Sourino Entertains Kitties and Kiddies Alike
11-year-old maker Electrocat designed a robotic device that scurries around the floor in autonomous or manual mode.
Do you have cats? Perhaps kids? The Sourino — from the French word “souris” for mouse — by 11-year-old hacker “Electrocat” is designed to amaze both. Reminiscent of a rather large mouse, the device uses three HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors to navigate a room autonomously, or it can be operated directly by an in infrared transmitter in manual mode.
Processing power for the mouse-bot is provided by an Arduino Nano, which receives sensor and IR signals, and drives the motor using differential steering. An L298N driver board is used to control the tiny 6V 200RPM motors directly, and a roller on the front keeps it level. The motors, battery, and other electronics are arranged on a 3D-printed chassis, hidden beneath a curved gray covering.
The remote control unit uses numbers 1-3 for speed control, and the directional pad commands the Sourino to go forwards, backwards, turn, and stop. It also allows one to switch to automatic mode with the * key, and drive manually via #. CAD files, STLs, Arduino software, and a parts list are available in Electrocat's write-up, likely making it a great project to build or even expand upon.
Engineer, maker of random contraptions, love learning about tech. Write for various publications, including Hackster!