Anyone can build an AgBot. You.. yes..YOU!
Try this duct taped cheap prototype as a fun project!
Part 1: The List
Below is a sample shopping list with example parts, approximate prices, and commonly available brands. Prices are ballpark estimates based on typical online retailers (like Amazon or common robotics suppliers) as of late 2024. Actual prices may vary. Where exact brands are suggested, they are simply reputable options, not mandatory.
Note: This list focuses on basic materials for a low-cost prototype. For more advanced or professional-grade components, costs will be higher.
Base & Structural Materials
1. Plywood Board (24” x 18” x ~1/2”)
• Example: Baltic Birch Plywood or Generic Hardwood Plywood
• Price: ~$15–$20 (Home Depot / Lowe’s / Online Lumber Supplies)
2. Aluminum L-Brackets (Set of 8)
• Brand: Everbilt or Hillman
• Price: ~$10–$15 (Home Depot / Amazon)
3. Wood Screws & Bolts
• Brand: Hillman or GRK Fasteners
• Price: ~$5–$10 per assortment pack (Home Depot / Lowe’s)
4. Weather-resistant Paint or Sealant (Optional)
• Brand: Rust-Oleum Clear Coat
• Price: ~$5–$8 per can
Drive Components
5. DC Gear Motors (4 units)
• Brand: Greartisan or Makermotor (12V DC gear motors)
• Approx. Specs: 12V, 100–300 RPM (choose based on desired speed)
• Price: ~$15–$25 each, total ~$60–$100 for 4 (Amazon / eBay)
6. Wheels (4 units)
• Brand: RobotZone, DuraStar, or generic hobby cart wheels
• Size: ~6–8” diameter with rubber tires
• Price: ~$7–$15 each, total ~$28–$60 for 4 (Amazon / RobotShop)
7. Motor Driver Board (Capable of handling 4 DC Motors)
• Brand: Cytron Motor Driver or Dimension Engineering Sabertooth (2x25A or similar)
• Price: ~$40–$80 (Amazon / RobotShop)
Power & Electronics
8. 12V Battery Pack
• Brand: TalentCell or ExpertPower Li-ion pack (12V, 6–10Ah)
• Price: ~$40–$70 (Amazon)
9. Battery Charger (for chosen battery pack)
• Brand: TalentCell (matching charger) or a generic Li-ion charger recommended by battery brand
• Price: ~$15–$30 (Amazon)
10. Wiring & Connectors
• Brand: T-Tap connectors, JST connectors, or Dupont wire kits
• Price: ~$10–$20 for a basic assortment (Amazon)
11. On/Off Switch & Inline Fuse
• Brand: Generic waterproof switch
• Price: ~$5–$10 for switch and fuse (Amazon)
Control (Basic Option)
12. RC Controller & Receiver (For initial remote testing)
• Brand: FlySky FS-GT2B or similar 2-channel RC set
• Price: ~$25–$40 (Amazon)
(If you prefer a simple wired control for just forward/back testing, you could use a DPDT switch or test leads, which would cost less, around $10–$15.)
Tool & Sensor Mounting
13. Front Tool Bracket
• Could be a small steel corner brace (Everbilt)
• Price: ~$5–$10 (Home Depot / Amazon)
14. PVC Pipe or Rod for Sensor Mast
• Brand: Generic PVC pipe (1” diameter x 12” length)
• Price: ~$5
Miscellaneous
15. Plastic Electronics Box (to protect electronics)
• Brand: Plano Stowaway box or generic project enclosure
• Price: ~$10–$20 (Amazon)
16. Velcro Straps, Cable Ties
• Brand: Velcro, Zip Ties (Generic)
• Price: ~$5–$10 total (Amazon / Home Depot)
17. Sandpaper & Basic Tools (if not already owned)
• Brand: 3M for sandpaper, basic hand tools can be generic
• Price: ~$5–$10 for sandpaper, tools vary
Estimated Total Cost
• Low-End Estimate: ~$200–$250
• High-End Estimate: ~$300–$400
The final cost depends on quality of components chosen, shipping, and any optional upgrades (like a better motor driver or a more robust battery). If you already have some tools, the total cost will be lower.
Tips for Purchasing:
• Motors & Driver: Make sure the motor driver matches the voltage/current requirements of the motors. Check product listings for compatibility.
• Battery & Charger: Choose a battery that can safely handle the motor load. Check capacity (Ah) and ensure you have the correct charger.
• RC Controller: Ensure it’s a simple, reliable one, highly rated by other hobbyists.
• Materials: Plywood, brackets, and screws can be found at local hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s) and might be cheaper than online.
This shopping list should give the person all they need to source parts for a basic prototype.
Part 2: Instructions
Below are straightforward, step-by-step instructions you can provide to someone who is handy and can follow directions but is not a trained engineer. The goal is to create a simple, working prototype of a basic agricultural robot (AgBot) . This will be a mobile platform with the potential to add tools and sensors later.
Overview
These instructions guide you through assembling a rolling robot base with basic remote control. The result will be a small, battery-powered cart that can move forward, backward, and turn. Future additions (sensors, automated control, specialized tools) can be done later.
Tools & Materials You Need
From the Shopping List Provided:
• Plywood board (about 24” x 18”)
• Aluminum L-brackets
• Four DC gear motors with wheels
• Motor driver board
• 12V battery pack and charger
• RC controller and receiver
• Screws, bolts, and nuts (assorted)
• Wires, connectors, cable ties
• Plastic box or container for electronics
• On/off switch and fuse (optional but recommended)
• PVC pipe or small rod (for sensor mast, optional)
• Paint or sealant (optional)
Tools (If Not Already Owned):
• Power drill and drill bits (for wood and metal)
• Screwdrivers
• Wrenches or pliers
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Sandpaper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
• Measure and mark your plywood board to about 24 inches by 18 inches if it’s not already that size.
• If needed, cut it to size using a saw (or ask someone at the hardware store to cut it).
• Lightly sand the edges to remove splinters.
• (Optional) Apply paint or a waterproof sealant and let it dry completely.
2. Reinforce the Platform
• Flip the board upside down.
• At each corner, attach an aluminum L-bracket on the underside using wood screws. This makes the base more rigid.
• Make sure brackets don’t interfere with where the wheels will go.
3. Mount the Wheels and Motors
• Position the four motors near each corner so the wheels will have good ground clearance.
• Mark the mounting hole locations for the motor brackets.
• Drill pilot holes for screws or bolts, then attach the motors securely.
• Ensure the wheels spin freely and the motors face the correct direction (two on the left side pointing “forward,” two on the right side the same way).
4. Install the Electronics Box
• Flip the board right-side up.
• Place the plastic electronics box (or sturdy container) on the top side of the board, somewhere near the center.
• Mark holes and use screws or Velcro straps to secure the box in place.
• This box will hold the battery, motor driver, and any wiring.
5. Wiring the Motors to the Driver
• Place the motor driver board inside the electronics box.
• Run wires from each motor up into the box.
• If the wire needs extending, use connectors or soldering (if comfortable) and cover with electrical tape.
• Connect the motors to the appropriate terminals on the motor driver, following its wiring diagram. Usually, it’s labeled something like “M1+, M1-, M2+, M2-” etc.
• Make sure left-side wheels connect to one side of the driver and right-side wheels to the other for proper steering control.
6. Connect the Battery and Switch
• Place the 12V battery pack inside the box.
• Connect the battery’s positive and negative leads to the motor driver’s power input terminals.
• Insert the on/off switch and fuse inline on the positive wire from the battery to the driver for safety and convenience.
• Double-check polarity: positive to positive, negative to negative.
7. Set Up the RC Receiver
• Mount the RC receiver inside the electronics box or on top of it, somewhere it’s protected from water.
• Plug the receiver’s signal wires into the motor driver’s input terminals as instructed by the motor driver’s manual.
• Make sure the RC receiver is powered correctly (often the motor driver board provides a low-voltage supply line for this).
8. Initial Test
• Ensure all connections are secure.
• Turn on the RC controller (the handheld remote), then power up the robot by flipping the on/off switch.
• Move the RC controller’s joystick to see if the wheels respond.
• If the wheels spin the wrong way, you can reverse the wiring on that motor pair or use the RC controller’s channel reversing feature.
• Once you confirm it moves forward, backward, and turns left and right, power it down.
9. Add the Tool Bracket
• At the front of the board, attach a small metal bracket that will serve as a mount for future tools.
• Use screws and ensure it’s firmly fixed.
• This can remain empty for now or just hold a placeholder piece of wood.
10. Optional: Add a Sensor Mast
• Drill a hole in the board where you want the sensor mast.
• Insert the PVC pipe or rod and secure it with brackets or a clamp.
• This represents where cameras or sensors might go later, but for now, it’s just a placeholder.
11. Tidy Up Wires
• Use cable ties to bundle wires neatly.
• Make sure nothing hangs near the wheels.
• Keep all electronics inside the box covered with the box’s lid for protection.
Final Check
• Turn the system on again and verify it can still move freely.
• Check that the base is stable on uneven ground.
• Inspect all screws and ensure nothing is loose.
Next Steps (Optional)
• After this basic prototype is done, you can later integrate sensors (cameras, moisture sensors), upgrade to autonomous navigation using a microcontroller (like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi), and attach actual tools (a small cutting blade or a seed dispenser) at the front bracket.
• For now, this prototype demonstrates the core concept: a mobile platform controlled remotely, ready for future enhancements.
By following these instructions, you should be able to build a basic robotic platform that can move around under remote control—providing the foundation for a more sophisticated agricultural robot in the future.