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Bettesworth Construction
Arduino

Barbot: A DIY Arduino Cocktail-Mixing Robot

Barbot is an open-source Arduino cocktail-mixing robot for builders, with a nine-bottle design, app control and specific hardware requirements.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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Barbot is an open-source, do-it-yourself cocktail-mixing robot built around an Arduino Mega 2560—not a verified off-the-shelf appliance. Its design combines a mobile app, Bluetooth control, a sliding dispenser mechanism and up to nine ingredient bottles. Building it means sourcing specified mechanical and electronic parts, assembling the hardware, and working with software tools that the project documentation identifies by version.

What Barbot does

The project’s app lets a user select cocktails, enable or disable ingredients, change ingredient positions, edit recipes and adjust amounts. The machine moves a dispenser along an X axis, then operates it for timed pours. The repository describes a capacity of up to nine ingredient bottles; that is a design claim, not an independently tested performance result.

The app communicates with the device over a serial connection carried by an HC-05 Bluetooth module. The documented command interface includes X for X-axis movement, H for homing and F for pouring. A pour command specifies the number of repetitions, how long the dispenser stays open in milliseconds and the wait between pours. Commands can be concatenated in one message, which ends with a newline. The repository says other transports, such as USB or Wi-Fi, could be adapted, but that would require changes.

The project does not report independent tests of pour accuracy, reliability or speed. Timed dispensing should not be treated as proof of a particular pour volume or repeatability.

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#1 Best Overall
ELEGOO Conqueror Robot Tank Kit with UNO R3, Compatible with Arduino
  • BUILD A METAL TRACKED ROBOT: Assemble the stainless-steel chassis, suspension, tracks, sensors and UNO R3 control system into a working robot; ideal for home STEM projects, homeschool lessons, coding clubs and classroom builds
  • EXPLORE FIVE INTERACTIVE MODES: Switch between FPV driving, IR remote control, obstacle avoidance, line tracking and auto follow; create patrol routes, black-line courses, maze challenges and navigation experiments
  • DRIVE FROM THE ROBOT’S VIEW: The OV2640 camera and ESP32-WROVER Wi-Fi module stream live FPV video to a compatible phone, while the adjustable servo-mounted camera lets you change the viewing angle during driving and inspection
  • START WITH BLOCK CODING, ADVANCE TO ARDUINO IDE: Use the ElegooKit app for visual programming, then modify motor speed, sensor thresholds, servo movement and navigation logic in Arduino IDE as coding skills grow
  • COMPLETE NO-SOLDER PROJECT KIT: Includes the UNO R3 controller, metal chassis, tracks, camera, ultrasonic and line-tracking modules, motors, servos, IR remote, 7.4 V battery, tools and illustrated instructions; recommended for ages 10+

Parts the documented build calls for

The repository specifies an Arduino Mega 2560 and the components below. Match the listed models, sizes and ratings rather than assuming a generic substitute will fit or work: the documentation does not verify alternative parts.

System Documented parts
Control and communications Arduino Mega 2560; HC-05 Bluetooth module
Motion and dispensing control NEMA 17 stepper motor; Pololu A4988 stepper driver; Hitec HS-7955TG servo motor; Pololu Micro Maestro 6-Channel servo controller; endstop microswitch
Linear motion 6 mm GT2 timing belt; GT2 20-tooth timing pulley with 5 mm bore; timing-belt bearing; two 1200 mm × 12 mm chrome-plated round rails; four SK12 12 mm-bore linear-rail shaft supports; four SC12UU pillow-block housings; cable carrier
Bottles and measures Nine Beaumont Metrix SL 40 ml spirit measures; three Wall three-bottle racks
Power 12 V-to-5 V DC-DC converter; 12 V, 6.67 A AC power supply
3D-printed components NEMA 17 mount; adjustable belt holder; idler-pulley mount

The README and project materials are available in the Barbot GitHub repository and the Arduino Project Hub entry.

Rank #2
ELEGOO Tumbller Self-Balancing Robot Car Kit, Compatible with Arduino
  • SELF-BALANCING ROBOT IN ACTION — Build a 2-wheel robot that uses motion sensing and real-time motor control to stay upright, then test bounce mode and recovery to explore balance, motion and feedback through a hands-on STEM experiment
  • SIX WAYS TO PLAY AND LEARN — Switch between IR remote control, mobile app control, auto-follow, obstacle avoidance, bounce mode and six LED effects, then turn each function into follow challenges, obstacle courses or classroom demonstrations
  • GUIDED BUILD, LESS GUESSWORK — Follow the illustrated tutorial from chassis assembly and wiring to first startup, then see how the motors, ultrasonic sensor and balance system work together in a complete robotics project
  • PROGRAM, MODIFY AND EXPAND — Compatible with Arduino IDE, with example code you can study and modify plus reserved I/O pins for compatible sensors; adjust movement, distance rules, lighting and control logic as your coding skills grow
  • COMPLETE RECHARGEABLE STEM PROJECT — Brings together the controller, motors, wheels, ultrasonic sensing, IR remote, mobile app control, LED effects and rechargeable battery so you can build, test, program and customize one robot in multiple ways

Software and setup expectations

The repository documents Arduino IDE, Node v7.0.0, Cordova 6.3.0 and Ionic CLI 2.2.3 for development. Its app setup also calls for Android SDK tools on Android or Xcode on Apple platforms. These are the versions listed in the project documentation, not confirmation that the software builds with current tools. The README identifies the Arduino Mega as the supported board for its documented build.

For a builder, the work therefore spans both sides of the project: assembling and wiring the specified motion, dispenser and power systems, and setting up the documented app toolchain. The repository provides firmware, app source, drawings, a parts list and setup instructions; consult those materials for the build sequence and wiring details rather than inferring connections from the parts list alone.

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Rank #3
KEYESTUDIO Mini Tank Robotic Kit Smart Car for Arduino, App/IR Remote Control(iOS and Android), Light and Ultrasonic Follow, 8X16 LED Panel STEM Kit for Beginners Teens
  • From Basics to Mastery, Step by Step — Designed for beginners with some foundation and electronics enthusiasts, this kit starts with Mixly graphical programming and advances to Arduino IDE coding. With 15 structured online projects (from simple LED control to a fully functional robot), you'll build real skills progressively. Novice learners may benefit from guided support.
  • 4 Control Modes, Endless Play — IR remote, mobile APP (iOS/Android), ultrasonic obstacle avoidance/following, and light-following mode—switch between autonomous and manual control effortlessly. The HM-10 Bluetooth module offers a stable control range, giving you freedom to explore both indoors and outdoors.
  • All-Terrain Tank Treads — Unlike ordinary wheeled cars, this STEM robotics kit features real rubber tank tracks that grip grass, gravel, slopes, and carpet with ease. The upgraded drivetrain delivers superior traction and durability, making every adventure—indoors or outdoors—more exciting. It's not just a robot; it's an all-terrain explorer.
  • Hassle-Free Assembly & Collaborative Fun — No soldering, all parts neatly packaged and labeled. Follow our HD video and illustrated tutorials for a smooth, step-by-step building experience. Bonus 4 cartoon animal avatars add a playful twist—perfect for pair work, group activities, or family collaboration.
  • Programmable LED Matrix Face — Stand out with a unique 8x16 (128-LED) dot matrix display! Program dynamic emojis, directional arrows, custom text, or cool patterns. It's a programmable canvas that gives your robotics personality—turning code into creative expression.

Liquid compatibility, cleaning and carbonation

The project documentation sets clear limits on what the dispensers handle:

  • Thick liquids: The README says the dispensers do not work with liqueurs and other thick drinks.
  • Sugary liquids: Sugar can cause internal dispenser parts to stick if liquid is left inside for hours.
  • Cleaning: The project recommends washing the dispensers well after every use and before use.
  • Carbonated drinks: The project says to make a hole at the bottom of the bottle before fitting the dispenser so air can escape. It warns that without a vent, liquid may fountain out.

These are the project’s own use instructions, not an independent safety assessment or certification.

Rank #4
ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Most Complete Starter Kit, Compatible with Arduino
  • 30+ Guided Electronics Projects: Start with LEDs and build toward LCD1602 displays, RFID access, motion detection, distance sensing, motor control and environmental monitoring for STEM learning, coding clubs, classrooms and hobby projects
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  • Begin Without Soldering: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, organized storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and help beginners move from lesson to lesson while keeping LEDs, ICs, wires and sensors easy to find
  • Learn, Modify and Create: Program the ELEGOO UNO R3 board with Arduino IDE using the included PDF tutorial and example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text and motor behavior to turn guided lessons into original projects
  • Flexible Power and Project Setup: Includes a 9 V, 1 A power supply, breadboard power module, 9 V battery and USB cable to support controller, breadboard and module experiments without sourcing basic setup accessories separately
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Is Barbot a ready-made machine?

The reviewed project materials describe an open-source build; they do not establish that a complete Barbot appliance is currently sold. A separate listing for “Bar Bot Pro” describes a ready-made app-controlled machine that also mixes up to nine ingredients, but the available material does not establish a relationship between that product and the Arduino Barbot. Treat their specifications, support and availability as separate. The listing is at Bar Bot Pro’s product page.

Best Value
Hosyond Smart Robot Car R3 Project Kit Compatible with Arduino IDE
  • This smart car is a learning kit based on the Arduino R3 robot programming project, compatible with the Arduino IDE, and is a good choice for learning robot programming.
  • It can realize functions such as bluetooth connection, line tracking, ultrasonic obstacle avoidance, infrared remote control, etc. You can also expand other functions through your own programming.
  • Contains R3 board, bluetooth module, line tracking module, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, etc. Through the bluetooth module to establish a connection with the mobile phone, the car can be controlled by the mobile phone (only supports Android).
  • Provides a detailed online tutorial with detailed assembly steps, code, libraries and lessons. You can complete this project by yourself through the tutorial, it will improve your hands-on ability and thinking ability.
  • This smart robot car kit not only can be used as your learning project, but also a good choice as a gift.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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