car

Build an RC car using cardboard and 3D-printed parts; make it autonomous with Raspberry Pi and Python.

This repository contains all of the files and documentation you need to build a programmable RC car out of cardboard and 3D-printed parts.

• Build your own car
• Materials
• FAQ

Build your own car

There are four phases to this project. Please follow the links below for instructions on completing each phase.

1. Cardboard parts
2. 3D-printed parts
3. Cardware assembly
4. Code (coming soon)

Materials

Part	Qty
Servo motor (SG90, 180-degree semi rotation)	1
Servo motor (FS90R, 360-degree continuous rotation)	1
Battery case holder with on/off switch (for 4xAA)	1
Batteries (AA)	4
Breadboard (small, approx 2" x 3")	1
USB battery charger	1
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B/B+	1
Micro SD card (>=16GB)	1
LCD screen (3.5")	1
Camera for Raspberry Pi	1
Cable (8") for Raspberry Pi camera	1
Jumper wires (female-male)	15
Zip ties (4")	50
Velcro strap (6")	3
Wide rubber bands (3.5" x 0.75")	4
Binding screws (3/16" x 1-1/2")	2
Washers (M5 - Inner x Outter Diameter: 5x15mm/0.2x0.6inch)	2
Body clip pins	4
Cardboard (chassis) - SET	1
Cardstock (body) - SET	1
3D printed parts - SET	1

FAQ

How long will it take me to complete this project?

It depends on whether you decide to:

• make the cardware parts yourself,
• pay a laser cutting and/or 3D printing service to make the parts for you, or
• (COMING SOON) buy a kit containing all of the parts ready for you to assemble.

Assuming you spend 1-2 hours per day on this project, the first option might take you a week. The other two options will let you jump directly to Phase 3 (cardware assembly), after which you can probably start programming in a day or two.

What can I do with this car?

• Program the Raspberry Pi to drive the car.
• Take pictures and video while driving.
• Collect images and train a neural network that will allow the car to drive itself along road lane markers.
• Incorporate or train your own image classification library to detect stop signs, pedestrians, and/or cats.
• Add additional hardware, such as distance sensors or even Lidar, to enhance self-driving features.

I'm a parent/teacher. What can my student(s) learn from this project?

• Python programming
• Machine learning using image processing and neural networks
• 3D modeling and printing
• Basic robotics and car engineering
• Industrial design (e.g. car parts, chassis, and body)

Am I free to make modifications to the files and code in this repo, and can I share my modifications/ideas with others?

Yes! This is an open source project. You are 100% free to do whatever you want with the stuff in this repo. Your creativity is enthusiastically encouraged. Please refer to the license for more details.

I found some mistakes or I have questions about how to complete a step. Where can I request fixes, ask questions, or submit comments/suggestions?

For help with specific steps in the project or fix requests, please create an Issue (and please follow the template). For other questions, comments, or suggestions, please email them to [email protected].