In this series of four tutorials, Ben Martin provides step-by-step instructions, code, and troubleshooting tips to take you through the process of building, powering, connecting, and controlling your own Mantis robot mounted with a Raspberry Pi.
Martin explains in detail how to attach motors, mount a RoboClaw motor controller, and then connect it to your Raspberry Pi through a USB port. He provides a program for controlling the robot with the keyboard and then extends the program so you can use a PS3 joystick to control your robotic creation.
Together, the tips and instructions found in these articles can help you build a powerful robot base that can be further modified to suit your needs.
Build an Off-Road Raspberry Pi Robot: Part 1
Part 1 of the series shows how to combine a Mantis kit and Raspberry Pi to make a controllable robotic rover.
Build an Off-Road Raspberry Pi Robot: Part 2
This second article explains in detail how to attach motors and connect the RoboClaw motor controller.
Build an Off-Road Raspberry Pi Robot: Part 3
In this third article, Martin provides code to communicate with the RoboClaw motor controller and to move the robot around using with the keyboard.
Build an Off-Road Raspberry Pi Robot: Part 4
Part 4 of this Mantis robot-building tutorial wraps up the series and shows how to use a PS3 joystick over Bluetooth to control the robot.
