Exploring Robotics with Every Flavor of Robot

In this episode of Elektor Engineering Insights, we are pleased to welcome Alex from Every Flavor of Robot to explore the intersection of robotics, embedded systems, and mechanical design. Alex shares insights into his projects, including the very popular Etch-a-Sketch robot created by his team, which uses brushless motors and servo control to create impressive visual effects on this famous toy from the '60s.

The discussion covers essential aspects of robotics development, from the importance of structured planning to selecting the right embedded hardware. Alex explains why the ESP32 has become his go-to microcontroller, comparing it to Raspberry Pi and PIC microcontrollers. He also touches on motor control, power regulation, and debugging challenges faced in real-world projects.


Beyond hardware, the conversation also dives into ROS2 (Robot Operating System 2), showcasing how it enables rapid deployment of autonomous robots with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). For those interested in open-source robotics, Alex presents his team's custom motor controller as well as the project’s integration with educational robotics programs in university. He also shares insights into common beginner mistakes in mechanical and electrical design and how structured documentation can prevent future errors. This video may inspire you to start building robots yourself! Watch it below:

Explore More Robotics and Electronics

Want to discover more about robots, sensors, or DIY electronics in general? Check out all the educational videos and tap into the knowledge of experts on our Elektor YouTube channel and our Elektor Industry YouTube channel. Subscribe to Elektor's weekly newsletter to receive a regular flow of expert tech knowledge and insights.