HC Bot X1 - A forklift robot
HC Bot X1 - A forklift robot
Last summer, I completed my first Arduino project—a mobile robot with a forklift feature. Inspired by my family’s challenge, I built a robot that moves independently, controlled by an Android app I created using MIT App Inventor. Two DC motors, managed through an Arduino board and L293 controller, power its wheels, while an HC-06 Bluetooth module enables communication. The app includes directional buttons (Forward, Reverse, Left, Right) and forklift controls (Up, Down), making this an interactive and educational robotics experience.
My favorite part of robotics was watching all the hardware—wires, processors, controllers, and Bluetooth modules—integrate with the software side, including coding and app functionality. Seeing these elements come together to give life to my first bot was unforgettable.
I started my project by unassembling my old robot, Mark, and reusing its chassis and wheels. I then added an Arduino board, a breadboard holding the L293 controller, and an HC-06 Bluetooth module connected via wires to the Arduino. I coded the Arduino to respond to commands like "F" to move forward and "R" for reverse. I also built an Android app that pairs wirelessly with the Bluetooth module to control these movements. Each button on the app sends a command to the Bluetooth module, which then directs the Arduino to move the wheels according to the selected action. After testing the base functionality, I expanded the project by constructing a forklift attachment from a robotics kit. I installed a DC step motor fixed to the chassis, which drives a gear rack to raise or lower the forklift. I integrated two additional buttons into the app to control this motor through Bluetooth, enabling the forklift to move up and down. This multi-phase project taught me hands-on skills in electronics and programming, enhanced my problem-solving abilities, and fueled my engineering ambitions.