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DIY robot concept

How to make a maze-solving robot

A micromouse-style learning build with wall sensors, encoder odometry, cell mapping, turn calibration and a safe speed ramp.

A maze-solving robot is a step beyond line following because the robot must sense walls, estimate position and remember decisions. The first goal is not speed; it is repeatable turns and a map that matches the maze.

Build a small test maze, log sensor readings and calibrate one cell at a time. After it can explore slowly, add flood-fill or another path planner and only then increase speed.

Core parts

Small differential chassis

$30

Compact enough for maze cells

Encoder gear motors

$35

Distance and turn feedback

Side and front ToF sensors

$30

Wall distance and openings

ESP32 or STM32 controller

$10

Fast control loop and map memory

Motor driver

$8

Smooth low-speed turns

Modular maze walls

$25

Repeatable test environment

Design variants

Wall follower

Start with left-hand or right-hand rules before mapping.

Flood-fill solver

Explore cells, score distances and run the shortest path.

Speed run version

Add acceleration profiles after turns are repeatable.

Practical safety note

Treat the generated output as a prototype plan, not a certified product. Body-adjacent, high-voltage, optical-energy and mobility builds need qualified review before real-world use.

FAQ

Can I use ultrasonic sensors?

For a slow large maze, yes. Small mazes are easier with ToF sensors.

What algorithm should I start with?

Wall following is easiest. Flood-fill is a good next step for micromouse style mazes.

Why does the map drift?

Wheel slip, bad turn calibration and inconsistent wall thresholds are common causes.

Robot build paths

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