BaBot Manual

Thank you for being a BaBot owner. This manual will guide you step by step through the assembly process, from identifying each part to getting your robot up and running.

Assembly Instructions

  1. 01

    Assemble the Arms

    You will need: 2 white plastic parts, 1 metal ball, 2 screws, and 1 set screw. 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.

    Assemble the Arms
  2. 02

    Access the Motors

    Use the provided tool to unscrew the electronic circuit from the base by removing 3 small screws. Carefully extract the motors without damaging the cables.

    Access the Motors
  3. 03

    Fit Arms to Motors

    Insert the motor arm tip (black part) into the hole, rotate and push the remaining motor into place. Repeat for each of the three motors.

    Fit Arms to Motors
  4. 04

    Replace Motors in Base

    Push each motor completely down into position.

    Replace Motors in Base
  5. 05

    Connect Motor Cables

    Plug each connector with the correct orientation. Reverse connections will prevent the motors from functioning properly. Place the circuit back into the base, bend the motor cables into the gaps, align the USB-C ports with the notches, and secure with the three screws.

    Important

    Align the USB-C ports with the notches of the base

  6. 06

    Calibrate Motors

    Follow these steps carefully to calibrate the three servo positions:

    1. Connect the PCB "Power" port to a computer or USB-C phone charger.
    2. Triple-press the button — servo A will move lower than the others.
    3. Press the button repeatedly to move the arm down by 1° increments.
    4. Continue until the arm is horizontal.
    5. Long-press the button for 2 seconds to confirm calibration for servo A.
    6. Servo B automatically positions itself — repeat the adjustment process.
    7. Servo C automatically positions itself — repeat the adjustment process.
  7. 07

    Attach Magnets

    Tape the magnets onto the circuit holder following the image guides provided in the packaging.

  8. 08

    Assemble the Platform

    Remove the protective film from the transparent PMMA plate. Tape the two circuit holders onto the plate, slide the circuit notches into the holders securely, then tape the final holder to lock the assembly in place.

    Assemble the Platform
  9. 09

    Connect Flat Cable (First End)

    Open the locking connector by gently lifting the lever. Slide the flat cable fully into the connector, ensuring it is fully inserted and properly aligned. Close the lever to lock it in place.

    Connect Flat Cable (First End)
  10. 10

    Connect Flat Cable (Second End)

    Repeat the same process for the second circuit connection — open the lever, insert the flat cable fully, close the lever to lock.

    Connect Flat Cable (Second End)
  11. 11

    Assembly Complete

    Connect USB-C power to the "Power Up" connector. The platform will move to a horizontal position automatically and the red LED will blink. Place the ball on the platform — BaBot will start balancing.

    Assembly Complete

How to Use

Connect a USB-C cable to the "Power Up" connector using a computer or phone charger. The platform moves to horizontal automatically and the red LED blinks. Place the ball on the platform to begin.

Blinking

BaBot is ready and waiting for the ball. Place the ball on the platform to begin.

Off

BaBot is powered off. Check your USB-C cable and power source.

Solid Red

Ball detected — the control loop is active and balancing.

Infrared light sensitivity

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.

Troubleshooting

1. Check lighting conditions

Perform tests in a room with limited natural light. Excess ambient infrared from sunlight or bright incandescent bulbs interferes with the sensors. This is the most common issue — try a different room first.

2. Verify smooth motor operation

If an arm is stuck or not rotating, confirm that no part of the arm is rubbing against the base. If it is, use sandpaper to create a small gap and ensure there is no friction.

3. Re-upload the firmware

If the LED continues blinking when the ball is placed, or if the ball is detected but fails to stabilize after 2–3 seconds, re-upload the firmware:

  1. Download and install Arduino IDE from arduino.cc/en/software.
  2. Download the BaBot code file from GitHub (github.com/ba-bot).
  3. Connect BaBot to your computer using the "Upload Code" USB port.
  4. Open the Library Manager, search for CD74HC4067 and install it.
  5. Select Arduino Leonardo as the board type.
  6. Click Upload and wait for "Done uploading" (under 20 seconds).
  7. Disconnect USB, then reconnect to the "Power Up" port before testing.
Upload error: no upload port provided

Make sure you have selected Arduino Leonardo as the board type, and that BaBot is connected via the Upload Code port (not the Power Up port).