1. Safety Information
WARNING INGESTION HAZARD: This product contains a button cell or coin battery. DEATH or serious injury can occur if ingested. (Button battery model: CR2025) A swallowed button cell or coin battery can cause Internal Chemical Burns in as little as 2 hours. KEEP new and used batteries OUT OF REACH of CHILDREN. Seek immediate medical attention if a battery is suspected to be swallowed or inserted inside any part of the body.
2. Component List
The KEYESTUDIO 4WD Smart Robot Car Kit includes all necessary components for assembly and operation. Mechanical parts such as nuts and bolts for each subsystem are individually packaged and clearly labeled for ease of identification.
Refer to the image below for a visual overview of the included parts:
Image 2.1: All components of the KEYESTUDIO 4WD Smart Robot Car Kit, including the main board, motor driver shield, ultrasonic sensor, line tracking sensor, red LED, 9G servo, IR receiver, Bluetooth module, remote control, 8*16 LED matrix, motors, decorative board, USB cable, fixed parts, battery holders, wheels, winding pipe, Dupont wires, screws, nuts, and a screwdriver.
Key components include:
- R3 Board (compatible with Arduino Uno R3)
- Motor Driver Shield V2
- Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)
- Line Tracking Sensor
- 9G Servo Motor
- IR Receiver and Remote Control
- Bluetooth Module (HM-10 BT-4.0)
- 8*16 LED Matrix Display
- TT Motors (4 pieces) and Wheels (4 pieces)
- Acrylic Chassis (top and bottom plates)
- Various screws, nuts, wires, and tools for assembly
- Battery Holders (for AA and 18650 batteries, batteries not included)
3. Setup
Before assembling and operating your robot car, it is essential to prepare the necessary software environment and power source.
3.1. Power Source
The kit provides two types of battery holders: one for AA batteries and one for 18650 batteries. Batteries are not included and must be purchased separately. Ensure you use high-quality batteries to prevent issues such as the microcontroller resetting during operation.
3.2. Software Installation
The robot car does not come with pre-burned programs. You will need to upload the appropriate programs to enable its functions. This typically involves:
- Installing the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) on your computer.
- Installing necessary drivers for the USB connection between your computer and the Arduino board.
- Installing relevant libraries within the Arduino IDE for the various sensors and modules used in the kit.
For detailed instructions on software setup, refer to the official KEYESTUDIO website or the provided online tutorials.
Image 3.1: Examples of programming interfaces: C language code in Arduino IDE and Mixly Software for visual programming.
4. Assembly Instructions
The assembly process involves connecting various electronic components and mechanical parts to form the robot car chassis. A detailed user manual is included with the kit, providing step-by-step instructions for assembly from scratch.
Additionally, KEYESTUDIO offers comprehensive online tutorials to guide you through the assembly process. These tutorials often include visual aids and detailed explanations to ensure correct construction.
Image 4.1: The assembled KEYESTUDIO 4WD Smart Robot Car.
It is recommended to follow the instructions carefully, paying attention to wiring connections and component placement. The mechanical parts are packaged and labeled to simplify the process.
Image 4.2: Visual representation of the 15 detailed online tutorials available for assembly and programming.
5. Programming Guide
The KEYESTUDIO 4WD Smart Robot Car is designed for programmable learning, utilizing the Arduino platform. Programming is essential to enable the robot's various functions.
5.1. Programming Environment
You can program the robot using:
- Arduino IDE: This environment supports C language programming. The kit includes necessary programs and codes.
- Mixly Software: A visual programming tool that simplifies coding, making it accessible for beginners.
Detailed example codes and programming tutorials are available through the provided user manual and online resources. These resources cover basic programming concepts and specific functions for the robot car.
5.2. Uploading Programs
After writing or modifying your code, you will need to upload it to the Arduino Uno R3 board on the robot car using a USB cable. Ensure the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE before uploading.
6. Operation Modes
The KEYESTUDIO 4WD Smart Robot Car supports multiple operation modes, allowing for diverse interactive experiences. These modes are enabled through programming and can be controlled via an IR remote or a mobile application.
6.1. Control Methods
- IR Remote Control: Use the included infrared remote to control the robot's movements and activate certain functions.
- Wireless Control (Mobile App): Utilize the 'KEYESTUDIO BLE' tool application, compatible with both Android and iOS systems, for wireless control and interaction.
6.2. Available Modes
The robot car can be programmed to perform various functions, including:
- Line Tracking: The robot follows a designated line on the ground using its line tracking sensor.
- Obstacle Avoidance: The ultrasonic sensor detects obstacles, and the robot autonomously navigates around them.
- Ultrasonic Following: The robot maintains a set distance from an object, following it as it moves.
- Showing Motion Status: The LED matrix display can show various patterns or text to indicate the robot's current state or actions.
- Editable LED Panel: Customize patterns and expressions displayed on the front LED panel.
Image 6.1: Overview of the robot car's multifunctional capabilities.
Image 6.2: The editable LED panel displaying custom patterns.
Image 6.3: Details of the ultrasonic sensor and servo motor, highlighting their roles in the robot's functionality.
6.3. Official Product Videos
Watch these official videos from KEYESTUDIO to see the robot car in action and understand its features:
KEYESTUDIO 4WD Robot Car Starter Kit for Arduino
Video 6.1: This video demonstrates the KEYESTUDIO 4WD Robot Car Starter Kit for Arduino, showcasing its remote control capabilities, obstacle avoidance, and line tracking functions. It highlights the robot's interactive features and ease of control.
KEYESTUDIO 4WD Programmable Smart Car
Video 6.2: This video provides a closer look at the KEYESTUDIO 4WD Programmable Smart Car, demonstrating its ability to follow lines and navigate through a maze, showcasing its autonomous capabilities and programming potential.
7. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your KEYESTUDIO 4WD Smart Robot Car.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the robot car, especially sensors and wheels, to remove dust and debris that may affect performance. Use a soft, dry cloth.
- Connections: Periodically check all wiring connections to ensure they are secure. Loose connections can lead to erratic behavior or non-functionality.
- Battery Care: Remove batteries if the robot will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage. Always use fresh, high-quality batteries for consistent power.
- Storage: Store the robot car in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your robot car, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
8.1. Robot Does Not Move or Responds Erratically
- Check Power: Ensure batteries are correctly installed and fully charged. Low-quality or depleted batteries can cause the microcontroller to reset or motors to function poorly.
- Verify Connections: Double-check all wiring connections, especially to the motors, motor driver shield, and Arduino board. Loose wires are a common cause of issues.
- Uploaded Program: Confirm that the correct program has been successfully uploaded to the Arduino board. An incorrect or incomplete upload can prevent the robot from functioning as expected.
8.2. Difficulty with Software Download or Installation
- Outdated Instructions: Some instructions or videos may refer to older technology or software versions. Always check the official KEYESTUDIO website for the most current drivers, IDE versions, and programming guides.
- USB Driver Issues: Ensure the correct USB drivers for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) are installed. Sometimes, specific drivers are needed for the Arduino board to communicate with your computer.
- IDE Configuration: Verify that the correct board type (e.g., Arduino Uno) and serial port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
8.3. Sensors Not Functioning Correctly
- Sensor Placement: Ensure sensors (ultrasonic, line tracking) are correctly mounted and facing the intended direction.
- Wiring: Check the wiring for each sensor to ensure it matches the circuit diagram in the assembly instructions.
- Calibration: Some sensors may require calibration within the program to function accurately in different environments.
9. Specifications
Below are the technical specifications for the KEYESTUDIO 4WD Smart Robot Car Kit:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 1.18 x 0.39 x 1.57 inches (assembled components may vary) |
| Item Weight | 0.317 ounces (components only, assembled weight will be higher) |
| Item Model Number | 145 |
| Manufacturer Recommended Age | 12 months and up (Note: Programming and assembly complexity suggest suitability for older teens and adults, or younger users with supervision) |
| Language | English |
| Manufacturer | Shenzhen KEYES DIY Robot Co.,Ltd |
Image 9.1: Packaging dimensions and weight of the KEYESTUDIO 4WD Smart Robot Car Kit.
10. Warranty & Support
For any questions regarding product functionality, assembly, programming, or troubleshooting beyond the scope of this manual, please contact KEYESTUDIO customer support. You can typically find contact information and additional resources on the official KEYESTUDIO website.
Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims. Specific warranty terms and conditions may vary and are usually detailed on the manufacturer's website or included with the product packaging.
