Step-by-Step Guide: Building a 4-Wheel Robot for Students

Robotics is fun and educational! In this guide, students will learn how to build a simple 4-wheel robot using Arduino and basic components. Follow these steps carefully and you’ll have your robot moving in no time.

Step 1: Gather Your Components

• Arduino Uno board
• Motor driver module (L298N)
• 4 DC motors with wheels
• Chassis for 4-wheel robot
• Battery pack (6V or 7.4V)
• Jumper wires
• Breadboard (optional)

Step 2: Assemble the Chassis

Start by fixing the motors onto the chassis. Make sure they are securely attached and the wheels can rotate freely. Most chassis kits come with screws and brackets for easy assembly.

Step 3: Connect the Motors to L298N Motor Driver

Each motor has two wires. Connect them to the output terminals of the motor driver module. Make sure the wiring is correct so that the robot moves forward/backward properly.

Step 4: Connect the Motor Driver to Arduino

• Connect IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 pins of L298N to Arduino digital pins (for example: D2, D3, D4, D5).
• Connect VCC of L298N to battery +ve and GND to Arduino GND.
• Connect ENA and ENB pins to Arduino PWM pins (for speed control, e.g., D6, D9).

Step 5: Upload Arduino Code

Use the Arduino IDE to upload a simple movement program:

void setup() {
  pinMode(2, OUTPUT); 
  pinMode(3, OUTPUT); 
  pinMode(4, OUTPUT); 
  pinMode(5, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Move forward
  digitalWrite(2,HIGH);
  digitalWrite(3,LOW);
  digitalWrite(4,HIGH);
  digitalWrite(5,LOW);
  delay(2000);

  // Move backward
  digitalWrite(2,LOW);
  digitalWrite(3,HIGH);
  digitalWrite(4,LOW);
  digitalWrite(5,HIGH);
  delay(2000);
}
    

Step 6: Power Up and Test

Connect the battery pack and switch it on. Your robot should move forward for 2 seconds, then backward for 2 seconds, repeating continuously. Adjust wiring or code if the directions are incorrect.

Tips for Students

• Make sure all connections are secure to avoid short circuits.
• Test motors individually before connecting to Arduino.
• Experiment by changing delay values to control robot speed.
• Try adding sensors later to make it more advanced!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your first 4-wheel robot. Keep experimenting and have fun learning robotics!