Best DIY 4WD 3D Printed Robot 🤖 of 2025

🤖 DIY 4WD Smart Robot Car with Custom All-in-One Shield

🧠 Introduction

In this project, we’ll build a compact yet powerful 4WD smart robot using a 3D-printed chassis, BO motors, and a custom-designed Arduino shield packed with sensors and wireless connectivity. Whether you're a beginner learning Arduino or an experienced robotics enthusiast, this build offers a perfect blend of speed, strength, and modular intelligence — ideal for automation, obstacle detection, or future AI integration. 🛠️⚡

🎯 Key Features

• 🧱 Fully 3D-printed chassis with motor mounting slots
• 🛞 4× BO motors for true 4WD drive
• 🧠 Arduino Uno with a custom multifunctional shield
• 📲 Built-in Bluetooth, NRF, I2C & SPI support
• 🌡️ Sensors: temperature, thermistor, and LDR
• 🔊 Buzzer, 4 tactile switches, and OLED display
• 🔋 Rechargeable 7.4V Li-ion battery system

🖨️ Step 1: 3D Printed Chassis & Basic Components

🧰 Parts List:

• 🧱 1× Custom 3D-Printed Robot Chassis
• ⚙️ 4× BO Motors
• 🛞 4× Matching Wheels
• 🔌 4× 2-Pin JST Connectors (for easy motor wiring)
• 🔩 8× M3 12mm Nuts & Bolts (motor mounting)
• 🧠 Arduino Uno
• 🧃 Custom Arduino Shield
• 🔋 7.4V Li-ion Battery Pack
• 🪛 Mini Screwdriver / Allen Key

🖨️ Chassis Printing Guidelines:

• Material: PLA or PETG
• Infill: 30%
• Layer Height: 0.2 mm
• Supports: Not required

🔧 Step 2: Mount BO Motors to the Chassis

Tools & Materials:

• ⚙️ 4× BO Motors
• 🔩 8× M3 Bolts & Nuts
• 🪛 Small Screwdriver or Allen Key
• 🧱 3D Printed Chassis

🛠️ Steps:

• Position the Motors
• Place motors into their dedicated chassis slots
• Shafts should point outward, connectors inward
• Secure the Motors
• Insert bolts from the outside, secure with nuts inside
• Tighten with screwdriver to ensure zero play

🛞 Step 3: Attach Wheels & Wire Motors

Tools & Materials:

• 🛞 4× Compatible Wheels
• 🔌 JST-terminated motor wires
• 🧠 Custom Arduino Shield with L293D (or similar)

🛠️ Steps:

Mount Wheels

• Press-fit onto motor shafts (D-type fitting)
• Ensure free rotation and alignment

Connect Motor Wires

• Match motor wires to correct outputs (e.g., M1 to front-left, etc.)
• Maintain polarity — adjust in code if necessary

🧠 Step 4: Mount Arduino & Custom Shield

Tools & Materials:

• 🧠 Arduino Uno
• 🧃 Custom Shield (with display, sensors, comms)
• 🔩 Optional screws or double-sided tape

🛠️ Steps:

• Stack Shield on Arduino
• Align header pins and press down gently but firmly
• Attach Assembly to Chassis
• Use screws (if mounting holes exist) or foam tape
• Check Orientation
• USB/power ports should remain accessible
• Avoid covering sensors like LDR or temp sensor

🧩 What's on the Shield?

• 📺 OLED Display
• 📡 Bluetooth & NRF modules
• 🌡️ Temperature sensor, LDR, Thermistor
• 🔊 Buzzer & 4 Input Switches
• 🔌 I2C/SPI headers for expansion

🔋 Step 5: Install Battery & Power System

Tools & Materials:

• 🔋 7.4V Li-ion Battery Pack
• 📎 On/Off Toggle Switch (optional)
• 🔌 2-Pin JST or screw terminal for power
• 🔧 Heat-shrink or electrical tape

🛠️ Steps:

• Mount the Battery
• Secure under the chassis using Velcro or zip ties
• Connect to Shield
• Attach battery +/– to VIN/GND on shield
• Most shields with L298N can take 6–12V input
• Add Power Switch (Optional)
• Place switch inline with the battery’s positive wire

📬 Need Help or the STL Files?

If you're planning to build a similar tank or want STL files, code, or circuit diagram, just drop me a message! 💬✅ DM me on Instagram — I'm always ready to help fellow makers. Or you guys can order it from “JUSTWAY”.

Instagram - @electro__dude

🤝 Sponsored by JUSTWAY – Build More, Save More!

This DIY tank project is proudly brought to you in partnership with JUSTWAY, your reliable source for custom 3D printing and CNC machining services.And right now, during their Summer Cashback Event, you can get 15% cashback on your orders placed between June 1 and August 31, 2025!After your order is completed, simply email marketing03@justway.com with your order number and account info to claim your cashback.

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🧰 Happy building — and happy saving!

💻 Step 6: Programming the Robot

Tools & Libraries:

• 🖥️ Arduino IDE
• 🔌 USB Cable
• 📦 Libraries:
• Servo.h (for servos)
• Wire.h, SPI.h, Adafruit_SSD1306.h, SoftwareSerial.h
• VirtualWire, RF24, BluetoothSerial (based on modules used)

💡 Capabilities:

• 📱 Control via Bluetooth mobile app or terminal
• 📡 Long-range NRF remote
• 📟 OLED output: battery, direction, sensor data
• 🌡️ Sensor readings and data logging
• 🔊 Audio alerts
• 🔘 Mode switching via physical buttons

🧠 Sample Code:

📁 GitHub Link to Code

🧪 Step 7: Final Testing & Customization ✅ Checklist:

OLED display powers onWireless control responds correctlyMotors rotate in the right directionSensors report valuesBuzzer and switches function as intended🛠️ Optional Upgrades:🤖 Obstacle avoidance (Ultrasonic/IR)📷 ESP32-CAM for live video🌈 WS2812 RGB lighting📡 Dual control mode (Bluetooth & NRF switch)

🌐 Wi-Fi web control (ESP8266/ESP32 upgrade)

🎉 Conclusion

Congratulations! You've built a feature-rich, modular, and wireless-capable 4WD smart robot using:

• 🧱 3D-printed parts
• ⚙️ Simple BO motors
• 🧠 A custom Arduino shield
• 📲 Bluetooth or NRF communication
• 🌡️ Real-time sensor feedback via OLED

And remember — if you need custom 3D-printed parts or want to create your own designs, JUSTWAY is here to help.They’re your go-to partner for high-quality 3D printing and CNC machining with fast turnaround and a wide range of materials.

🚀 Keep building, keep experimenting, and keep glowing.Your next great idea is just a print away. 💫