Raspberry Pi boards are single-board computers that were initially developed as a way to make computer science fun and educational. Raspberry Pi users get to enter an exciting world full of entertaining, practical, and experimental projects with the help of their low-cost board full of endless possibilities.
One of the really fun activities you can pursue with your Raspberry Pi is making robots. There’s a wealth of project ideas and tutorials out there, as well as Raspberry Pi robot kits. In this article, we present a variety of robot projects that can be done by users of various knowledge levels, and we’ve organized them to start from the more beginner-friendly and lead up to the most advanced. But before we dive into the projects, let’s go over how we chose them.
Considerations
Here are the considerations we used to help narrow down the selection:
- Replicable: All of these projects can be successfully replicated. In addition to instructions, written or in video format, many of the creators are responsive to questions about the project.
- Robotic functionality: The robots on this list can do at least one task, and we made sure to include a range of different functions.
- Materials: We tried to strike a balance between low-budget projects with fewer required materials and high-budget projects that necessitate more parts.
Now that you know how the list came to be, let’s do the robot dance!
Buggy
Get ready to put together a really well-designed robot buggy. The project was designed by the Raspberry Pi team. Since it’s straight from the source, it’s been made to putter around like a charm.
The project features clear learning goals and a comprehensive list of materials needed to make this adorable robot buggy. It features excellent step-by-step instructions and illustrative photos that walk users through the project. The project page also gives you some ideas about what to do with your robot buggy.
- Difficulty: Beginner-intermediate
- Who designed it: Raspberry Pi team
- Core components: Raspberry Pi 3, a motor controller board, motors, wheels
- Where to find it: Raspberry Pi Projects
Car
Raspberry Pi enthusiasts can make a fun and easy four-wheeled robot car with this Instructables project. The creator has provided clear written instructions accompanied by photos, and the project page includes a link to the original YouTube project as well for additional assistance.
The project contains a complete list of required materials, and it’s overall a good option for those looking to dip their toes in robotics but feel intimidated by some of the more advanced robot kits or projects.
- Difficulty: Beginner-intermediate
- Who designed it: sunnyD777
- Core components: Raspberry Pi, a motor controller board, stepper motor driver, 9-V battery, robot car chassis, motors, wheels
- Where to find it: Instructables
Hexapod
This cool hexapod robot, designed by a maker in Egypt to help guide his students, is a nice combination of using your Raspberry Pi as well as some basic woodcutting skills. So, if you’re looking for a robotics project that has some crafting involved, this is a fun choice.
Its creator provides really detailed instructions with photos, plus a YouTube video showing how the robot can move. All the tools needed are explained, not just in terms of function but also with considerations for when you’re getting them. There are even some exercises you can carry out, like controlling the servomotor with the Raspberry Pi.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Who designed it: MIHegazy
- Core components: Raspberry Pi 2B, servomotors, wood sheets
- Where to find it: Instructables
Chess
Get ready to explore a playful combination of robotics, Lego, and chess – all made possible with your Raspberry Pi 3. You’ll impress your friends with a robot that can actually carry out chess moves! And for Lego lovers, you’ll get to incorporate the popular bricks into this robot’s functionality.
This project contains Python code, a video tutorial, and written instructions, so everything you need is right at hand. The maker even turned it into a speaking robot. It can say seven phrases!
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Who designed it: instruct42
- Core components: Raspberry Pi 3, BrickPi3, Lego, camera, Python drivers
- Where to find it: Instructables
Ewon Home
Doesn’t this home robot charm you with the first look? With both video and photo-illustrated tutorials, you’re provided with straightforward instructions to bring this sweet bot to life.
The Ewon Raspberry Pi home robot works together with Google Assistant to “express” emotions in a cute robotic manner, whether it’s in a happy or sad mood. Its creator provides links to all necessary files you’ll need for this expressive robot.
Note that you’ll need a 3D printer to print and make the body parts of this project.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Who designed it: sharathnaik
- Core components: Raspberry Pi, 16-channel servo driver, servos (4x SG90 and 2x MG995), sound card, microphone, speakers, Nextion display
- Where to find it: Instructables
Freenove Dog
For those who would love a dog in their lives but aren’t sure about cleaning up after it, this Raspberry Pi robot dog can do facial recognition and face tracking. That way it’ll get to know its owner!
This kit is a fun programming challenge for advanced Raspberry Pi users and can be an interesting endeavor for teens to attempt as well, albeit with some adult assistance. In addition to lots of technical support, the well-reviewed kit comes with nearly all required parts except the battery.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Who designed it: Freenove
- Core components: Raspberry Pi (compatible models are 4B, 3B+, 3B, and 3A+, others require additional parts), battery
- Where to find it: Amazon
Lego Shooter
Initially designed via a Kickstarter campaign, the Lego Shooter Robot is one of the pricier projects in terms of materials, but it yields really cool results. As one builds Lego pieces and also programs a Raspberry Pi, it’s the perfect project for both Raspberry Pi and Lego fans.
The Dexter Industries page contains detailed instructions, the bill of materials, and a video tutorial to help makers put it all together. Although it’s meant for more advanced users, even older kids and teens with Raspberry Pi experience could make this with adult assistance.
- Difficulty: Intermediate-advanced
- Who designed it: Dexter Industries
- Core components: Raspberry Pi, 9-V battery, various Lego pieces (plus additional motors, sensors, and USB items)
- Where to find it: GitHub
RFID Music
If you have a kid around or you’re just a big kid at heart, you’ve got to try out this fun robot that can play your favorite songs via radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. This sweet little robot guy uses PiMusic Box and, as the title suggests, is RFID-controlled.
Walking users through each step, this project boasts well-written instructions, a video tutorial, and photo illustrations. The creator is also responsive to comments and questions should you have any. Rock out with this sweet bot!
- Difficulty: Intermediate-advanced
- Who designed it: roaldh
- Core components: Raspberry Pi A+ (or others), amplified speaker with input, Mifare RC522 card read antenna
- Where to find it: Instructables
MonsterBorg
If you’re searching for a super cool robot kit that is compatible with most versions of Raspberry Pi, look no further than the MonsterBorg robot kit. It’s admittedly expensive, so it’s an investment or a project intended more for experienced and dedicated Raspberry Pi users.
You’ll get to create an off-roading robot that can drive itself, and what’s particularly neat about the MonsterBorg is that it can run for three hours straight without running out of juice! Get ready for some rugged adventures with this small but powerful little guy.
Devastator
If you’re looking to search and destroy, why not make a cool devastator robot with this comprehensive video tutorial from ExplainingComputers? The tutorial walks you through the steps of creation and provides links to the Python code so that everything you need is easily accessible.
ExplainingComputers also provides helpful additional links and has additional video tutorials about ways to control your adorable (but devastating) Raspberry Pi-controlled bot. It’s a nice choice for advanced Raspberry Pi users who want to try something a bit different.
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Who designed it: ExplainingComputers
- Core components: Raspberry Pi Zero W, DFRobot Devastator tank mobile robot platform, motor controller
- Where to find it: YouTube
License: The text of "Raspberry Pi Robot: 10 Awesome Projects & Kits" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.