Foldable PCB Becomes Tiny Rover

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Typically, when youā€™re putting electronics in a robot, you install the various controller PCBs into the robotā€™s chassis. But what if the PCB itself was the chassis? [Carl Bugejaā€™s] latest design explores just that idea.

Yes, [Carl] decided to build a tiny robotic rover out of a foldable PCB. This choice was made as using a flexible foldable PCB would allow for the creation of a 3D chassis without the need for bulky connectors joining several boards together. A key part of the design was allowing the structure to unfold easily for serviceabilityā€™s sake. To that end, the structure is held together by the bolts that also act as the axles for the roverā€™s wheels. Even more brilliantly, the wheels are turned by motors built into the very PCB itself. Control is via a PlayStation controller, connected wirelessly to command the robot.

The little bot is surprisingly capable, especially when juiced up with a twin-cell lithium battery. Itā€™s tiny, with minimal ground clearance, so itā€™s not the best at driving on rough surfaces. Having all-wheel-drive helps, though.

[Carl] specifically credits Altium Designer for making the design possible, thanks to its advanced 3D visualization tools that support foldable PCBs. Video after the break.



from Blog ā€“ Hackaday https://ift.tt/uAjy0zx

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