I Built a Military Robot from Scratch!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Like this project? Please give it a vote in the Make 2022 contest! make.co/contestants/desert-eye-military-surveillance-robot/

[@hansdeleon7816]

Ğ

[@tonpo27]

Nice work! Did you make or buy your HUD? Can you provide some more detail on the interfacing?

[@videosquevocegosta2395]

Show! Fantastic.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

The HUD was made in Node-Red. I used the default HUD, that is why there are generic looking buttons for directions. In the future, I would like to make a custom controller.

[@tonpo27]

@@AvivMakesRobots So far I have seen people stream video over lora. It would be nice to have a 3D printable enclosure that can attach to say a ball cap that can stream the video over lora using a micro controller and take various common lcd type screen sizes like 1.44 or larger that will adjust for how close it is to eyes. I have been looking for that kind of a springboard to start further development for myself as I have a different type of job altogether but could help. If that is something your interested in let me know and I can send you some youtube videos that I have. I feel like people are chomping at the bit for something like this. Either way.. excellent work!

[@robpassaretti3287]

Great video! I loved how you showed the design process from sketch to finished product. Excellent marriage of design and engineering. I can't wait to see how this project process!

[@IndraKurniawan-vk2qb]

WTF Is this production quality?!! You deserve more sub. What an awesome build!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Hey, thank you! :)

[@corywilliamsmith]

I agree

[@מיכאלקשי]

well done Aviv! that was awesome. I can tell you put a lot to that video. I think that it will be better if you actually film yourself talking instead of lip syncing. You earn my subscription!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thanks for watching!

[@quentinmcshan2422]

Did you buy the tread pieces online or 3D print them because I can’t find them anywhere in your description. Great job by the way!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! I made them.

[@NielsHvid]

Very cool robot! - Subscribed. This is an excellent candidate for using ROS.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! I keep wanting to do a simulation in Gazebo, but am more interested in doing a dynamical mechanical simulation.

[@RinoXX]

Strong Plasma Channel Vibes here... if you keep it up you will grow the same pace ^^

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! :) Hopefully so! Thanks for the support.

[@yxhankun]

Four 3.7 in series, prefer to wireless pico or raspi zero 2 H (ir wireless) but no code for sharing was provided here. ESP32 wireless with 2 motor controller can be used here. Raspberry 4 requires a lot maintainance like the mars helicopter requires updating once it starts to use on Mars.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I have a separate video on my channel for the code I used on the motors.

[@Pixel_Recap]

good concept you shoud do some thing with dust proof . i saw the camera cover with full of dust.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Next design concept employs a clear shield. Avoiding scratches is done with the angle it is mounted at. Stay tuned...

[@zw1264]

Good job. We need more people like you. You are very smart.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thanks, but I am no genius. I just have boundless curiosity mixed with work habits.

[@AuroraOB]

very nice design and superbly made video!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you!

[@richardfreund7479]

On the right track..keep it going...

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thanks, Richard!

[@j.kerner5861]

Love the project, and I'm really enjoying the videos, especially your idea to use a drawer slide for raising the camera. Did you encounter any video signal (timing) issues by introducing cable length (and therefore a propogation delay) between the camera & the RPi? Do you have any future plans to provide a "kit" of the 3D printed parts? I don’t have a 3D printer, so that's a stumbling block for me.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Hi! I did not encounter any issues, possibly because the cable length came stock with the camera and is using USB 3.0. I absolutely want to create kits for this, I am just deciding if printing the parts myself or having them made elsewhere makes sense. If I was printing them myself and hit a snag, it could cause major delays. My future videos will touch on this topic. Stay tuned!

[@Keksstar]

Wow! Awesome drawing skills!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! Maybe I will show more of that.

[@yxhankun]

which on-line GUI, please?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Node-Red

[@fredkaz245]

Hi, I would like to have a go at building this. Are the stl files available to buy? Also is the code available for the raspberry pi?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Hey, I can update you about the STLs in the future. The code is available for the Pi through Node Red. Check out: hackaday.io/project/181648-desert-eye-military-surveillance-robot in the downloads section for part of the code. The rest of the code I still want to debug.

[@fredkaz245]

@@AvivMakesRobots Hi Mate, Thanks for the reply

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Sure. The grand plan is to create a kickstarter campaign where you can buy pre-printed pieces as part of a kit.

[@khanhnguyennguyen4408]

where can i see the blueprint, i'm a student

[@khanhnguyennguyen4408]

I mean 3d printed parts

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I will get back to you shortly with the download links for 2.0, which I am releasing the files for.

[@ericnmatthew5103]

Talk to me on Monday for a better Camera.. You know where to find me...😎

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you!

[@G7FQG]

Do you have the st files for download please?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I want to post em', but there are some shortcomings with the design that need to be fixed first.

[@fahadmurad2117]

I'm a fellow roboticist studying engineering at Purdue University. I must say that I'm super inspired by your work and the CAD designs along with your sketches are so simply elegant. You've earned a subscriber and I will watch more of your videos to become a better roboticist, thank you!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! More coming soon

[@jetmike747]

Awesome project! To improve night vision, you can also consider adding standalone infrared LED modules. It may also help to raise the camera up a bit to expand your field of view.

[@SeanHodgins]

Very cool!

[@tsnakem]

This is in my view, an engineering Failure of a "Military Robot" Those cells are gonna pop out as soon as you drop down even 20cm, you're using *brushed* DC motors to drive the sprockets, the camera on the front alongside its lights is *completely* exposed to the elements and anything you run into, and god forbid this thing ever turns on its back because if that happens with any force, that antenna is quick to break off. And all of that is not even mentioning the reliability issues you're gonna get from any sand or fluid coming through the improperly sealed chasis or other moving parts. The fact that you just laid the "camo" on top of the tracks really shows it best how little of an idea you have there in terms of longevity. That fabric isn't gonna last you more than a week when driving on any amount of rough sand or gravel, without tearing off. And lastly, those exposed track sides can easily get stuff stuck in there like twigs, leaves, branches, you name it.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Like I said in the end, there is a lot more I would want to add before I can really consider this to be a military robot.

[@bgrcmodels]

Здравейте! Занимавам се с моделизъм и съм от България❤! Въпросът ми е как направихте колелата които въртях веригата? Може ли линк? И каква е стъпката на веригата която ползвате?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I downloaded the sprocket itself from McMaster.com. The chain is a no. 25 roller chain (the smallest standard size I could find).

[@xaytana]

So is the whole military faux pas just clickbait and larping? Because this is just a tracked vehicle that realistically anyone could make, and there's nothing remotely military about it other than the bit of cloth you placed on it.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Like I said at the end, there is a lot more I want to add before I can consider this to be a military robot. Thanks for watching!

[@enkidu9989]

very nice work. This would be great if it could be controlled via an internet link where the vehicle has mobile data internet. wait ... the video is 3 years old

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Lol. I got it working with VIAM at one point and yes, it was controllable via internet.

[@WorldofWingsuiting]

Love this project!! If you had to estimate, how many hours did you spend on this project overall?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thanks!! It was a lot. Mostly because of that suspension issue I showed and a bad 3D printer. It is hard to estimate in hours, but it can take 3 months if not more.

[@AnthonyDixon-vq4yn]

Let's talk money and a business with General Dynamics Lockheed Martin 2 let's get the ball rolling no games this is the real thing let's talk money 5 billion

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Let's talk money 10 billion!

[@AnthonyDixon-vq4yn]

ARE YOU GOING TO WEAPONIZE YOUR VEHICLE, AN IF YOU DO I HAVE IDEA FOR THIS ,THATS WHYY I NEED UR HELP.THAT WHYY ASK YOU IF YOU HAVE LLC LICENSE......

[@AvivMakesRobots]

No weapons! lol

[@achrafdaoud375]

Can we write these codes in C language? What is the simulation application that you will use? What about the application in which the used pieces were designed?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I wrote mostly in Node Red. There was no simulation application. Fusion 360 was used to design the whole physical thing.

[@achrafdaoud375]

Well 😊thank you for your response👍😍.

[@conorstewart2214]

With the amount of dust and sand building up on that lens it won’t be long before it is damaged. Also the video won’t be very useful if it is covered in sand. There is a reason most robots have the camera up away from the ground. Also the night vision mode may work better higher up as well, at the moment you are essentially trying to illuminate and view a plane in a bad orientation for the camera and IR lights. Having less of an angle between the ground and the camera would allow it to be illuminated better which should make the camera pick it up better too.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

True! The newer version solved both these problems.

[@ishandesai9443]

curious to know, how much money did you spend on building it? cool project :)

[@AvivMakesRobots]

If you factor in the cost of the printer, a lot. Let's say the electronics are about $220 and the hardware is another $150. Now, add the cost of the filament and other details.

[@cvspvr]

i'd love to see it hooked up to solar and 4g so you can send it hundreds of kilometres away

[@AvivMakesRobots]

THAT would be cool. Solar powering the next project is something I am thinking about

[@robertjonessr.4187]

Have you Ever thought about designing None lethal devices to stop criminals?????

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Hey, I have a video of this robot with an articulating camera arm. It is a way to surveille peacefully.

[@achannelhasnoname5182]

I don't quite understand what makes this a Military Robot? Is it used in the US Military?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

It is not. It is simply modeled after military ISR robots: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

[@INFO_SELABX]

whats the purpose of the suspension many tank like robo dont have suspension..probably whats the runtime

[@AvivMakesRobots]

The suspension is necessary to keep the camera level. Whether you need suspension or not depends on the application, which is necessary here. Runtime is based on 18650 capacity. 4x are in series so capacity is limited. Next version will have 4x in series and 4x in parallel.

[@manuel56354]

I loved how you draw in paper sketchs and more detailed drawings as well.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Paper sketches are underrated ;)

[@quentinmcshan2422]

Okay one last question, do you have the stl files for this exact design available to download on your site for that fee? I saw the other design but not this one available.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I don't have this one, but should probably make it available. I can do it if you want.

[@quentinmcshan2422]

@@AvivMakesRobots yeah that will be cool if you can post a link under this comment are something, I would only need a few of your stl's to use in fusion.

[@SuperheroArmorychannel]

Excellent engineering and very impressive production quality! I just subscribed.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thanks! More coming!

[@umeshjadhav3326]

How do you control it using wifi? Any resources to learn the same...

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I learned Node-Red programming.

[@AnilArya51]

Can it go through snow and other terrains? Great video btw. Subbed : )

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thanks!

[@vishalrojario6519]

You could attached thin solar plate, whatever good work 👍🏿

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! If you have a solar panel suggestion, I am all ears!

[@Malaka1802]

Fucking awesome. Sad that you stopped making videos.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I gotta finish the next one

[@MegaTraxxas]

You have nice drawing skills! This chassis should be longer to have better off-road performance

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! Someone was telling me to make it shorter so it would fit on their print bed. Longer could make it have more stability? Wider rockers could.

[@utetwo9709]

That exterior design is awesome: sleek, utile, and simple. Great work!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you!

[@micultimy91]

you should add a mast on your robot and mount the camera higher. good luck. also, nice quality of video! 👍🏻

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! I am working on a new lens integration using this same camera sensor.

[@SIU301195]

Cho thêm cánh tay kẹp nửa là được okkkk 😊😊

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Could be cool!

[@AnthonyDixon-vq4yn]

HOW ABOUT A FLYING SAUCER ,NO JOKES PL.........

[@AvivMakesRobots]

...It could be interesting.

[@gwxd8454]

it's what could be the most suitable for digging underground, Imagination

[@AvivMakesRobots]

That would be awesome! I know one of the space lander robots has a drill. Honeybee robotics made a drill too, I believe.

[@gwxd8454]

@@AvivMakesRobots a bicycle chain sandwiched with chainsaw chain links,, I try to imagine a machine that can go underground

[@ericnmatthew5103]

Dude.. I am blown away.. High Five when I see you. Totally off the charts. Wow....

[@GetRealwithMike]

Can you sell plans and the files for 3D printing? A step by step how to would be great. I'm 63 and I'm learning this for the first time so I'm hoping you'll do this. Here's something, make it autonomous. If it detects a person, it will follow them around like a puppy. I have a research home project I want to use this for (paranormal study). Thanks

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Yes, at the bottom of my new site, you can purchase the STL files for the new version. DesertEyeRobotics.com

[@kakhao]

ESP32 would be good alternative to PI

[@AvivMakesRobots]

True! A very good alternative.

[@gammaleader96]

Very nice combination of drawings for a first impression and then CAD for actually seeing it move. In my opinion, making (even simple) drawings of stuff is a prototyping technique that is pretty underrated. You got some pretty great results as well, I like how you built your tracks.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! The next tracks in 2.0 will be even better!

[@CunningLinguist01]

Awesome! I made a rc tank like this also have a look if you have time

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Cool

[@Zarflex-hotSushi]

Thanks AVIV This gives me the confidence for building a full version of a tank The only thing that I don’t have is a 3D Printer 🖨️ But I can think another way to build it from other sources of materials Take my Idea 💡 The two motors that I’m using is from two E-200 Razor scooters 🛴 with the wheels 🛞 and the battery will be a 20 V Dewalt lithium battery 🔋 Lol 😂 my tank will go over 30 MPH I’m using a 30 Amp Cytron Motor Driver with some Breaker switches for protection 😂 I already built a prototype but wasn’t sure how to build a tank version They only run on scooters rubber air tires. But your video helps me a a lot Now I have to find some Bicycle Chains and a good size sprockets I have whole bunch of vinyl planks for the foot padding. I’m about 55 % getting it done ✅ Wish me luck 😂

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Awesome! I want you to make a video of this thing when you're done.

[@juanjesusortizvazquez6329]

What size and type of chain did you use?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

No. 25 steel roller chain! Suggest a plastic over this for the weight reduction, though!

[@WittCode]

Hey man I saw on reddit that you posted about some monetization issue with google adsense. Did you get this sorted? Im having the same issue where I keep getting rejected. Nice video btw!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I did! :) the trick is to just add a different email address.

[@WittCode]

@@AvivMakesRobots Thanks man! That's what I ended up doing haha

[@praneshdas9715]

Hi, really good job and nice explanation

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you!

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@AvivMakesRobots >>> Just found your channel. Subbed...👍

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you!

[@chipko]

7:53 be careful with some hand actions :) Top video and great production quality

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Meme me!

[@thomasmaiden3356]

"Zoe the Robot" thought that this is a GREAT video. (I think she's got the HOTS for your "Military Robot") Zoe is now insisting that I build her a tracked little brother.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Haha

[@DKSorg]

Video Gimbal -> Can you Rig a Smooth Q2? Directional Stabilization Tripod Camera Mount -> 360 Scanning w an Iphone with Lidar.... Could that signal be relayed back via Bluetooth? Top Mounted 360 Camera for Situation Awareness?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I could, but imagine the unforgiving heat, sand particles, UV radiation and wind of the desert environment... all together could be difficult on a delicate and well tuned system like a Q2. ...But if it was packaged well and designed with robustness in mind, it could work very well.

[@philoupaulo]

solution for cleaning the dust on the lenses ?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I had considered an air pump, but was consoled by a fellow engineer that a brush could work better. The brush could be covered in sand particles in the air, but a strong air pump hose could not be harmed. The air pump would be inside the tank body and would extend to the lens with the hose.

[@laurentoutan9922]

J'adore les chenilles comme vous les avez faite

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you!

[@ЕвгениГеоргиев-т1я]

I hpe you will continue with this channel.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you :)

[@foquro668]

One question: I skipped through some parts of the video so I am not sure where the front is. Is it on the side with the camera? In the video it was shown driving in both directions. If the front is on the side with the camera I would mount the suspension facing in the other direction because this type of suspension works better in one way than the other. (But I am not sure if this is a big deal on such a small scale) I would also consider a stabilizer for the camera because it is shaking quite a bit and I would mount the camera in an elevated position instead of inside the hull for 360° vision.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Definitely, and I agree about the direction. The next version will have a camera mounted on the suspension front of the robot which is the real front.

[@TheDaniel366Cobra]

This is the first time I see roller chains used to make treads and I absolutely love it. Great work.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Awesome! Next version will be even better! Stay tuned...

[@akitsugumurauchi1693]

The intent and process of the design was very easy to understand and was very helpful. In the future, I would also like to create a robot car like this. Right now, I am designing and building a small caterpillar car that is powered by radio control. It's a toy. Designing a caterpillar is difficult but interesting.😀

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Very cool!

[@andrewchristiansen8311]

The camera shouldn't be built in. That ras pi cam should be in a printed case and mounted to a gimble. Or make your own gimble. That looks like some rainbox six siege drone meets blair witch project footage. Also I would use an RC remote that communicates with a local ras pi with 2.4 ghhz emitters that communicates with the drones onboard ras pi via wifi. Avoiding phone controls, but utilizing wifi & a nice to use remote with switches for various solenoids/relays.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

HAHA. For the next version, I want to put a cheap CSI camera on the actual front of the robot, but the motors are in the way as you can see in 5:38. It will be a small camera just for driving around. About the gimbal or shakiness mitigation, I would want to do some sort of software thing before trying for a mechanical gimbal. This thing is supposed to travel for miles in the desert and needs to be as simple as possible.

[@xod7861]

Top track is roller support need 2 or 3

[@AvivMakesRobots]

1 will do if it holds it in tension

[@mrreddog]

STL'S ??

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I hope to release them soon 👍

[@shreedhar9083]

Make a turret and add Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera with custom made IR setup and ZOOM LENS.(use turret as lens holder) + add Solar panel + As you have used Raspberry pi , you have modular design wrt to electronics parts addition.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I like the idea of adding a turret. Yes, it needs a better camera. 5mp are not enough for night time. Plus, the lens is very small and not optimized for night time use.

[@juice_verse]

Awesome project, I like I like

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you!

[@peterkanini867]

How do you learn to sketch and express your ideas in drawing and design like that? That's by far the biggest problem I face every time I decide to get started on new projects?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

You can start off by just doing side views of stuff, but to really sketch in 3D, you need to break into understanding "2 point perspective" and how things look in space. Lots of practice with industrial design sketching

[@Ba1100ns]

I like your work. I am afraid that the chain will have short life that close to the ground always wet or dirty.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Exactly! Next design iteration will be even better!

[@Captn_Goose]

Is it possible to get files on this one?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Hey, look up "Desert Eye Hackaday". I put up a single file .stl for reference.

[@abdullahshaheed4276]

Wonderful in every sense of the word, all together, mechanics, electricity, electronics and programming. I wonder if it is possible to add a gyroscope system to stabilize the image coming from the camera because the image goes up and down with the movement of the wheel.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

It is coming! Stay tuned...

[@znail4675]

In case you are curious and didn't know so is this type of suspension called Christy suspension. It's well known for high cross country speed and was used in T-34 during WW2.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

True! It is also a simple suspension technique vs other types.

[@joakimjocka8022]

Attach a gimbal style camera to it

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Got something like that coming!

[@Triscuit08]

add a top mounted camera with a stabilizer and thermal and sell it to the military as a scout vehicle

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I want to put a thermal camera on it for sure.

[@bearvassar6690]

Could you also put in a thermal vision so you would have 3 vision system's however you would need to figure out which thermal vision you want unless you have all of them especially if you have a telescopic lens for seeing at least miles away for effective seeing. And adding a weapon system.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Check out my video "robotic vision system!" I made a telescoping lens work on the robot.

[@robertjonessr.4187]

I enjoyed your video, & you should make a chassis that if in the unit got tipped over it would still have the capabilities to keep going

[@AvivMakesRobots]

It would be cool to have a solenoid that triggers to flip the robot over.

[@victorcoloma9896]

i dont see link for the bearings

[@AvivMakesRobots]

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) Ball Bearings: amzn.to/3vflmNX

[@abhishekrathod246]

Battery temperature sensors to measure battery temp and release power according to temps hence saving the batteries longeitivity and safety from a possible fire hazard, this is sort of what Tesla's do in extreme temp when battery is too hot vehicle limits the speed to hence protect battery

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I will remember this tip.

[@marktadlock5428]

I would move the camera to a head assembly that can be raised and lower for improved visibility. On indy race car camera's there was a plastic film roller so when ever it got dirty it was rotated thereby protecting the camera lens and keeping a clear view out the camera.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I gotcha. I solved this in my latest video with the acrylic shield! Also made a camera arm in the past to extend and lower the lens. Shield video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWnQdJSjf8ykrMk

[@din3lka]

Really love the way you explained the process step by step with all the methods you used...

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! I hope to go into more detail on each of these steps in future videos.

[@TonyGrant.]

Raising the camera and IR onto a mount on top of the chassis would improve the IR illumination.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

True. I am considering a solution much like this one.

[@TonyGrant.]

​@@AvivMakesRobots I'm glad that you agree! I hope you don't mind if I elaborate... Part of the issue is that with the camera and illumination close to the ground there is a very bright patch on the ground close to the camera which the camera is auto exposing for which causes the darker background to be underexposed. With the IR lamps close to the ground the light intensity falls off fairly sharply so it is comparatively dark not far from the tank but the camera is setting it's exposure for the very bright light on the ground close to the tank - it's probably overpowering the auto exposure system. If the source of illumination and the camera are up higher the light won't be as bright right in front and the intensity of light will fall off more gradually which hopefully the camera will be able to cope with better. Also, because with the camera up higher the bright patch (which will be less intense with the IR mounter higher) will be smaller on the image/exposure sensor having less impact on the auto exposure of the camera. So the solution might be just to improve the lighting by changing the angle of illumination rather than getting a more sensitive camera or brighter IR lamps. I hope this helps.

[@TonyGrant.]

P.S. I love the way you built the tracks - the whole build is pretty sweet actually. But the track build is instructive for anyone who wants robust 3D printed tracks!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thanks! It does. I am looking now at 5mm infrared dip LEDs of different beam angles. It needs to hit the ground maybe 6 feet away from the robot I would say. Does that distance sound right? The angle of the LED bulb itself would be angled, calculated to hit the ground at that distance away based on whatever beam angle it is.

[@TonyGrant.]

@@AvivMakesRobots I'm glad you found my comments helpful. I should point out that I'm speaking from my lighting experience as a photographer, not any experience specifically related to your application. I have spent a lot of time working with, setting up and observing lighting/light for many years. Also, you are lighting for a camera, so I think my experience does have some relevance here. But there may be others here who have more experience specifically related to what you are doing. Just to be clear; by "beam angle" do you mean the angle of coverage that the beam emits? I am answering your question in that context. As long as the beam is not too narrow/concentrated I don't think the beam is as important as how it is mounted because that will affect how the camera reacts and what you see. Having both the camera and the lights elevate should help, as I suggested before. But if you think your beam is too narrow I'd definitely consider a wider one. But you will still get a hot spot near to the vehicle if it is not mounted high enough. However, there are three tests that I can think of that you can do before you decide on new LEDs: 1) Temporarily mount the LEDs above the camera and possibly even back away from the front of the vehicle. 2) With the LEDs mounted higher, place a diffuser of some sort in front of the LEDs. This will scatter the beam giving a wider angle of illumination. Some possible diffusers are: A piece of tissue paper mounted on a small frame - I bet you could print a nice little frame for one, a small lens, crinkled cellophane. 3) Add to that a small screen/baffle, in front of, and below the LEDs to shade the area immediately in front of the vehicle. Adjust it to different positions to see if there is a sweet spot. Test each change sequentially. You could go straight to step 2 & 3 with the lights in their current position but it might not work. I suspect that the light source has to be further away from the camera so the mods don't interfere with the camera's exposure or create flare. Leaving the camera where it is will be OK. These changes should give you an idea of whether my original suggestions would help. Then you can consider any design and equipment changes.

[@hilltop9524]

My brain is getting hurt from his speech. I literally can't tell if the video parts of him within them are dubbed or desynched.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

It is dubbed.

[@sourabhk2373]

Bro, when you cut to the scene where you are on screen, it looks so dramatic XD. Like you are in a rap video or somethin.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

LOL. I would definitely have lost a few subscribers if I busted out a rap at that section.

[@paulvanwens2588]

Great project, however there are a few things you might want to adjust. I see that you're using L298N drivers, which are pretty easy to use, but are pretty limited in the power they can handle, with something like 1.5A max and can turn very hot. Specially in a 3D printed vehicle that can become an issue. You might want to concider some other drivers, or (and that would be my suggestion) go with 2 ESC's and RC control. That'll give you the option to use larger motors such as a 540 or even 775 with low RPMs, but also you can use LiPo's without having to worry about overdischarging them, and is a lot more universal. Controlling the droid by WiFi is nice, however is pretty limited and you need to concider how to handle loss of signal etc. A way more easier method would be to use RC transmitter and receiver. It's easy enough to capture the receivers output with an arduino, then you can modify your signal as pleased for either driving or other functions such as lights, and then send the output signal to ESC's or whatever you want to control. As upgrade you might want to look at adding GPS. A Neo 6M module would do perfectly fine for these kind of jobs. You can then either store the location in a timeline db such as flux, either on the Pi or sent it directly ove WiFi to a database. Another suggestion would be to add sensors for autonomous driving, with an ultrasonor sensor such as an HC-SR04 and / or use a lidar such as a TFmini. There's a lot of documentation on this subject.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Hey, I uploaded a video today on how I want to make a PCB for this. I am still using WiFi because it is easy to connect to using your cell-phone. It is also easy to connect other stuff like lidar and just program it in. With an RC transmitter, it might be more complicated. All good suggestions. I am switching to a Cytron 10 amp, 2 motor chip for the motors. I am planning on having GPS right on the chip.

[@paulvanwens2588]

​@@AvivMakesRobotsRC is using a PPM signal, which isn't much different from PWM. RC gives you a bit more range, but more importantly, it'll give you a very reliable signal.

[@groovejet77]

Aaargh the music!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Why, too heavy?

[@PavelPirogov]

It would be much better if you add vertical stabilization for cameras module.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@mitos91]

I was looking for idea how to make tank tracks. Tks for your video to give me an idea sir. Good luck

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Thank you! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

[@AnthonyDixon-vq4yn]

Are you ever going to bring this to life, you can help me I can help you we both can be rich at the same time

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I feel like a millionaire when I upload a new project- best of luck on your journey to wealth.

[@SuperDroidBot]

Great build and video, especially all the editing and explanation. As far as sensors, I would consider using a depth camera (like the orbbec astra embedded s for example) You would get the image stream and also a depth stream that could be used for mapping the terrain ahead in detail so it could pick a path around obstacles. The depth part works in total darkness, but the imaging part would only work in the light.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Wow, looks like a nice camera! It would be great to get something that nice, but for now I gotta see what I can do with this budget cam. I saw your video on the AVA v2. That thing is nuts... Are you a day job robotics engineer? Programmer? I am mostly a mechanical engineer and industrial designer.

[@SuperDroidBot]

@@AvivMakesRobots I am retired, used to be a software engineer in Silicon Valley. I am self-taught in robotics and later AI. I can hang with most anyone on software, but muddle my way through mechanics and electronics. I just love the hobby. BTW, it really is a great rover you built. I wish Ava had anything like that suspension. I have a rocker suspension idea that's a little like a Sherman tank. Keep up the great work!

[@AvivMakesRobots]

@@SuperDroidBot Hey, just saw this. Thanks again, I am working now on the next video which involves the vision system. I am wondering what I can do with just the pi camera using a better lens. Do you know what a good computer vision challenge for this project could be using the pi 4 and the pi camera for a beginner?

[@SuperDroidBot]

@@AvivMakesRobots You could perhaps install tensorflow and one of the versions of the yolo model...so it could recognize 80 different types of objects/people/animals, etc. The yolo model would tell you the x,y location and height, wdith in the FOV so you could use that to drive towards/away from the object or some other behavior.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

I will look into this. Thank you.

[@cicADA001]

when next video I miss ur videos very educational I always learn something.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Its coming :)

[@ayanmohanta]

Awesome !! What about the dust that is gathering on the lens? Also if you can add image stabiliser, the video feed will be more stable.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Yes, I need to find a way to add an image stabilizer.

[@tonyhill8300]

you put the camera on the wrong end, you should have trailing suspension links.

[@AvivMakesRobots]

What do you mean?

[@mataneasutenan316]

the best rc diy design an concept i ever seen in youtube 😎👍, keep working bro 👍

[@AvivMakesRobots]

...And we're just gettin' started 🔥.

[@amphibiland]

This may be a stupid question but why does the gear not seem to be moving at 7:26? Is this a trick of the light, or is there something I'm missing?

[@AvivMakesRobots]

Is that the frame rate issue people keep talking about?

[@amphibiland]

@@AvivMakesRobots Ah, that might be it, if the framerate is close to the rate the wheel spins.