Robotics Projects — DIY builds from the TinkerNews archive
Every Robotics build featured in TinkerNews, the weekly DIY electronics newsletter. Each entry was selected for a published issue and summarizes a real project, with a link to its original source for the full instructions, parts and code. New builds appear here as issues are published.
Robotics builds
reBot-DevArm Opens a Robotic Arm to Makers
Physical manipulation and robot-learning work needs more than a simulator. reBot-DevArm offers an open arm project with hardware under CERN-OHL-W-2.0 and software under Apache-2.0, plus planned links to ROS, LeRobot, and Isaac Sim. Its repository is the starting point, though several build specifications still need checking.
Read the build on github.com: reBot-DevArm Opens a Robotic Arm to MakersInside Pistonudo: A Student-Built WRO Robot
Two YouTube runs show Pistonudo tackling WRO Future Engineers 2026, but the ChaBots repository offers more than competition footage. It records the Mexican team’s route from last season’s lessons through mechanics, electronics, software, obstacle handling, testing, serviceability, and cost planning for a working autonomous robot.
Read the build on github.com: Inside Pistonudo: A Student-Built WRO RobotBuild an Open-Source ADS-B Receiver for Nearby Aircraft
A compact board can turn aircraft broadcasts into useful local data without the usual Raspberry Pi and SDR pair. ADSBee combines 1090 MHz reception and decoding in an open-source, low-power design, giving makers a practical base for portable trackers, custom displays, field experiments, and community aircraft-data stations.
Read the build on makezine.com: Build an Open-Source ADS-B Receiver for Nearby AircraftBuilding Nexara: An Air-Gapped AI Avatar Head
A pair of round displays, a spatial camera, and a three-axis servo neck give Nexara a physical way to show local AI activity. An ESP32-S3 links those parts while separated power rails protect sensitive electronics from servo noise, keeping the proposed system independent of cloud services.
Read the build on pcbway.com: Building Nexara: An Air-Gapped AI Avatar HeadA Robot Arm That Serves Badminton Shuttlecocks
Badminton practice usually needs a feeder, but this machine puts that job on a compact Denso VS050 industrial arm. A pneumatic gripper takes shuttlecocks from a hopper, then twin spinning discs launch them. CAD, AVR control, 3D-printed parts, silicone, and court testing make the build especially instructive.
Read the build on hackaday.com: A Robot Arm That Serves Badminton ShuttlecocksPAR Trades Display Speed for Mechanical Simplicity
A 37-by-18 flip-disc display takes a plotter’s approach: one moving tool head visits each pixel instead of giving every disc its own actuator. Color sensing and LIDAR guide each push, making PAR slow but mechanically tidy, while a browser interface lets users draw or upload fresh images.
Read the build on hackaday.com: PAR Trades Display Speed for Mechanical SimplicityBuild an AI Assistant with Raspberry Pi
Creating an AI assistant using Raspberry Pi and Python is a rewarding project. This guide covers the necessary hardware, coding steps, and integration of voice recognition software. Additionally, it explores using LiDAR technology for mapping, highlighting practical applications and overcoming technical challenges.
Read the build on kevsrobots.com: Build an AI Assistant with Raspberry PiBuild an Arcade Cabinet with Arduino Uno Q
Crafting an arcade cabinet at home is a rewarding project. Using the Arduino Uno Q, you can integrate buttons, a display, and other peripherals. This guide walks you through assembling the cabinet, programming game controls, and overcoming challenges, offering both educational and entertainment value.
Read the build on projecthub.arduino.cc: Build an Arcade Cabinet with Arduino Uno QDIY Arduino-Controlled Robotic Arm Project
Building a robotic arm with Arduino is a practical and educational project. This guide covers integrating an Arduino microcontroller with servo motors, step-by-step assembly, and programming tips. Discover how this project can be applied in various maker and educational settings.
Read the build on open-electronics.org: DIY Arduino-Controlled Robotic Arm ProjectInnovative Robotics Project: AC Motor Control
This project introduces a robotics system using field-oriented control for AC motors. By implementing vector control, the robot achieves precise servo drive management. The use of open-source tools allows for customization, making it a practical choice for robotics enthusiasts interested in modern control techniques.
Read the build on hackaday.com: Innovative Robotics Project: AC Motor Control