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Programmable Robots

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Robot car chassis, robotic arms, wheels and kits to assemble: the mechanical base for programmable robots driven by Arduino, ESP32 or compatible boards.

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Choosing your robot chassis or arm

A programmable robot is built in three stages: a mechanical part (chassis, wheels, joints), motors, then a board that runs your program. This category mainly covers the mechanics and complete kits; the control electronics can be found in the Robotics basics category.

  • Number of wheels: a 3-wheel chassis (two driven wheels plus one caster) is the simplest to control and suits line followers or obstacle avoidance. A 4-wheel drive chassis (4WD) handles uneven ground better but requires more current.
  • Motors: small N20 type gear motors suit light, compact robots; an assembly like the 4WD Smart Car Chassis 15KG in aluminum alloy targets heavier loads.
  • Wheels: check the diameter and especially the shaft shape. A 43 mm wheel for N20 motor with a D-shaft will not fit on a round or notched shaft.
  • Robotic arms: servo motor versions (mini-arm, four-legged arm) are quick to set up; an arm with a stepper motor like the MK3 gives finer, more repeatable positioning.

Finally, think about power supply: several motors starting at the same time can cause a voltage drop and reset the board. Plan for a battery capable of delivering the startup current, along with a suitable motor driver.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 3-wheel chassis and a 4-wheel chassis?

The 3-wheel chassis uses two motors and one caster wheel: it can pivot in place and consumes little power, making it the classic choice for a line follower. The 4-wheel drive chassis offers more grip and torque on carpet or uneven ground, at the cost of four motors to power and control.

Are these chassis compatible with Arduino?

Yes, they are neutral mechanical platforms: the plates are drilled to accept an Arduino, ESP32 or equivalent board along with a motor driver. The 4WD kit is advertised as Arduino compatible, but nothing prevents fitting a different board.

Should I choose a servo-motor arm or a stepper-motor arm?

A servo arm is controlled with a simple PWM signal, programs in just a few lines, and suits learning and small manipulations. A stepper-motor arm, like the MK3, positions more finely and repeats the same movement more accurately, but requires drivers and more thorough tuning.

Does a robot wheel fit on any motor?

No. The shaft diameter and shape must match: 43 mm wheels designed for N20 motors with a D-shaft will not fit on a smooth round shaft or on the larger shafts of classic yellow gear motors.

What else do I need to buy to get the robot moving?

Generally: a control board, a motor driver (motors cannot be connected directly to the pins), a battery and cables. Sensors (distance, line tracking) can be added depending on the desired behavior.