BOXZ

Summary of BOXZ


BOXZ is an open-source, origami-style robot platform using Arduino, cardboard or plexiglass skins, and modular parts for quick, LEGO-like assembly. It supports Bluetooth control via an Android client and can be used for games like football, racing, or fighting. Files (drawings, skins, Arduino code, Android app) and updates are on GitHub and instructables. The project has Base (cardboard) and Pro (plexiglass, more sensors) variants; cube size is 128 mm with 130 mm skins.

Parts used in the BOXZ Base:

  • Arduino (Seeeduino or Arduino 328P 2009)
  • Driver Board (ladyada.net)
  • Bluetooth board (seeedstudio.com)
  • 2x Analog Servo TowerPro SG90 5V
  • 4x bolts M2x10
  • 8x nuts M2
  • 2x bolts M3x10
  • 2x nuts M3
  • 1x battery case 4 x AA or 5 x AA (7.5V DC)
  • 2x bolts M2x30
  • 2x nuts M2
  • 2x TT Reduction Gear 1:48 or higher
  • 2x DC Motor 130, 6V
  • 2x Wheel 65MM
  • 4x bolts M3x30
  • 4x nuts M3
  • 4x Hexagonal pillars M3x6
  • 4x bolts M3x6
  • 4x Breadboard cables 5-10CM
  • Cardboard sheet (2MM thickness) or plexiglass for BOXZ Pro
  • A4 paper for printing templates
  • Double-sided adhesive (approx 5MM width)
  • Skin templates (e.g., Mario, Cubeecraft)
  • 14 laser-cut or printed board parts: P001, P002, P003 x2, P004 x2, P005 x2, P008, P020, P030, P041 x2, P050

BOXZ is is an open source robot platform for interactive entertainment! We connected Arduino, Plexiglass(or cardboard) Origami and your idea together, so we can easily and quickly build a remote robot by ourself! You can assembled it like LEGO! We can use it to playing football game, racing, fighting or some other interesting things!

Follow the step, I will show you how to build a BOXZ Base
Here are the drawing, skin of Mario, Android Client and Arduino code in the Att.

Version info:
BOXZ Base: Easy and funny, made by cardboard
BOXZ Pro: Support more sensor and use plexiglass
Size info:
The Cube of BOXZ: 128x128x128MM
The Skin of BOXZ: 130x130x130MM

Some more update:
http://letsmakerobots.com/node/34221

Everything you can find it here, include the draw, Arduino code and skin…Have fun!
Github
https://github.com/leolite/BOXZ

[Updating 2012.09.13] And here is the Step by Step how to make a skin
http://www.instructables.com/id/BOXZCreeper/

Some of Skins are reference from the web:
http://www.cubeecraft.com/

BOXZ
Author: Leo

License: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

Step 1: What we need?

We need a piece of cardboard which thickness is 2MM, some A4 pape and your idea!
We also need the following items Electronic Boards
1x Arduino (Seeeduino or  Arduino 328P 2009)
1x Driver Board (ladyada.net)
1x BT board (seeedstudio.com)Mechanical Component and some others
2x Analog Servor TowerProSG90  5V
4x bolts M2x10
8x nuts M22x bearing 623(3*10*4)
2x bolts M3x10
2x nuts M31x battery case 4 x AA(min) or 5 x AA (7.5V DC)
2x bolts M2x30
2x nuts M2

2x TT Reduction Gear 1:48 or higher
2x DC Motor 130, 6V
2x Wheel 65MM
4x bolts M3x30
4x nuts M3
4x Hexagonal pillars M3+6
4x Hexagonal pillars M3x6
4x bolts M3x6
4x Breadboard Cable 5-10CM

BTW: some words in the photo is Chinese

BOXZ circuit

Step 2: Before start 1/2

At the beginning, let’s have a look the structure of BOXZ Totally we have 14 piece parts of board
1x P001 Main support board
1x P002 Front support board
2x P003 Motor support board
2x P004 Wheel side vertical board
2x P005 Wheel covers horizontal board
1x P008 Arduino pallet board
1x P020 Peripheral front board
1x P030 Peripheral back board
2x P041 Peripheral side board [+ servo slot] 1x P050 Peripheral roof board 1Notice:
the parts P006 and 007 have been deleted!

Step 3: Before start 2/2

Than we should know the I/O define of our Arduino boardBTW: IIC is very usefull for our BOXZ Pro

Step 4: Preparing to Cut the cardboard

1. First, we need print the drawing on A4 paper, you can download from Github. or here!
The most important things is print with 100%, measure the maximum of the length of the part is 128MM!2. Cut the drawing, left 20MM spare space is better3. Pasted the drawing to cardboard with double-sided adhesive (prefer the width is 5MM)
For more detail: BOXZ

 

Quick Solutions to Questions related to BOXZ Base:

  • What files are provided for building BOXZ?
    Drawings, skins (e.g., Mario), Arduino code, Android client, and step-by-step guides are provided (links on GitHub and instructables).
  • What materials are needed for the BOXZ Base?
    A 2MM cardboard sheet, A4 paper templates, double-sided adhesive, electronics and mechanical parts listed in the parts list.
  • Which Arduino board is recommended?
    Seeeduino or Arduino 328P 2009 is recommended in the article.
  • What are the dimensions of the BOXZ cube and skin?
    The cube is 128x128x128 mm and the skin is 130x130x130 mm.
  • What sensors or connectivity does BOXZ support?
    The BOXZ Pro supports more sensors and uses I2C; Bluetooth is used for wireless control via a BT board.
  • How should template printing be done?
    Print templates at 100% scale and ensure the maximum part length measures 128 mm before cutting.
  • Where can I find updates and additional skins?
    Updates and skins are available on the project GitHub and instructables links provided in the article.
  • Can BOXZ be assembled like LEGO?
    Yes, the article states BOXZ can be assembled easily and quickly like LEGO.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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