Everything Needed to Build the LittleBot Budget Arduino Robot

The LittleBot Budget is one of the simpliest and most expandable arduino robotics kits for STEM and hobbyists. With the launch and growth of this new robot we are working hard to create new content for projects and learning that can be done with the LittleBot Budget.

This post will outline the key steps, resources, and troubleshooting to get your Littlebot Budget Arduino Robot up and running.

Assembling the Littlebot Budget Arduino Robotics Kit

Assembly if of the Littlebot is very simple, practically intuitive. But you may need up on wiring, uploading the code, and connecting the app. As always there is the Tutorials page for other resources.

Here is the primary written tutorial for assembling the LittleBot Budget. Or you can simply follow the video below. Wiring diagrams are included.

Littlebot Arduino Robot Wiring Diagram

Uploading code the LittleBot Budget Arduino Robot

The code for the LittleBot Budet is the same as that of the Original LittleBot. All the resources that apply to it can be used for the Budget. So in this case the primary sketch for the LittleBot is the latest version of the Walter_OS Sketch from the Downloads page

The Arduino Sketch must be uploaded to the arduino nano. Make sure that you select the correct variant of the Arduino Nano as the board in the IDE Menu when uploading. More details are in the tutorial.

Connecting the Littlebot Bluetooth App

The LittleBot Budget is a programming kit and build kit. Students are supposed to program it to perform all kinds of different functions. The app is a demonstration and not meant to be used often with the LittleBot Budget.

The App can be downloaded here. Make sure that you have uploaded the Walter_OS sketch to the Littlebots budget beforehand. Also follow the steps detailed in the video below when connecting the app. Not doing so will cause the app to fail because it is not properly connected.

Quick Notes

1. Install the App
2. Pair the Bluetooth (password 1234)
3. Open the app
4. Open Bluetooth and Connect Immediately before attempting to move the robot.
5. Green Slider is for the Gripper. The Remote Icon is Remote Control. The hand stops the robot. And the Robot Icon puts him into autonomous mode.

Side Note: Do not attempt to upload code when the bluetooth module is connected. Bluetooth and USB interfere with each other and the sketch upload will fail. Remove the Bluetooth module when uploading code and reattach it if you intend to use the bluetooth app.

Thats all. Your LittleBot is ready to use. There are all kinds of application. Sample codes are posted on this page. These include things like following the hand and fire detection. See more below.