BaBot

Welcome to the BaBot Manual

Manual for isource-asia.com only

Step 0

Start by uploading the code to the PCB. Make sure the bootloader is already burned into the ATmega32U4 chip; if not, refer to https://docs.arduino.cc/built-in-examples/arduino-isp/ArduinoISP/.

Connect BaBot to your computer using the “Upload Code” USB port

  • (1) In the Arduino IDE, click on the Library Manager tab
  • (2) Type CD74HC4067 into the search box
  • (3) Install the Library
  • (4) Select “Arduino Leonardo” as the board type
  • (5) Click Upload and wait for the
  • (6) “Done uploading” message (this should not take more than 20 seconds)

Step 1

Begin by assembling the arms, which consist of six parts in total.

  • 2 white plastic parts
  • 1 metal ball
  • 2 screws
  • 1 Set screw
The set screw should be easy to screw into the 3D-printed part while still being held securely. If not, the tolerance of the 3D-printed part will need to be adjusted.
These two metal screws must pass through the holes with very tight tolerance but almost no friction. If not, the tolerance of the 3D-printed part will need to be adjusted.

When securing the parts with screws, be careful not to tighten them too much. The joint should remain secure but still rotate easily with very low friction.

Step 2

For this step, connect each servo to the PCB, then connect the PCB to a power source using the Power port.

Now press the push button on the PCB for at least one second. You should see or hear the servos move slightly, and the LED will start blinking rapidly. The servos are now in their setup position, so you can screw their black arms on.

Make sure to screw the arm on in exactly this orientation. It must form a 90° angle with the body of the servo. If it doesn’t, send me a picture of the three servos and how their arms are oriented. In that case, we will need to ask TIANKONGRC for a solution. I asked them previously, and it should be possible.

Step 3

Fit the arms into the motor arm as shown in the GIF below. Start by inserting the tip of the motor arm (black part) into the hole, then rotate and push the rest of the motor into place.

Repeat this process for each motor.

Step 4

Place the motors and their respective arms back into the base. Make sure to push each motor completely down into its position, ensuring a secure fit.

Make sure this part of the arm is not rubbing against the base.

Manually rotate the arm to ensure it moves freely without rubbing against the base.

Step 5

Connect the motor cables to the circuit. Make sure to plug each connector in with the correct orientation, as reversing them could prevent the motors from working properly.

Place the circuit back into the base. Carefully bend the motor cables into the gaps around the motors so they don’t interfere with the placement. The circuit should sit perfectly flat once everything is in position. Make sure to align the two USB-C ports with the two small notches on the base. Once aligned, screw back the three small screws to secure the circuit in place.

Step 6

Now let’s assemble the platform of BaBot. Start by taping the magnets onto the circuit holder, as shown in the images below.

Step 7

Start by taping two of the circuit holders onto the transparent plate, following the positioning shown below. Then, slide the circuit notches into the holders, making sure they fit securely. Once the circuit is in place, tape the final circuit holder to lock everything in position.

Step 8

Connect the flat cable to the base circuit. First, open the small locking connector by gently lifting the lever. Carefully slide the flat cable into the connector, making sure it is fully inserted and properly aligned. Once in place, close the lever to lock the cable securely.

Step 9

Repeat the same process to connect the other end of the flat cable to the second circuit.

Step 10

Congratulations! You’ve successfully assembled BaBot.

How To Use It ?

To get started, plug the USB-C cable into the connector labeled “Power Up”. The cable can be connected to either a computer or a standard phone charger. The platform should automatically move to a horizontal position, and the red LED next to the button will begin blinking. Once both conditions are met, BaBot is ready to receive a ball.

Simply place a ball on the platform to begin interacting with it. You can use BaBot for hands-on play or simply leave it on your desk to impress friends and colleagues.

LED Status Guide:

  • Blinking – BaBot is on and ready to receive a ball
  • Off – BaBot is powered off
  • On (Solid Red) – BaBot has detected a ball

Pressing the button toggles BaBot on or off.

BaBot is highly sensitive to infrared light. It cannot be used outdoors or in very bright sunlight, as infrared interference from the sun can make the sensors completely unresponsive. For best performance, use BaBot indoors under controlled lighting conditions.