Creating a moving platform on a circular path and more

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi All

I'm a total noob and have ordered my first kit to start working with the Arduino.

I have an idea in mind and wonder if anyone can point me in the right direction.

I would like to create a programmable platform, that I can control via an app to move in different paths.

a. Linear path (x or y axis)
b. Linear path (x+y)
c. circular path around a fixed point
d. free movement

Would you be able to recommend items I should be looking at:

I'm guessing:
Bluetooth module
Motors and wheels (although not sure what motors I'd need - I'd like them to be super quiet)
some sort of sensor for path c) in order to acertain distance from the fixed point.
recahrable lithium-ion battery.

I'd also like to control the speed (it doesn't need to move very fast, but I'd like to be able to slow it down it required and the platform will need to take up to 1.5Kg...so guessing that would affect the strength of the motor I need.

Thanks all

Matilda

2

I’d suggest you get the Arduino and do some basic stuff first to get the hang of the device and learn a bit of programming . Build on that and you will learn what you need for this project - which is a bit advanced when starting out

3

excellent advice from Hammy.

Later: do some research on x-y plotters. That will take care of a. b. & c. depending upon what you mean by 'free movement', d can be accomplished by disabling the x & y stepper motors.

4

Tutorial on platform building, one among many.

5

Thank you all, yes I fully intend to start from scratch to get the basics under my hat but thank you also for the other recommendations, that gives me some pointers for extra reading.

Very exciting, looking forward to this :slight_smile:

Thank you for all of your assistance

Matilda

6

X and Y lead screws on stepper motors, driving the platform.
A bit of maths, and it shouldn’t be too hard to pull off.

7

Matilda2017:
I would like to create a programmable platform, that I can control via an app to move in different paths.

a. Linear path (x or y axis)
b. Linear path (x+y)
c. circular path around a fixed point
d. free movement
[....]
Motors and wheels
[...]

Are you thinking of a machine that can move freely around on the floor?

If so it may be quite a challenge for it to identify its position sufficiently accurately to perform some of those moves.

...R

8

Good point Robin...
I read it as a platform (e.g. for photography) that moved around a centre point X/Y and circular.