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Controlling a Motorbot Using Arduino and Node.js

Lisa KudrowOriginal: 2025-02-19 11:43:12948browse

This tutorial demonstrates building a NodeBot—a robot controlled by Node.js—using Arduino. We'll create a simple motorbot controllable from a web browser. The project leverages JavaScript's growing popularity in robotics and IoT.

Key Concepts:

NodeBots & Arduino Integration: NodeBots, powered by Node.js, offer a powerful combination with Arduino for diverse applications, including game development, robotics, and IoT.
Hardware Setup: The hardware consists of an Arduino, two motors, an L298 motor controller, and a connection cable. Crucially, StandardFirmata must be installed on the Arduino.
Server-Side (Node.js): We use Node.js, Express.js, Socket.IO (for real-time communication), and Johnny-Five (a Firmata-based robotics framework).
Client-Side (Browser): A simple web interface allows users to control motor movements. Socket.IO handles real-time communication between the browser and the server.

Hardware:

Arduino microcontroller
Two motors
L298 motor controller
USB cable connecting Arduino to computer

Controlling a Motorbot Using Arduino and Node.js

Motor Selection: Choose motors appropriate for the intended load. Higher voltage motors may require an external power supply.

StandardFirmata Installation:

Download the Arduino IDE.
Connect the Arduino via USB.
In the IDE, navigate to File > Examples > Firmata > StandardFirmata.
Upload the StandardFirmata code to the Arduino.

Software Setup:

Create a package.json file:

<code class="language-json">{
  "name": "nodebot-sample",
  "dependencies": {
    "express": "^4.11.2",
    "johnny-five": "^0.8.53",
    "socket.io": "^1.3.3"
  }
}</code>

Run npm install to install dependencies.

Server-Side Code (index.js):

<code class="language-javascript">var express = require('express');
var app = express();
var io = require('socket.io')(app.listen(8081));
var five = require('johnny-five');

app.use(express.static(__dirname + '/app'));
app.get('/', function (res) { res.sendfile('/index.html'); });

var board = new five.Board({ repl: false });

board.on('ready', function () {
    var speed, commands, motors;
    motors = {
        a: new five.Motor([3, 12]),
        b: new five.Motor([11, 13])
    };

    io.on('connection', function (socket) {
        socket.on('stop', function () { motors.a.stop(); motors.b.stop(); });
        socket.on('start', function () { speed = 255; motors.a.fwd(speed); motors.b.fwd(speed); });
        socket.on('reverse', function () { speed = 120; motors.a.rev(speed); motors.b.rev(speed); });
        socket.on('left', function () { motors.a.fwd(220); motors.b.rev(50); });
        socket.on('right', function () { motors.a.rev(50); motors.b.fwd(220); });
    });
});</code>

Client-Side Code (app/index.html & app.js):

index.html:

<code class="language-html"><!DOCTYPE html>


  <title>NodeBot Control</title>
  
  


  <div class="container">
    <i class="fa fa-angle-up" id="forward"></i>
    <i class="fa fa-angle-left" id="left"></i>
    <i class="fa fa-angle-down" id="reverse"></i>
    <i class="fa fa-angle-right" id="right"></i>
    <i class="fa stop" id="stop"></i>STOP
  </div>

</code>

app.js:

<code class="language-javascript">var socket = io();

document.getElementById('forward').onclick = () => socket.emit('start');
document.getElementById('right').onclick = () => socket.emit('right');
document.getElementById('left').onclick = () => socket.emit('left');
document.getElementById('reverse').onclick = () => socket.emit('reverse');
document.getElementById('stop').onclick = () => socket.emit('stop');</code>

Run node index.js to start the server. Access the control interface at 127.0.0.1:8081. Remember to troubleshoot connection issues if the board isn't recognized. This example demonstrates the basic principles; more complex interactions are achievable with this foundation. The full source code is available on GitHub (link would be inserted here if provided).

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