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How the Robot Butler works
The robot is a compact, circular platform with a central drive wheel, two LEGO support wheels, and a fifth caster that helps change direction. Flexible sensing arms extend to three roller switches around the perimeter. When an arm meets a cup or bowl, it presses a switch: forward motion stops and a second motor turns the robot away.
The original littleBits project, published by Make: on July 10, 2014, describes a body 6 inches in diameter. Its outer turning wheel is angled 17 degrees in that compact layout. The project suggests placing that wheel perpendicular to the drive wheel on a larger body to reduce drag. See the original littleBits Robot Butler project for its template and illustrations.
Parts and materials
littleBits modules
The project specifies these modules:
- One power module
- Five wire modules
- Three roller switch modules
- One inverter module
- Two DC motor modules
The 2014 parts list names a littleBits Deluxe Kit, but explicitly says that kit alone is not enough: it calls for three additional roller switches, one additional DC motor, and one additional wire module. Check what is actually in your kit before building. Current littleBits Classroom pages describe current products, but do not establish that a present-day kit contains this legacy project’s full bill of materials or that all component versions are compatible. See the official Code Kit and STEAM Student Set pages for current platform context; verify exact module compatibility and availability before buying.
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- Snap modules easily to 3 inputs and 3 outputs on the Arduino module, as well as additional I/O for advanced hardware interaction
- Communicate with software (Processing, MaxMSP, Flash etc )
- Build with 8 Getting Started sketches, including a DIY Etch-a-Sketch, Mouse Control and hundreds more from Arduino's community!
- Includes everything you need to get started (battery + power included!) right out of the box
- Works seamlessly with the rest of the littleBits library
Mechanical parts and tools
- Two motor wheels with 3 mm cutouts for the motors’ D-shaped shafts
- Two LEGO wheels and a small ball caster, or a LEGO turntable and wheel
- 1/4-inch acrylic for the body pieces
- M3 x 30 mm screws and matching nuts
- Three brass tubes, specified as 1/4-inch diameter and 3/4-inch tall
- Glue dots, ruler, pliers, screwdriver, and pipe cutter; a hobby saw can substitute for the pipe cutter
These are dimensions from the 2014 project, not a guarantee that generic parts will fit. Check the shaft cutout, tube size, and fastener length against your motors and body before purchasing.
Lower-barrier fabrication options
A laser cutter is optional. The project suggests using paper or film templates as layout guides and choosing a cutting tool appropriate to the material; a hobby saw or box cutter may work for suitable stock. For the sensing arms, cardboard or hard paperboard can replace acrylic, and brass or plastic pipe can replace acrylic spacers. Substitutions may need dimension adjustments so the arms clear the body and move freely over the switches.
Rank #2
- Purchase one kit per RVR and allow your groups to combine both programming with engineering design principles
- Utilize RVRs onboard power source to power your littleBits invention and make it mobile with RVRs all terrain treads
- Program RVRs IR sensors to interact with the littleBits IR remote trigger to create mazes, gates and other inventions
- Connect littleBits’ newest bit - micro:bit adapter to program both littleBits and RVR in the same platform - Microsoft MakeCode or micro:bit python editor
- Promotes collaboration - assign one group the programming and another engineering and see what the can create together
Assemble and test the circuit
Connect the modules in this order: power, wire, roller switch, wire, roller switch, wire, roller switch, wire, DC motor, inverter, wire, DC motor. Put all three roller switches in open mode and arrange them in series.
- With no switch pressed, confirm that the first motor runs and the second motor stays off.
- Press any roller switch. The first motor should stop, while the inverter causes the second motor to run.
- Release the switch and check that the circuit returns to forward drive.
If the behavior differs, confirm the order, switch mode, and connections before installing the circuit in the body. The sensing arms should trail in the direction of the turn so they keep detecting obstacles until the robot has turned away.
Rank #3
- QUICK START WITH INSTANT FEEDBACK: Color-coded electronic blocks make setup and inventing simple, with real-time feedback that encourages experimentation from the first snap
- GUIDED CHALLENGES: Includes open-ended challenges and guided cross-curricular lesson plans that introduce engineering design basics and foster critical thinking
- SCREEN-FREE CREATIVITY: Encourages hands-on learning, giving students valuable learning time sans screens
- VERSATILE AND ADAPTABLE: Modular pieces adapt to various projects and easily integrate across subjects
- COLLABORATIVE LEARNING: Supports teamwork and project-based learning in classroom settings
Build the body and add the sensing arms
- Lay out and cut the body. Use the project’s template if available, or use it as a guide for positioning the parts. A paper or film template can help transfer the layout without laser cutting.
- Install the wheels. Attach the central drive motor and its wheel, the two LEGO support wheels, and the direction-changing caster. Keep the wheels at an even height so the body sits level and the drive wheel can propel it.
- Mount the Bits. Position the modules on the lower body in the tested circuit order, with enough room for wires and moving parts.
- Fit the arms and spacers. Orient the arms to follow the turn direction. Adjust their height and clearance until each arm can press its roller switch smoothly without snagging.
- Attach the upper platform. Use the three tubes and fasteners to support the top platform. Check that it is stable and does not interfere with the arms or wheels.
Test before carrying anything
Start on a clear, bounded surface and observe whether the robot moves forward, reacts to each switch, and pivots without the arms catching. The 2014 project does not report a controlled safety test. Treat the build as a demonstration, supervise it, and do not assume it is suitable for carrying food near table edges, people, hot items, or breakable dishes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
- Foster Imaginative Thinking: Create a minimum of three unique models with boundless potential using the BabaBit to build a robot stem kit! Featuring an assortment of colorful nuts, bolts, and shapely parts, our robot building kit empowers young minds to grow in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
- Fuel Cognitive Growth through Play: Cultivate your child's critical thinking and problem-solving abilities with the OffBits kids building toys! These build your own stem robot engineering toys encourage children to analyze, strategize, and devise creative solutions, nurturing their capacity to tackle complex problems as they mature.
- Safe and Sustainable: The Offbits kids building kit uses top-notch, child-friendly materials, making stem kits enjoyable and safe for kids aged 6 years and older. These kids construction toys come with proprietary connectors and standard hardware parts, letting you use recycled materials from home or office to make unique creations and repurpose items sustainably.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Unleash extraordinary designs with our educational model building kits, complete with detailed and illustrated instructions! This innovative approach to stem activities for kids makes it an exceptional learning and educational toy for budding builders and future engineers.
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