As we mentioned, every item on this list has a special feature that makes it unique from the rest. In this case, we have a typical avoidance robot like the last one, but with a clever self-balancing ability added.

Contrary to the previous project, this robot uses only two driven wheels and removes the need for a caster wheel to keep the car balanced. Instead, this project adds an extra component, an accelerometer, and some code in order to discard the caster wheel and make the system automatically balanced.

The chassis is 3D printed, but if you don’t have access to a printer, try Craftcloud by All3DP.

• Who designed it: Axbri
• Core components: Arduino Pro Micro, MPU-6050 gyro/accelerometer breakout board, NEMA 17 stepper motors, TMC2100 drivers, 3D printed parts
• Where to find it: Thingiverse

If you’re familiar with robotics competitions, this project is a classic. It consists of a line follower, which is a robot that uses sensors to continuously search, identify, and follow a trajectory on the floor marked by a dark line. Simultaneously, it uses sensors on its front to find nearby objects in its trajectory. If an object is blocking the line it has to follow, the robot will detour around the object, then find the line once again and keep on its merry way.

This is another robot with a 3D printed chassis, but you could also try to manufacture it some other way, like with woodworking or CNC machining, as it’s essentially a flat platform. You can find the Arduino code as a Zip file among the printing files on Thingiverse.

• Who designed it: GIL’S LAB길스랩
• Core components: Arduino Nano, expansion shield, dual H-bridge motor driver (L298), wheels, 3D printed parts
• Where to find it: Thingiverse, Pinshape, YouTube

This is a different approach and system compared to what you typically find in obstacle avoidance. Instead of a car, in this case, we have a robot arm that takes an object from a starting point to a finish point. Here’s the magic: if it finds objects blocking its movement in the middle, it can re-route a path to avoid it and still reach its destination.

This project is also interesting because it introduces people in a very simple way to finite-state machines, which can be useful for anyone looking to create their own machines in the future. The creator takes the time to explain in great detail how the FSM approach works and how it’s used to create this system.

• Who designed it: Marcos Soares, Ricardo Boinho
• Core components: Arduino Nano, resistors, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, a robot arm with 6 degrees of freedom
• Where to find it: Arduino Project Hub

You might have had this toy as a kid, and now you can make one for your own kids (or your grown-up self). This robot roams around in a random direction, detects if there are things in front of it, and avoids them.

However, it has an added bonus feature: It can detect if it’s horizontal to the floor, in which case it will start moving, but if it’s tipped over, it will sense this and immediately stop. You’ll need to buy the robot chassis, mount an Arduino on top, write a few lines of code, then you’re good to go!

• Who designed it: andr9e
• Core components: Arduino Uno, Arduino motor shield, MODI shield IR distance sensor, Box-Mini robot chassis
• Where to find it: Arduino Project Hub, Hackster.io

This is a very smart robot that can detect obstacles, then just go over them. Why would you need to avoid an obstacle, if you can see it before you bump into it, then just climb over it? This robot can go over objects it encounters on its path but also change directions. And if that weren’t enough, it can go up and down stairs, and it auto balances.

If an object is narrow, like a rock, it will go around, but if it is wide, like a step, it will use the auxiliary sticks it’s equipped with to climb its way up. As for going down, it can just fall slowly and bounce a little.

• Who designed it: Dominic Robillard
• Core components: Arduino Uno, IR Distance sensors (GP2Y0A21YK0F), 3D printed parts
• Where to find it: Hackaday.io, YouTube, uOttawa

Have you ever been afraid that your drone will crash into a tree and be ruined forever? Don’t worry, luckily you also know Arduino. This project is a different interpretation of “robot” and a little more on the advanced side, but if you manage to pull it off, it’ll be quite an impressive result.

It uses lidar scanning technology to make your drone detect and avoid objects in real-time as it flies, which helps preserve the life of your object, gives it independence, and gives you bragging rights.

• Who designed it: Stephan
• Core components: Arduino Mega or Pro Micro, lidar sensor, micro servo, 3DR Solo drone and breakout board
• Where to find it: Hackster.io, Arduino Project Hub

If you like creating electronics, 3D printing, or machines, you probably grew up thinking Lego was a really cool toy. Thanks to technological advancements and people’s creativity, nowadays you can use Lego to create real moving machines. Don’t have a 3D printer to print a base for your robot? Don’t want to purchase the kit? No problem! Just use some bricks and Lego wheels and you’re good to go.

This project is essentially the classic, but instead of needing an acrylic chassis, you can make your own with LEGO bricks. The creator provides the instructions to assemble it, fit the wires, and all necessary adjustments.

• Who designed it: BrownDogGadgets
• Core components: Crazy Circuits robotics board (Arduino Nano with base for Lego compatibility), Lego-compatible servo, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, Lego bricks
• Where to find it: Instructables

Print Your Own!

Lego 3D Print/STL Files: 40 Best Lego Pieces & Minifigures