While all of Petoi's programmable robots also come in a pre-built(pre-assembled) version, assembling, building, and programming are the essentials when it comes to building a robot. From educators purchasing robots for the classroom, parents buying robots for kids to adults and hobbyists diving into the world of robotics, the first question on everyone's mind is always: how to build it? In this article, we'll take you through the intricacies, right from the unboxing to getting your hardware fully set up for code. Make sure you read to the end as we'll also touch on how to use the programmable robot once it's ready and take you through the various coding languages and robotics curriculums you can use! For this build, we will be using Petoi's Bittle smart robot dog. (Once you read through this article, building your robot will take even less than one hour)
Building your DIY Robot: Hardware Guide
To assemble Bittle bionic DIY robot, a well-structured approach is essential. This guide will walk you through the assembly of this advanced quadruped robot, utilizing a comprehensive quadruped robotics kit designed for DIY robot enthusiasts.Preparing for Assembly
Before diving into the assembly process, ensure you have all the necessary components from your Bittle construction kit (aka the robot-building kit). This includes the frame parts, motors, screws, and any additional tools required for assembly. Familiarize yourself with the parts and their functions, as this will make the building process smoother.Assembling the Frame
Begin by constructing the main frame of your four-legged robot. Start with the body parts, ensuring that each piece fits snugly together. The frame serves as the foundation for your programmable robot, so it’s crucial to secure all connections tightly. Use the provided screws and tools from your robotics kit to fasten the components.
After the body is assembled, attach the legs to the frame. Each leg consists of multiple joints, which will allow your bionic robot to move fluidly. Pay attention to the orientation of each leg; they must be positioned correctly to ensure balanced movement when the robot is operational.
Installing the Servo Motors
Once the frame and legs are in place, the next step is to install the servo motors. These components are vital for the movement of your quadruped robot. Carefully connect each motor to its respective leg joint, following the instructions provided in the assembly guide. Make sure to secure the motors firmly to prevent any disconnections during operation.The assembly in action:
Wiring and Electronics
With the mechanical assembly complete, focus on the wiring. Connect the servo motors to the microcontroller, ensuring that each wire is correctly aligned with its corresponding port. This step is crucial for the functionality of your AI robotics kit, as proper wiring will facilitate communication between the robot's components.Final Assembly Checks
After completing the wiring, conduct a thorough check of all connections and components. Ensure that the frame is stable, the motors are securely attached, and the wiring is tidy. This attention to detail will enhance the performance of your DIY robot and prevent potential issues during operation.Assembling Bittle bionic robot is a rewarding experience that combines creativity and technical skills. By following these steps, you can successfully build your own robot that showcases the capabilities of modern robotics. For a build with pictures of each part and with each screw, you can click here to access the Bittle Manual.
For aspiring roboticists, the Bittle robot-building kit offers an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of programmable robots. With patience and precision, you’ll have a remarkable educational robot companion ready for action in just about one hour. Here is an in-depth video that explains these Bittle features:
Building your DIY Robot: Introduction to Software
As you may see in the video above, once you're done assembling a robot, the next step is choosing the right software. Before we tell you the programming options available, it's important to note that every robot is powered by some kind of base system. It’s just like your PC powered by Windows or Macs powered by MacOS. Developers then write applications on top of the corresponding operating system(OS).
Here are the 2 popular robotics OS:
- ROS, the Robot Operating System
-
OpenCat, the open source Framework that powers Petoi robot dog Bittle, Bittle X and robot cat Nybble.
Uploading and Configuring Robotics Operating System (or firmware) for Petoi Bittle Robot Dog
For small robots, a full-fledged operating system isn't necessary; they simply require firmware to run on a microcontroller. Here’s a streamlined process to upload and configure the firmware for your Petoi Bittle robot:
1. Connect
Connect the robot: use a USB cable to link your Bittle to your computer, ensuring the correct drivers are installed.2. Upload the Firmware
- download OpenCat source folder
- open OpenCat with the Arduino IDE
- select the appropriate board and port
- build and upload OpenCat to your Bittle robot dog
3. Configure and Test
Adjust settings: after uploading, configure settings for motor control, and communication protocols as needed.Test Functionality: Power on the robot to ensure all movements and commands work as expected.
This efficient process allows you to quickly set up your robot, enabling you to focus on programming and customization.
For a step by step in-depth process, you can use this resource on the Petoi Doc center
Bittle Robot Dog Calibration
The next step in this robot-building guide is calibrating your Bittle. Calibrating the Bittle robot dog is essential to ensure proper movement and functionality, as it prevents the servos from colliding or getting damaged. To begin the calibration process, first ensure that all servos are connected correctly to the circuit board and that the legs and head are not attached. Power on the robot by long-pressing the battery button until the blue LED lights up.
Enter calibration mode, which will rotate all joints to their neutral positions. Once in this state, you can install the head by aligning it with the central axis and securing it to the neck servo. For the legs, insert them into the servos while ensuring they remain at right angles to the torso.
Use the app to fine-tune the head and leg positions: adjust the neck servo angle until the head faces forward, and align the legs using the provided L-shaped ruler to ensure all reference features are correctly positioned. Finally, secure the joints with screws once calibration is complete. Check the step-by-step calibration guide with pictures for details.
Play with Bittle Robot Dog
Done calibrating your robot? The fun has just started! Playing with your Bittle robot dog is an engaging experience, thanks to its built-in controls and commands that let you explore various postures, behaviors, and gaits. Through the Petoi mobile app, you can easily command the robot to perform actions such as walking left, trotting forward, or striking specific poses with just a tap. The app even features a "Turbo" mode for enhanced agility and stability. You can also create custom commands and group actions together, allowing you to chain multiple movements for more complex performances. Whether you want to make your robot dance, navigate obstacles, or simply observe its movements, the Bittle offers a fun and interactive way to dive into the world of robotics.
Petoi Bittle in action
Programming Your Bittle Robot Dog
When it comes to programming your Bittle robot, there are three main programming options for your robot, catering to various skill levels. Here are some of the robotics curriculums available for free on our website.
Petoi Skill Composer
Petoi provides the Skill Composer, a tool that allows users to visually design movements for quadruped robots by creating servo actions with ease and exporting them for integration into their code.
Additionally, free video tutorials are available to make learning even more accessible.
Petoi Coding Blocks (Block-based coding)
Petoi Coding Blocks is a Scratch-like visual programming environment ideal for beginners and young learners. Its drag-and-drop interface with colorful blocks makes programming fun and accessible. Integrated into educational robotics kits like LEGO Mindstorms, Scratch allows students to create and program robots easily. The Petoi Bittle robot also includes a free Scratch coding curriculum to enhance the learning experience.Python for Robot Programming
Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly language popular in robotics. Its simple syntax makes it easy to learn, while a rich ecosystem of libraries, such as PyRobot and RobotPy, provides tools for various robotic applications for your robot projects. Python's vibrant community offers support, making it easier to find solutions and share ideas.C++ for Robot Programming
C++ is a powerful language known for its performance and efficiency, making it suitable for their real-time robotic applications. Widely adopted in the industry, C++ supports frameworks like ROS and OpenCat, allowing developers to maximize its capabilities in robotics.Conclusion
Building Bittle robot dog is a rewarding experience that combines DIY, mechanical and electronic skills. With programming options like Scratch, Python, and C++, you can explore the exciting world of robotics programming at your own pace. Enjoy your journey with your new Bittle companion!Interested in Petoi Bittle robot dog? Click on the image below to get yours today!
