Remote Control Robot: Control Your Robot Via Mobile App and Wi-Fi

The world of robotics has never been more exciting and accessible. With the ability to control your robot remotely, you can unlock new capabilities, whether you’re a hobbyist, engineer, or just starting out. In this article, we’ll explain how to control your robot using our mobile app, offering two options for connectivity: through a cable to the PC or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. Let’s dive into how you can make your robot truly remote-controlled!

Remote Control Robot

Two Connection Options for Remote Control Robots

We offer two ways to control your robot, depending on your preferences and setup:

Control via Mobile App with Cable Connection:
In this option, your robot is connected to your PC via a cable (typically USB), and you control it using our mobile app. While the robot is still connected to the PC via cable, the mobile app lets you control its movements from a distance, providing an easy and intuitive interface for operation.

Control via Mobile App and Wi-Fi (No Cable Required):
For more flexibility, you can connect your robot wirelessly, bypassing the need for a physical cable connection to the PC. The robot communicates with the PC via Wi-Fi, and you can still control it remotely using the mobile app. This option allows you to move your robot freely without being tethered to a physical connection.

Both options give you the convenience of mobile control, but you can choose the one that best suits your needs. With the Wi-Fi option, you can experience full mobility with the robot, while the cable connection option ensures a stable, wired connection to your PC.

How to Set Up Wi-Fi for Remote Control

If you choose the Wi-Fi option for wireless control, here’s how you can set it up:

  1. Install GRBL on Arduino Uno: Begin by installing the GRBL firmware on your Arduino Uno. This firmware will enable the basic control of motors and robot functionalities.
  2. Flash ESP32 WROOM 32: Flash the ESP32 WROOM 32 microcontroller, which will handle the Wi-Fi communication between your robot and PC.
  3. Wire the Arduino to ESP32: Connect the Arduino and ESP32 as follows:
    • Arduino 5V to ESP32 VIN
    • Arduino GND to ESP32 GND
    • Arduino RX to ESP32 TX2
    • Arduino TX to ESP32 RX2
  4. Install Socat on Linux: Use Socat to create a virtual serial port connection for communication between the Wi-Fi and Arduino:
socat -d -d pty,raw,echo=0 TCP:<YOUR_IP>:8888
  • Connect to UGS: Open Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) and connect it to the virtual serial port /dev/pts/1 to establish the connection.

Once the Wi-Fi setup is complete, you can control your robot wirelessly with the mobile app!

Control Your Robot with Our Mobile App

The mobile app is designed for easy and efficient robot control. Once your robot is connected (either via cable or Wi-Fi), the app provides full control of your robot’s movements. Whether you’re controlling a robotic arm, navigating through space, or performing other tasks, the mobile app makes it all possible.

Run this code in terminal to establish ROS bridge server:

roslaunch rosbridge_server rossbridge_socket.launch

Download the Mobile App Here

Code for the ESP32: Set Up Your Wireless Connection

To get your ESP32 set up for the wireless connection, you will need to upload specific code to the microcontroller. We’ll make the code available for download and provide clear instructions for uploading it to your ESP32.

Get the ESP32 Code Here

Future Possibilities: Remote Control with More Features

With wireless control, the possibilities for enhancing your robot are limitless. As you continue to explore robotics, you can add additional features to your remote-controlled robot, including:

  • Computer Vision Integration: Incorporate AI and object recognition to create a robot capable of interacting with its environment in real-time.
  • Expanding to Robotic Arms: Control complex robotic arms with ease using the mobile app.
  • Voice Control: Imagine controlling your robot hands-free using voice commands.

Why Remote Control Robots Are Exciting

Remote control robots open up a world of possibilities for education, entertainment, and innovation. Whether you’re working on a personal project or a professional task, having the freedom to control your robot from a distance allows for greater flexibility and precision.

With our Wi-Fi and mobile app setup, you can explore robotics without the need for cumbersome cables, making the experience more fluid and enjoyable. The ability to use mobile control also means you can experiment with new features, such as games, AI, and advanced movements, all from the convenience of your phone.

Check Out the Video: Watch the robot play Tic-Tac-Toe using computer vision and AI.

Watch the Tic-Tac-Toe Game Video

Conclusion

Whether you choose to control your robot via mobile app with a cable or wirelessly over Wi-Fi, the setup is simple and accessible. With the ability to control your robot remotely, the possibilities are endless. Start your robotics journey today and experiment with different ways to interact with your robot, all while using our mobile app.

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