Hackster's Motorized Movement Impact Spotlights Provides Innovative Solutions for Mobility

Hackster's latest Impact Spotlight on Motorized Movement shined a light on real-world, problem-solving projects that go beyond simple prototypes on a desk. From AI-driven robotic arms to a kayak that thinks like an e-bike, and even a remote-controlled steamboat powered by Arduino, this lineup proves that creative hardware doesn't just move, it adapts. The talented engineers, students, and makers featured in the most recent Spotlight take on mobility from multiple angles, blending gesture control, autonomy, embedded systems, and just the right amount of DIY innovation.

OmniFetch OmniBot AMR and LeRobot AI

First guest, Dominick Lee, highlighted his team's OmniFetch gesture-controlled mobile robotic assistant that's designed for assistive tasks, materials handling, industrial delivery applications, and more. The robotic assistant is built around the OmniBot V2 platform and is equipped with a LeRobot SO-ARM-100 robotic arm and takes advantage of a GyroPalm for hands-free gesture control.

The OmniFetch includes Slamtec's S2 lidar for autonomous indoor navigation, a compact 30-inch-high frame with a tabletop, and an IR-guided docking system. The design allows it to maneuver through tight spaces and retrieve objects from typical work surfaces. A LeRobot SO-ARM-100 arm is mounted on the robot and calibrated to handle displaced or rotated objects with precision, which is driven by inputs garnered from a USB webcam and driven by servomotors.

The system also incorporates a leader-follower teleoperation mode, where the robot's arm mirrors the gestures of its human controller, allowing for intuitive training. Motion data is used to train an ACT (Accelerated Compliant Teleoperation) model, allowing AI-driven object handling even in unpredictable conditions.

DIY Electric Kayak

Second guest, Braden Sunwold of Bare Naked Embedded, shared his DIY Electric Kayak that functions similarly to an e-bike to determine when a user is paddling and automatically turns on an electric motor for assistance. The project focuses on building a functional, affordable proof of concept that combines hobbyist-grade hardware with performance tuning to achieve an actual range of up to 16 miles.

The kayak is powered by a Flipsky 500W waterproof brushless DC motor mounted to a custom fin, which provides enough thrust for two people. It's controlled by a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, equipped with a Proto Power Hat, and utilizes a Flipsky VESC motor controller with an RPM-based PID system, powered by a 24V, 20Ah LiFePO battery. Sunwold also designed a custom anti-spark switch and packaged all electronics into a waterproof case, with provisions for future upgrades.

Initial water tests showed promising results: smooth motor control, a top speed of 4.2 mph, and an actual runtime of over 3.5 hours, far exceeding initial estimates. Lessons learned include the need for better heat management, propeller protection from seaweed, and eventual steering stabilization. The current system lacks auto-straightening, causing the kayak to veer off course without correction.

Sunwold's DIY Electric Kayak encompasses a four-phase development cycle, which can be followed along on his website. Phase 2 involves full hardware integration with onboard computing. Phase 3 adds heading control with a GPS and servo-modified fin, while phase 4 introduces edge-based AI, using oar-mounted IMUs to detect user intent (turning left or right) and control the kayak's steering autonomously.

Remote-Controlled Steamboat with Arduino

Thir, and final guest, Luigi Morelli, introduced a Remote-Controlled Steamboat created by Sara Defilippis, Silvia Magri, and Pietro Manenti, a talented ITS New Technologies for Life working group that designed the boat for their final exam. The team drew inspiration from the iconic Mississippi steamboats of the 1800s; however, the project utilizes an Arduino UNO instead of steam.

The boat features a hand-cut and shaped polystyrene hull with integrated motors and batteries, along with an IR receiver for remote control. The propulsion system uses a pair of 3-6V DC motors driven by an L293D H-bridge, with 3D-printed PLA paddle blades that act as the wheel for moving in water. The electronics were mounted inside an ice cream tub for added waterproofing and aesthetic appeal, and are powered by two 9V batteries through a SparkFun breadboard power supply. The software was developed in the Arduino IDE, with planning and simulation aided by Autodesk Tinkercad.

Despite setbacks, including limited IR range and waterproofing challenges, the team managed to build a river-worthy prototype. Their future plans include upgrading to Wi-Fi-based control, improving power and efficiency, and even transforming the model into an amphibious vehicle (there have been upgrades to steamboats since the 1800s). The project not only helped them gain practical electronics and programming skills, but provided invaluable insight into teamwork, project management, and prototyping experience as well.

Conclusion

Each project featured in the Impact Spotlight tackles movement from a different perspective, whether it's augmenting human motion, automating delivery tasks, or just getting a boat to cruise under microcontroller command. What they all share is smart engineering and clear intent. These are more than great project builds; they're accessible, well-thought-out examples of how motion can be enhanced with purpose, personality, and a healthy dose of imagination.