BASIC ROBOTICS
Exploring the Brains
and Muscles of Robots
Topics:
• Comparison of Microcontrollers
• Choosing the appropriate
Microcontroller for your project /
prototype
• Sensors and Actuators
What is a
MICROCONTROLLER?
REMEMBER
SENSING
+
ROBOT = PROCESSING
+
ACTING
REMEMBER
SENSING
+
ROBOT = PROCESSING
+
ACTING
Definition
A microcontroller (MCU) is a
compact integrated circuit that
functions as the “brain” of an
electronic system. It has 3
main components.
MCU Component
Processor (CPU)
Analyzes data &
Executes
instructions
MCU Component
Memory
(RAM/ROM)
Stores data and
programs
MCU Component
RAM
Random Access Memory
ROM
Read-Only Memory
MCU Component
Input/Output (I/O)
Ports
Connects sensors
and actuators
There are roughly
3000-5000 models
across 10 types of MCU.
MCU Family/Types includes:
Arduino, ESP32, Seeeduino,
Raspberry Pi, STM32, PIC MCU,
AVR Microcontrollers, ARM
Cortex-M, NXP Texas Instruments
Comparison of Common
MICROCONTROLLER?
Arduino Uno
ESP32
Seeeduino
Can we use any
MICROCONTROLLER
on all projects?
Is it important to choose the
right MCU
for your project?
ANALOGY
Bicycle
Airplane
Car
Goal: TRAVEL to S. Korea
Goal: TRAVEL to S. Korea
Goal: JOYRIDE Mindoro Loop
Goal: JOYRIDE Mindoro Loop
Goal: BUY from nearby Store
Goal: BUY from nearby Store
You have to consider:
Capability
Can it perform the needed task?
You have to consider:
Cost & Availability
Cost effective? Accessible?
You have to consider:
Practicality
Easy to use?
You have to consider:
Scalability
Upgradeable?
Can be mass produced?
Comparison of Common
MICROCONTROLLER
Arduino Uno
The Maker’s Favorite
The most
common, easy
to use.
Arduino Uno
The Maker’s Favorite
Open-source & beginner-
friendly, Tons of online
tutorials & support, Works
with various sensors &
modules
Arduino Uno
The Maker’s Favorite
Arduino
The Maker’s Favorite
More pins, great for big
projects.
Arduino Mega
The Maker’s Favorite
Small but powerful for
compact builds.
Arduino Nano
The Maker’s Favorite
Arduino
Arduino
ESP32
The IoT Powerhouse
ESP32
The IoT Powerhouse
IoT
Internet of Things
ESP32
The IoT Powerhouse
Smart devices, IoT,
wireless projects
ESP32
The IoT Powerhouse
Built-in Wi-Fi &
Bluetooth
ESP32
The IoT Powerhouse
Faster processor than
Arduino
ESP32
The IoT Powerhouse
Low power
consumption
ESP32
ESP32
Seeeduino
The Modular Alternative
Compatible with Arduino
(Same programming
style)
Seeeduino
The Modular Alternative
Compact &
power-efficient
Seeeduino
The Modular Alternative
Lightweight and
space-saving
Seeeduino
The Modular Alternative
Lesser I/O pins
Seeeduino
Seeeduino
Side-to-Side Comparison
MICROCONTROLLER
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
Ease of Use
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
Wireless
Connectivity
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
Processing
Power
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
Plug & Play
Sensors
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
BEST FOR
IoT, AI, Compact &
Beginners
automation Quick
prototyping
ESP32 Arduino Seeeduino
MICROCONTROLLER
How can MCUs gather
data and perform actions?
REMEMBER
SENSING
+
ROBOT = PROCESSING
+
ACTING
REMEMBER
SENSING
+
ROBOT = PROCESSING
+
ACTING
REMEMBER
SENSORS > SENSING
+
ROBOT = PROCESSING
+
ACTUATORS > ACTING
Definition
Sensors (Input Devices)
How devices “sense” the
environment or
data/stimulus collection.
SENSORS
SENSORS
SIGHT or Photosensors
Camera Modules / Image Sensors
OV7670
Capture images and
video, mimicking
human vision.
Photoresistor & Light Sensor
Photodiodes,
Phototransistors,
Light Dependent
Resistors (LDR)
Detect ambient light
levels.
Color Sensor
TCS3200
Identify and
measure colors in
the environment.
CYMK/RGB
IR Sensor
Detects infrared
light—commonly
used for motion or
object detection.
HEAR or Auditory Sensors
Microphones
Electret
Microphones
Convert sound
waves into
electrical signals.
Sound Level Sensors
KY-037 Sound
Sensor Module
Measure the
intensity of sound in
an area.
Ultrasonic Sensors
HR-304
Emits high-frequency
sound waves and
measures the echo to
determine distance.
TOUCH or Haptic/Tactile Sensors
Capacitive Touch Sensor
TTP223B
Detect touch through
changes in capacitance
(commonly used in
smartphones and
touch screens)
Force Sensitive Resistors (FSRs)
Measure the amount
of force or pressure
applied
Temperature & Humidity Sensors
DHT 22
Weather stations,
home automation,
and HVAC
monitoring.
Water Level Sensors
Measure the level of
water (or other
liquids) in a tank,
reservoir, or open
space.
SMELL or Olfactory Sensors
Gas Sensors
MQ-135
Detect various gases
and volatile
compounds; often
used in air quality
monitoring.
Metal-Oxide Sensors
Sense changes in
conductivity when
exposed to certain
gases, useful for
detecting pollutants
and smells
TASTE or Gustatory Sensors
pH Sensors
Measure the acidity or
alkalinity of a solution,
which is a component
of taste.
SENSORS
SENSORS
REMEMBER
SENSORS > SENSING
+
ROBOT = PROCESSING
+
ACTUATORS > ACTING
Definition
Actuators (Output Devices)
How devices “act” upon
commands.
Servo Motor
SG90
Uses PWM (Pulse
Width Modulation)
signals to move to a
specific angle
DC Motor
Provides rotational
force for
wheels on robots,
fans, and conveyor
systems
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulb
Provides light
signals often used
as indicator.
I2C LCD Display
Displays real-time
data, system
statuses, or
interactive menus.
RFID RC522
Reads RFID tags
for secure
identification
using radio
waves.
Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Modules
Ideal for short-range,
low-power
communication.
Enables network
connectivity for IoT
projects.
How might combining
these components create
smarter, more interactive
projects?
