Quarky Mini Robo Dog, Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

The Quarky Mini Robo Dog is more than just a robot. It is a compact, four-legged walking companion powered by Quarky, an ESP32-based robotics controller designed for hands-on STEM learning. Unlike wheeled robots, the Mini Robo Dog moves using servo-driven legs, making it an excellent platform to understand robot locomotion, joint control, balance, and calibration.

Robo Dog Mini can be programmed using PictoBlox, making it suitable for students, educators, makerspaces, and beginners in robotics who want to explore walking robots in a structured, approachable way.

Download the following 3D print and .sb3 coding files before you begin the assembly process.

3D Printing and Block Coding Files:

• Body Base
• Body Top
• Leg
• On-Off Switch Extension
• Quarky Robo Dog Mini.sb3

Note:

• Follow the assembly steps in sequence to avoid misalignment.
• Set all servo motors to 90° (neutral position) before attaching the legs.
• In each step, the images shown highlight the parts used and their correct orientation.

Supplies

Robo Dog Mini Components

• 1x Body Base
• 1x Body Top
• 4x Legs
• 1x On-Off Switch Extension
• 1x Quarky
• 1x Quarky Expansion Board
• 4x SG90S Servo Motors
• 1x Ultrasonic Sensor
• 1x 3.7V Battery (1000 mAh)
• 1x Set of Quarky–Expansion Board Connectors
• 1x Ultrasonic Sensor Cable
• 4x M3 12mm Bolts
• 4x M2 6mm Bolts

Software Required

Click on Download PictoBlox to visit the download page, select your operating system, and download the latest version of PictoBlox software.

Tools Required

• Small screwdriver
• Spanner or pliers
• Side cutter

Step 1: Insert the On-Off Switch Extension into the designated slot on the Body Top.

Step 2: Place Quarky on the Body Top, ensuring that Quarky’s power switch aligns correctly with the On-Off Switch Extension.

Step 3: Secure Quarky onto the Body Top using M2 6mm Bolts.

Step 4: Connect the 3.7V Battery (1000 mAh) to Quarky and place it into the battery slot provided on the Body Top.

Step 5: Attach the Ultrasonic Sensor Cable to the Ultrasonic Sensor.

Step 6: Insert the Ultrasonic Sensor into the designated slot on the Body Base, ensuring that the sensor faces forward.

Step 7: Place the Quarky Expansion Board onto the Body Base in its designated mounting position.

Step 8: Insert all four SG90S Servo Motors into their respective slots on the Body Base.

Step 9: Connect the cables from all SG90S Servo Motors to the appropriate ports on the Quarky Expansion Board.

Step 10: Arrange the wires neatly inside the Body Base.

Step 11: Place the Body Top onto the Body Base, ensuring proper alignment of the components.

Ensure that approximately 5–6 cm of the Quarky–Expansion Board Connectors remain accessible outside the housing.

Step 12: Secure the Body Top and Body Base together using M3 12mm Bolts.

Step 13: Connect the cables to the Quarky board according to the wiring diagram shown below.

Step 14: Connect Quarky to PictoBlox and set all SG90S Servo Motors to 90° (neutral position) before attaching the legs.

Trim the Servo Double Arms (included with the SG90S Servo Motor accessories) as shown in the diagram so they fit easily into the Legs.

Step 15: Affix the trimmed Servo Double Arms to all four Legs using the M2 6mm Bolts provided with the Servo accessories.

Note: Different types of Servo Double Arms may require different attachment orientations inside the Legs.

Step 16: Attach the assembled legs to the servo motor shafts. Ensure the legs are mounted perpendicular (standing position) to the robot's body.

Step 16: Here is what the assembly looks like.

Step 17: Open Quarky Robo Dog Mini.sb3project in PictoBlox.

Add the required extension: Quarky Expansion Board.

Step 18: Click the Green Flag to execute the program.

Step 19: Use the keyboard keys defined in the program to operate the Robo Dog Mini.

The assembly of the Quarky Robo Dog Mini is now complete. You can now explore walking patterns, balance control, and interactive behaviors, or create your own steps and functions using PictoBlox.

Have fun with your new companion…!