Reader Input
Thoughts, tips, and musings from readers like you.Page 05
Make: Volume 55 – DIY Robots
Robots are a quintessential maker passion. Whether you are diving into a kit or building a bot from scratch, anyone can make a robot nowadays. Volume 55 shows you how to build an adorable, 3D-printed balancing bot, how to assemble a Strandbeest-style walker with Lego, and how to find the right robot kit for your needs with our handy overview of what is on the market today. Plus, learn programming by playing with robots, and get started with a shared operating system designed specifically for robotic projects.
More than 24 projects, including:
- Build a Harry Potter-themed lamp controlled by a Raspberry Pi-powered magic wand
- Make a sweet 3D-printed camera that snaps animated GIFs
- Assemble a random yes/no circuit you can control with a hidden switch
- Construct a dazzling LED-matrix handbag
And much more.
ON THE COVER: Two dancing Chip-E bots stretch before their big show
Table of Contents
COLUMNS
Welcome: Raising Robots
Mike Senese
Tracing our love for our electronic friends through the years.Page 06
Made on Earth
Donald Bell
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 08
FEATURES
The Little Boat That Could
Damon McMillan
Chart the transoceanic journey of a solar-powered, autonomous boat.Page 14
Maker ProFile: Planting the Seeed
DC Denison
Electronics manufacturer Eric Pan discusses the future of factories.Page 18
SPECIAL SECTION
Bot Factory
Juliann Brown
There’s never been a better time to start building your own robot.Page 20
Build-a-Bot
Andrew Terranova
On a kit quest? Let our guide lead the way.Page 22
My Mini Mars Rover
Erica Tiberia
Erica Tiberia designed her sample-returning NASA Centennial Challenge robot from the cheapest materials available.Page 28
One Million Robots
DJ Sures
How DJ Sures built up the EZ-Robot empire in just five years.Page 29
Smooth Servo Control with ROS
Ben Martin
Get started with Robot Operating System and make your machines move calmly.Page 30
Programmable Bots
Matt Stultz
Learn to code with a variety of clever new robot sidekicks that won’t break the bank.Page 33
EddiePlus: Self-Balancing Robot
Caleb Kraft
Construct a tiny, smooth-rolling, two-wheeled bot — and drive it by FPV camera.Page 34
Chip-E: Bipedal Robot
Renee L. Glinski
Build an Arduino-powered, 3D-printed, bipedal, moon-walking bot.Page 40
TrotBot: Better Than a Beest
Ben Vagle
This high-stepping walker bot defeats obstacles, and you can build it with Lego.Page 42
Color-Sensing Sound Sequencer
Brian McNamara
Spin up your favorite-color Lego pieces to sequence sound samples in endless combos.Page 44
SKILL BUILDER
How to Hand Sew Leather
Tim Deagan
This basic technique will propel you toward custom tool coverings, apparel, and more.Page 48
Making Sense of Multimeters
Charles Platt
Discover the ins and outs of this essential electronics tool.Page 51
PROJECTS
Raspberry Potter
Sean O'Brien
Wave a wand to magically cast spells on Ollivander’s lamp — using gesture recognition on a Raspberry Pi.Page 54
GIF It to Me
Nick and Shayna Brewer
Build the PIX-E, the world’s funnest dedicated GIF camera!Page 60
LED Matrix Handbag 2.0
Debra Ansell
Make a dazzling light-up purse that pairs with your phone to display text, animations, or tweets in real-time.Page 64
Remaking History: One Super Chill Dude
William Gurstelle
Build a cheap, effective DIY air conditioner based on engineer Willis Carrier’s 1902 evaporative-cooling original.Page 70
Shock the Monkey
Emily Coker and Kelli Townley
Give your stuffie a beating heart with a flashing LED and embroidery thread.Page 72
Necktie Glasses Case
Diane Gilleland
Fashion a stylish carrying sheath from a great old tie.Page 75
Electronics Fun & Fundamentals: The Dishonest Decider
Charles Platt
Build a random yes-no circuit you can secretly control with a hidden switch.Page 76
Amped-Up Drive-In Speakers
Dan Rasmussen
Modernize the retro sound with a 20W stereo amplifier and pulsing, color-changing lights.Page 80
FUN ZONE
1+2+3: Rainbow Flowers
Lisa Martin
Make creative bouquets by dyeing multi-colored blossoms.Page 84
1+2+3: Jumping Jack Makey
Lisa Martin
Yank the string on this simple puppet and watch his arms and legs jump up.Page 85
Experimentation Inspiration
Caleb Kraft
Fun projects to spark your ideas for this year’s science fair.Page 86
TOOLBOX
Tool Reviews
Hep Svadja
Cordless angle grinder, pocket screwdriver set, Kano Raspberry Pi computer, and more.Page 88
3D Printer Review: 2020 Prusa i3 by Folger Tech
Matt Stultz
With the right upgrades, this affordable kit can hold its own against pricier machines. Page 92
SHOW & TELL
Show & Tell
A collection of dazzling robotic contraptions.Page 96
