Robot 1

Description

Robot 1 is a two-wheeled inverted pendulum designed to demonstrate real-time feedback control and dynamic stability for K–12 STEM outreach. The robot actively balances itself by measuring its tilt angle, computing corrections through a PID controller, and adjusting wheel motion to stay upright. This allows students to interact with the robot physically while observing how control systems respond to disturbances.

The mechanical frame was 3D printed, allowing for quicker mass-production so the robot can make it out to more schools quicker. The system integrates a RP2040 board, quad-DC motors with encoders, a magnetic encoder for tilt sensing, a layered chassis for organized electronics, and a touchscreen for classroom interaction. All components were selected to be low-cost and quickly mass-producible.

This prototype serves as a hands-on demonstration of core engineering concepts such as system modeling, instability, feedback loops, and controller tuning. It also lays the foundation for future enhancements, including expanded data visualization and improved user interaction for classroom demonstrations.