Smartphone-Controlled Programmable Robotic Arm with Arduino

Introduction

Robotic arms have come a long way from their initial applications in industrial settings to now serving burgers in fast-food chains. The programmability of these arms has been a game-changer, allowing for a wide range of automated tasks. This article delves into creating a smartphone-controlled, programmable robotic arm using Arduino Uno, offering a hands-on guide for your next robot project using Arduino.

Why Arduino Uno?

Arduino Uno serves as the brain of this robotic arm project. It’s a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P, offering a variety of features and capabilities that make it ideal for robotic arm applications.

The 6 DOF Arm

The robotic arm in this project has 6 Degrees of Freedom (DOF), allowing for 360° movements. Each degree is controlled by a separate servo motor, making the arm highly versatile and capable of complex movements.

Components Required

• Arduino Uno
• Servo Motors
• Servo Motor Driver
• Base Frame
• Gripper Claws
• Supporting Frame
• Servo Mounts
• Castor Wheels
• Resistors, Capacitors, Transistors
• Cables and Connectors
• Diodes, PCB and Breadboards
• LED, Transformer/Adapter
• Push Buttons, Switch, IC Sockets

Smartphone Control

The robotic arm is controlled via an Android app, which communicates with the Arduino Uno through a Bluetooth receiver. The app features an intuitive GUI with sliders, making it easy for users to control the arm’s movements without any complicated programming.

Programming the Arm

The Android app allows users to record and save each step of the arm’s movements. These commands are then sent to the Arduino Uno, which records and saves them. The arm can then repeat these movements as many times as needed, making it a truly programmable robotic arm.

Advantages of the Smartphone-Controlled Robotic Arm

• Ease of Use: The smartphone app’s sliders make it easy to control the arm.
• Programmability: The arm can be programmed to perform repetitive tasks.
• Versatility: The 6 DOF arm can move in 360°, allowing for a wide range of applications.

Conclusion

The smartphone-controlled, programmable robotic arm using Arduino Uno is a versatile and user-friendly project that can be applied in various fields. Its ease of use and programmability make it an excellent choice for anyone interested in robotics.

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