Design and Implementation of a Low-Cost Embedded System to Turn Android Device into a Robotic Arm Controller

摘要

A low cost embedded system was implemented to remotely control a robotic arm. The system includes an Android app, which was developed using a visual tool released by Massachusetts Institute of Technology people. Hardware part of the system makes possible remote connection between app and robotic arm. The hardware is formed by a Bluetooth module, a microcontroller and motor drivers. The microcontroller receives instructions from Bluetooth module, and it interprets them; for next, it sends correct signals to motor drivers. Finally, the robotic part of system is a 5 degree of freedom robotic arm. Five motors are in charge of arm movements, and motor drivers supply them necessary current for their action. Taking in account every component, the cost for complete system was less than 100 USD, demonstrating that robotics is not as expensive as most people think.