Constructor Multiplo - create your robot

I noticed the Mutiplo project a long time ago, even at the stage when they successfully completed the kickstarter campaign - it was in October 2012. The project shot successfully - almost 10-fold excess of the stated amount! Of the $ 15,000 claimed, $ 132,022 and over 700 contributors were raised.

The goal of the project is to provide constructive and electronic equipment in this form - so that a beginner can assemble his robot and solder it without any soldering or complex coding.
')
The original was a constructive solution - they invented their fastening mechanisms, and just as a big plus was the fact that the project was completely open-source and open-hardware project - that is, all drawings of structural elements had to be laid out in open access - so that anyone could cut on a laser CNC or printed on a 3d printer. And also the circuits of all used electronics are laid out in open access.

In that distant 2012, I was only interested in robotics, and I was wondering what would come out of this project. The following year, we organized a hackspace in Yekaterinburg - MakeItLab, and of course the Mutiplo kit was among those that we wanted to see live, and we recently ordered several sets.



This is how the set looks after receiving:


Immediately pay attention to the convenient packaging in the form of a suitcase with a handle, and the age of the target group is indicated: 14+.

On the side is the project logo:

We open our small suitcase:


Here is a diagram of what's inside:

What does the robot consist of

The medium statistical robot includes the following elements:

1. “Brain” is a microcontroller, or microcomputer
2. sensors are what take signals
3. actuators / engines - this is what acts on the world around us, with the help of which it moves
4. connecting elements - using this elements are connected
5. nutrition
6. Structural elements - this is the frame on which everything is installed, and fasteners

Multiplo Set Items

We look that in a small suitcase further.

Someone might think this wheels for a vacuum cleaner:


No, this is just the 3rd wheel, for a mobile platform, where two driving wheels and a third point are made on the basis of such a decision.

Here is a packaged IR remote control for the robot.


We also see tools for work - a screwdriver and keys.

Here are the design elements:


White is the body elements, and blue is for the wheels.

Here are 4 wheels:


rubber tires, and constructive for the disk, that's how it is assembled:


Here are the connectors:


and for engines and for sensors - different connecting wires. Connectors are connected to the motor, and to the main board. On the right is a USB cable for connecting Arduino to a computer (for recording the program).

Cable to connect with sensors and servo (35 cm)


Motor cable (30 cm)


Fasteners


We draw attention to the elements of the iron designer, familiar to some from the Soviet youth :)

Programming

Programming microcontrollers is not the easiest programming if you are a beginner.
The Multiplo project provided several solutions for visual programming on Arduino: Minibloq

Minibloq is a visual programming environment, where using Drag & Drop you can create a program - watch its execution on a computer, and then write to the controller (Arduino) project site

What can be done

Here are some examples of robots that can be done based on the Multipo constructor:









Educational stands like this are also possible:


Assembly instructions, tutorials posted in the public domain .

Set price

The set provided here is Building Kit v1.0, on its base you can assemble two mobile robots. This option is for sale for $ 269.90. There is an initial set for $ 134. A list of Multiplo sets can be found here .

Independent production

All the drawings are posted on the github project page :

• mechanics (structural elements)
• electronic components
• Arduino coding software

Therefore, if desired, and opportunities can be made independently.

UPDATE : another article: Open Source Multiplo Robot Designer