How To Make a Simple Obstacle Avoiding Robot (Beetlebot)

The Beetlebot is a classic DIY robot by Jérôme Demers. It doesn’t use any complicated electronics and can be built from parts you probably already have lying around. Rather than relying on transistors or integrated circuits to navigate, this design uses nothing more than a pair of switches and some clever wiring to avoid obstacles in its path. Parts Most of the parts you need can be salvaged from junk electronics or bought cheaply online. An old computer mouse 2 1.5V DC motors Wire Paperclips 2 AAA batteries AAA battery holder Optional: Craft wire Switch Step 1: Disassemble the Mouse The first step is to take the mouse apart so you can use it as its body. You don’t have to use a mouse for this, you could simply use the battery holder as its body or anything else you can scavenge. Step 2: Mount the Switches Next, cut out a space at the front to mount the switches. They should be positioned at an angle, with the two NC contacts closest together. They need to be able to take a knock, so…