Arduino Firefighter Robot
Arduino Firefighter Robot is a medium N/A recipe that serves 1.
Prep: 1 hr 45 min | Cook: 1 hr 35 min | Total: 3 hrs 35 min
Cost: $65.00 total, $65.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Arduino Uno R3 (Microcontroller board)
- 2 pcs Servo motor (SG90) (For wheel movement)
- 2 pcs DC motor with wheels (Drive wheels)
- 1 pcs Miniature water pump (For fire suppression)
- 1 pcs IR flame sensor (Detects fire)
- 20 pcs Jumper wires (male‑to‑male) (For prototyping connections)
- 1 pcs Breadboard (Prototype wiring platform)
- 1 set 9V battery and connector (Power supply for the robot)
- 5 pcs Resistors (220Ω) (For LED indicators)
- 2 pcs Red LED (Indicates fire detection)
Instructions
Gather Components
Collect all listed components and verify you have the correct quantities before starting.
Time: PT15M
Assemble Chassis
Mount the DC motors with wheels onto the robot frame using screws; ensure the wheels rotate freely.
Time: PT30M
Wire Servo Motors
Place the breadboard on the chassis and connect the two SG90 servos to the Arduino’s PWM pins using jumper wires.
Time: PT20M
Connect Flame Sensor
Insert the IR flame sensor into the breadboard and wire its VCC, GND, and analog output to the Arduino (e.g., A0).
Time: PT10M
Wire Water Pump via Driver
Connect the water pump to a transistor driver circuit, then link the driver’s control pin to a digital output on the Arduino.
Time: PT15M
Solder Permanent Connections
Solder all breadboard connections onto a perfboard for durability, ensuring solid joints and proper insulation.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°C
Program and Upload Code
Write Arduino code that reads the flame sensor, lights the LEDs when fire is detected, drives the servos for movement, and activates the pump; upload via the computer.
Time: PT45M
Test Fire‑Suppression Function
Place a small candle under the robot, power it on, and observe if the sensor triggers the LEDs and water pump correctly.
Time: PT20M
Final Adjustments and Secure Components
Trim excess wires, secure the perfboard and battery with hot glue, and ensure the pump nozzle is aimed forward.
Time: PT15M
Cleanup and Storage
Turn off power, unplug the USB, clean the work area, and store unused components in a dry box.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- 0
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 0g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: low-carb, low-calorie, very-low-calorie, low-fat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Arduino Uno R3: Arduino Nano, Arduino Mega
- Instead of Servo motor (SG90): Micro servo, continuous rotation servo
- Instead of DC motor with wheels: gear motor
- Instead of Miniature water pump: DIY peristaltic pump
- Instead of IR flame sensor: temperature sensor
- Instead of Jumper wires (male‑to‑male): breadboard wires
- Instead of Breadboard: perfboard
- Instead of 9V battery and connector: LiPo battery
- Instead of Resistors (220Ω): any 220Ω resistor
- Instead of Red LED: any LED
Equipment Needed
- Soldering iron
- Wire stripper/cutter
- Screwdriver set
- Multimeter (optional)
- Computer with Arduino IDE
- Heat‑shrink tubing (optional)
- Small pliers (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Solder Permanent Connections
- Test Fire‑Suppression Function
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use heat‑shrink tubing on all solder joints for durability.
- Label each wire with colored tape to simplify debugging.
Troubleshooting
Robot does not move.
Check that the motor driver connections are correct, verify the 9V battery is supplying voltage, and ensure the Arduino code pins match the wiring.
Flame sensor does not trigger.
Make sure the sensor is positioned facing the flame, test with a small candle, and verify the analog reading in the Serial Monitor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Not applicable – keep electronics in a dry, cool place away from moisture.
Freezer: Do not store in freezer; extreme cold can damage batteries and components.
Room temperature: Store assembled robot in a sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Program and test the Arduino code before soldering permanent connections.
- Pre‑assemble the chassis and secure motors before wiring.
Last updated: September 5, 2026
