit encoders on the motors so that this could be monitored. If you look at the CU shots of the motors, you will see the shaft extends out of the back, which can allow an encoder to be fitted to measure their actual rotation. So the motors would be run in a loop that would terminate when the number of rotations for a 90 degree turn was reached.

[@rgbii2]

@@ExplainingComputers Another option would be to add a accelerometer/gyroscope module. Most don't seem super accurate, but you shouldn't have to worry about battery voltage.

[@ahmad-murery]

@@ExplainingComputers Do you mean a DIY encoder ( just a transparent plastic disc with few centered stripes, a photoresistor and small LED as light source), that would be a very nice upgrade to the project, especially if you can glue a pencil to it and then 3d printing a turtle cover for it, that will be a real Logo 😎💯

[@0Zed0]

You could also do this with stepper motors. They're a little more complicated to control but you can accurately move the motor in fractions of a rotation.

[@jimcraig5727]

@@rgbii2 @ExplainingComputers I've experimented a bit with the MPU6050 accel/gyro module but as yet haven't found an application to use one in my robot car projects. I'd be very interested in how to use it to control the turns in this and the other cars I've built.

[@SeverityOne]

Considering how much the Raspberry Pi is used in education, perhaps this is something that you could focus on in order to increase your viewership. Because this is a very fun little project, and immediately usable for students. The two main issues there is that students are usually not very rich - so likely wouldn't become Patreons - and that Raspberry Pis (Pies?) are nigh impossible to find at the moment.

[@alexislechevalier1022]

As a logistician and ex software engineer (professional reconversion but still geeking), the gravity isn't my best friend. Damn it! Newton! What have you done? 😁 Technically, it's not a robot but a ROV. A really cute one, by the way. 😉 The Pandora box is open. You must connect it to Skynet to see what happens. 🤣

[@ExplainingComputers]

Technically, it is most certainly in a robot. A robot is mechanical device under programmatic control, and this is exactly what is going on here. The motors do not respond to controls (as in an ROV), but to a program in turn operated by controls -- which here is an ROV program! :) There seems to be a lot of confusion about what the term "robot" means these days. :)

[@alexislechevalier1022]

@@ExplainingComputers The limit is really thin between them. A quadcopter like a DJI one with all the complex behaviours embedded in it or remote controlled by pushing only a button is surely called a drone or a flying robot. But a program that translate/transmit simple orders/inputs like a remote control to a vehicule, can it be called a robot ? It remembers me my philosophy courses back in the day. We had only 4 hours left to try to answer this question and I never succeeded. :D

[@francis400]

Chris, I hope you know that you have many friends here! No need to start designing your own.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Nice one. :)

[@steelfalconx2000]

OMG I've been watching this channel for years and never knew you had an Amazon store. Gonna check it out!

[@ExplainingComputers]

:)

[@anon_y_mousse]

Cool. One suggestion for the future, instead of having it display or transmit its IP do a video on how to determine the MAC address for a device and setup your router to give a device a static IP. Super easy to do solution for home servers.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Ah, but the problem is that router control panels are not standardized -- so there is sadly no way I can do a video on setting a fixed IP that will work on all hardware.

[@anon_y_mousse]

@@ExplainingComputers True, but you could always show the method for the top three router brands and cover most people.

[@williama29]

i love watching your videos every sunday it's my favorite way to end the weekend by watching explaining computers and is the fascinating favorite thing to do of mine

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@williama29]

@@ExplainingComputers you are welcome

[@tomcaton8932]

Putting the WiFi credentials in a separate file makes it easier to run the code at a different location.

[@ExplainingComputers]

True if that separate file can be more easily edited (which is not the case here).

[@joedudley6137]

I have been waiting for a video like this since the Pico W was released!

[@jyvben1520]

Importing 2 variables for your wifi, is not for when the device gets stolen, just for video publication (no need for blurring), it also prevents having to change your daily wifi password that may be embedded in various other wifi devices. also some wifi routers have guest network options (+active hours), i would use those. Or make the pico W an access point

[@spikekent]

Another fantastic robot video Chris. Thank you.

[@avejst]

Great walk-through. Great project with the RASP. Pico Thanks for sharing your expirence with all of us 😀

[@boredgrass]

One can already see superior agility of the T 1000!

[@ExplainingComputers]

:)

[@martinkuhk]

Really nice demo! Pico W definitely works much better than ESP8266. I built the same kind of robot with ESP8266 before and the Wifi dropped whenever the motors' emf affected the voltage supply to the microcontroller slightly. I probably should buy myself a Pico W and rebuild that robot again.

[@thenextpoetician6328]

Exit bottom left to rousing applause. There was no extended encore with robot out in the wild negotiating terrain or traffic, though the sequel is greatly anticipated. Perhaps then ...

[@jimcraig5727]

Great little project Chris, have had fun making the original design & then making some changes. Replaced the L298N motor board with the more efficient TB6612FNG. Changed the code to include speed control, primarily to slow the turns and add timing to make 90 degree turns. Added an led & coding to indicate when the robot is connected to the server. Added some styling to improve the appearance of the Control & to include some more buttons for future addition of programable leds

[@ExplainingComputers]

Excellent! :)

[@ezContents]

That's a very cool project. Complete with a 3D printed part. I enjoyed it very much.

[@letrainavapeur]

A good idea for my grandson's next Pico programming lesson. It would make some sense to call the move_stop() before each move_somewhere() to save having to press the stop button between moves.

[@ExplainingComputers]

What you say would not work -- how would the code know when to execute the stop?! :) You do not have to press the stop button between moves -- as you can see in the demos.

[@ElmerFuddGun]

@@ExplainingComputers - Why would it not work? Each _def move_forward()_ etc. could just include move_stop() at the top before setting each output bit for the H bridge driver. While technically not needed (as you show) it might be easier on the motors not to slam from forward to backwards especially if you included a small delay after each move_stop(). Right turn, stop for 0.5 seconds, left turn. The bigger the robot or motor, the more important it would be to allow it to stop before changing directions. When driving a car most of us come to a stop before slamming the car into reverse... although it would be fun to watch otherwise. ;-)

[@ExplainingComputers]

@ElmerFuddGun Yes, certainly it would work to include the command to prevent potential damage to larger motors as you describe. But that is not what the comment I responded to is about! :) It suggested that it would remove the need to press "stop" between moves, which is not necessary.

[@letrainavapeur]

@@ExplainingComputers Er... That is exactly what I was suggesting

[@donkink3114]

Wow not only educational, but fun to watch, thanks Chris.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks. :)

[@caw25sha]

I think putting passwords etc in a separate file is for environments where developers work on software and sysadmins manage passwords. Obviously developers aren't going to let sysadmins edit their code, and sysadmins aren't going to give developers production passwords 🙂

[@daysiewaysie]

very entertaining Chris. As an extension of this project, might i suggest the code be developed to incorporate the necessary functions for the robot to visit the fridge and fetch me a cheese sandwich.

[@HenryCavillage]

Good Morning my friend... Have a good weekend.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings. :)

[@Marceloalvesgodinho]

Uuhhh....Perfect...In suggestion....In next video, make this ZUMO say: - Hello. Christopher sent me to wish the world peace!

[@ExplainingComputers]

:)

[@DavidGomez-ws5br]

Great video. I learned something new with this presentation. Thanks

[@chromerims]

Unquestionably amazing! Rich and incredible content as always. Thank you, Chris. Totally-inspired yours.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks! Inspired is good. :)

[@JoseLopez-oz1xm]

Very kool little project, love seeing these videos. Thank you so much for your insight.

[@michaelronan4928]

It's an itchy chin moment, very interesting!....Thanks for another enjoyable video!

[@amazingjana]

I really love how this is explained in a way that I can understand it! Can I use this tutorial on other robots?

[@ExplainingComputers]

Yes, what you see here will work with any two motor (up to 12V) robot.

[@amazingjana]

@@ExplainingComputers Thanks! I have two Meccanoid robots from Meccano and I would like control their motors through a different source, I’m so glad I have finally found my answer!

[@ExplainingComputers]

This should work with an L2981 and a Pico W as here. But see also my setup using a Pi Zero with this robot: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmKzeq2ug8l6fc0

[@amazingjana]

@@ExplainingComputers Got it

[@PeterJasper]

Thanks for another inspiring video! I will build the Pico W Robot (unfortunately Amazon no longer has supply of the Zumo chassis, but I have been able to source one in Australia). Have 3D printed the bracket - assumed 20% infill and no support - it did OK spanning where the switch is located. Looking forward building the end product ... 🤖

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this Peter. I used 20% infill too, but used support. I seem to have depleted Zumo supplies on many vendors. Good luck with your build. :)

[@clue0001]

Wonderfully put 🤖. I made some tests with a recovered hexapod/spider like creature and a ESP32 dev board via BLE to control it via an Android phone. The Raspberry Pi Pico W is a wonderful alternative for such projects. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@alanthornton3530]

Another very interesting video & as always well presented & explained, thanks for this Chris. An interesting application for the Pico W & components could be used in a Model railway system, wirelessly controlling a loco's direction & speed, the other 2 functions could be used for uncoupling/coupling! I have seen this accomplished at model railway exhibitions controlling models wirelessly using an iPhone which is quite impressive, they are are quite expensive setups. My Sunday is now complete & looking forward to the next video :)

[@ExplainingComputers]

Hi Alan. What's shown in the video could indeed easily be applied in a model railway . . and I can imagine servos controlling signals too! :)

[@PhilipBallGarry]

The Sprog controller which uses JMRI for programming is a very interesting solution for model railways.

[@dang48]

This is fantastic and I will be using these concepts for a future project. As always, I enjoy how these are presented in a fun and simple to understand format Chris. To add, as a small safeguard, I would use a simple clip that would go on both sides to hold the Pico W in place. That would be in case the robot does dive off the table's edge and ends up upside down.

[@bagofchicken]

Friction and gravity have been my nemeses for quite some time. 🙃

[@_tr11]

Thanks for the video! Very easy to understand. 😄

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@StopTh3Idiots]

Can't you just make the buttons execute code as long as you push them ? That would simulate a joystick better. Not a Python coder but you can do this quite easy in JS

[@ExplainingComputers]

Yes, this could be achieved in JavaScript a you say, but I wanted to keep things as simple as possible to keep the video accessible.

[@0dyss3us51]

Hi friend I have been really busy with work recently so I have a nice back cataloque of yours vids to warch :) well I wanted to say happy to see more of your awesome vids, thos one in particulair peeks my interests, how about making it into a series and seeing how far we can push the upgrades of the bot? Suggestions: underfacing edge sensors, when the gamma value changes, stop. How about a small arm that folds and extends, and then the real challenge! A camera on the arm to detect beverages through ML, grab them and return them to the own, like a beer-bot or say cola-bot? 😆

[@simon4133]

Once again the Funk Master Flex himself "The Barnatt" brings us the latest in ghetto tech. Massive respect from all the G's across the nation.

[@TheMrMarkW]

This takes me back to the 80's controlling a physical robot called a 'valiant turtle' that would move around the room connected via a Ribbon Cable box linked to a RM Link 480z computer programmed using the language Logo, and had a pen in it's nose so you could draw on paper underneath it. It was like a robotic floor plotter! You could also use them on a BBC Model B (if you had the Acorn derivative).

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this, which now takes me back! :) I had completely forgotten those turtles. How the years fly by.

[@Videogame9559]

This just what I needed control an old rc that has no control board and no controler bought form charity shop cheap it's going to be fun getting it going .

[@ExplainingComputers]

Sounds like a good project. Good luck!

[@TheDavidPoole]

Hey Chris, if it's not too heavy, would one of those LIDAR devices fit on the Zumo with the right 3D printed bracket? It would be cool to see a tiny autonomous bot wandering around your garden. Even better if it had a camera and the ability to switch to manual control. Maybe even a bit of image recognition so you could get it to spook cats! Sorry, I got carried away there. But wouldn't it be cool though.

[@Riborwahz]

The zumo robot had come to said good-bye 😂 he got me there

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

Sunday my favorite day! Already have a nice day Christopher and going to watch it with my breakfast interesting as ever too

[@ExplainingComputers]

Greetings! :) And a bronze medal for being the third viewer this time.

[@tanaytole6514]

Happy Sunday professor please make a video Ubuntu multipass

[@grantclarke4713]

Thanks!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for your support, most appreciated. :)

[@iceman442ho]

Wow. You gave me some ideas. I did not know a pico could do all those things. I think I need to get to the store.

[@chrismorgan441]

I am impressed beyond any realistic right to be... I'd better watch out that I don't break any applicable laws at this rate. 😉 Nice robot and video, sir. Thank you. Be safe.

[@picobotsUK]

Many thanks. This is an excellent tutorial that helped me develop my WiFi controller + WiFi Rover which circumvents the use of a webpage interface. Things will get really interesting when RPi unlock the BT on the Pico W, and I look forward to your update when this happens!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Agreed -- a Bluetooth driver for the Pico will be a great advancement, not least for making wireless robot controllers. And I understand we will get this fairly soon now.

[@picobotsUK]

@@ExplainingComputers The updated SDK was released yesterday with BT support in C/C++. As you said, it should not take too long for MicroPython to include this.

[@Ultra-Violet]

Super video Chris 👍 thanks

[@m8harry]

Woot, more amazing content!!!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks. :)

[@m8harry]

@@ExplainingComputers I would love to see some more of your 3d printing videos. Your skill, knowledge and ability to explain technology is fantastic and I can't get enough of your content.

[@tonysheerness2427]

What next, getting a beer from the fridge and bringing it back to you. A job well done.

[@rickbonari4493]

Great video. What would be great to see is a web interface controlled raspberry pi 4 robot including low latency raspberry pi cam feed controlled by a basic web page displaying camera video feed and the control buttons for camera movement using web sockets. Maybe take your exterminator robot and make web page to display video feed and buttons to control robot function again using web sockets. This surely would get a large number of views.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Yes, this would be a good future video. Noted! :)

[@rickbonari4493]

This might also be a good project for the jetson nano

[@ExplainingComputers]

Indeed! :) I did a video on their Jetbot design -- that has a camera and web control (or neural net control) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXywiJ1_gMaIbJo

[@tpobrienjr]

Super! Thank you! I didn't know about

[@AnimalStomper]

I have created the exact same robot, even had a roll of red filament for my housing. Is it possible to have it use keyboard commands instead of the web interface?

[@ExplainingComputers]

See other reply! :)

[@linuxrobotgeek]

I'm going to try this for my robot Linus but with slight changes since I also need to control the servo arm.

[@lawrenceallwright7041]

Ah, robots, that's what it's all about 😊 Out of interest, that link to the US Amazon site, your UK viewers buy that way too? I'm sure we'd all like to make a donation to EC while buying the parts.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this. :) I would suggest purchasing from Amazon in the UK to reduce shippint (although I could not find the Zumo chasis there -- it is on Pimoroni here: shop.pimoroni.com/products/zumo-chassis-kit-no-motors ). But here is an affiliate link for the L298N: amzn.to/3CKI0mS :) I now have to mention that if anybody clicks on this link and completes any purchases that I will earn a commission. Oh, and here is the motor I used on Pimoroni (not affiliate link!): shop.pimoroni.com/products/micro-metal-gearmotor-extended-back-shaft?variant=3073681089 They sell so many variants!

[@andymouse]

Wish we had this around when I was a kid ! great demo....cheers.

[@林宜宏-m4e]

Yes, it's booting faster, and just in seconds !

[@trevorgoddard2278]

I feel I have to comment on the failure to use the correct pins in the Pico Vbus(pin 40) is for 5v out only, Vsys(pin 39) is intended for power in.

[@ExplainingComputers]

You are correct, I forgot this. My bad. :(

[@loginregional]

Now if only I could get a Human sized version to haul me up and down the stairs. Also, I think we should start calling you "Hairy Chris".

[@skf957]

I was at a party once when your friends Gravity and Friction turned up. They were waiting for me on the stairs after I’d had a couple of drinks…

[@ExplainingComputers]

Oh dear . . .

[@rickbonari4493]

Did you use the mazerpi kit with screws, spacers, standoffs, etc to mount the 3d printed piece onto the robot & mount the motor controller to the back of it that you got from amazon? Also do you have a link on amazon for the power switch you used. We used to go to the local Radio Shack to get these parts. Love your videos on robotics and python and html programming !!!!!

[@Reziac]

[Pico wakes up in a random state, robot chases Chris around the studio] :D

[@KennethScharf]

As for security putting login info in a separate file makes no sense, but from a programming point of view it does make sense (at least in C or C++, maybe not so much as in Python) so the data could be changed without rebuilding the application.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Accepted. :)

[@ray_gannon]

Looking forward to Turtle graphics next!!

[@arjjunmunisamy2601]

Sir can you please explain the connection between the negative end of the battery and gnd of the pico attached together

[@ExplainingComputers]

I'm not sure what to say. GND is the negative rail. They are the same thing.