Page 107 - Programming the Raspberry Pi Getting Started with Python

11

The RaspiRobot

In this chapter, you will learn how to use the Raspberry Pi as the brain for a simple robot rover,
shown in Figure 11-1. The Pi will take commands from a wireless USB keyboard and control the
power to motors attached to a robot chassis kit. The robot will also (optionally) have an ultrasonic
range finder that tells it how far away obstacles are as well as an LCD screen that displays information
from the range finder.

Figure 11-1 The RaspiRobot
Like the project in the previous chapter, this project is split into two phases. In the first phase, we
create a basic rover that you can drive with a wireless keyboard; in the second phase, we add the

screen and range finder.
WARNING If batteries are attached to the RaspiRobotBoard, they will supply power to the
Raspberry Pi. Do not, under any circumstances, power your Raspberry Pi from its power adaptor
and the RaspiRobotBoard at the same time. You can leave the RaspiRobotBoard attached to your
Raspberry Pi, but do not attach the motors or batteries to it.

What You Need
To build this project, you need the following parts. Suggested part suppliers are listed, but you can
find other suppliers on the Internet.