The ProtoBot Project - Super Affordable Educational Robots

The goal of the ProtoBot Project is to create a robot platform that's 100% Open Source, Simple, Easy to Use, Low Cost (<15$ per robot), and Accessible for everyone. Their low material cost (Currently about 12$), and open source design, make the Protobots ideal for use in schools. For example, in a robotics class, each student could have an individual robot, which they'd be able to take home when the class has ended for the year, rather than sharing a few robots. Because of their simple design, they're easy to build, but the simplicity also encourages the user to get straight into intelligent programming and writing good algorithms, rather than playing with a bunch of features and becoming bored. The software library, which makes it easy to access basic functions of the robot, means beginners can start programming quickly and easily, and because the robot is Arduino based, there's already a massive amount of knowledge and help available. Advanced users won't feel restrained, because of the powerful Arduino IDE used to program the robot. All the parts are readily available via many online sources, except the wheels, which could be 3D printed instead if needed. The base and Antenna parts are 3D printable, and can be obtained through 3D printing services. The PCB can be either hand etched, or obtained through a PCB prototyping service. Since my original idea, I've created multiple prototypes, taken them to local and state fairs, and worked with 4-H to bring them to several kids makercamps, where middleschoolers build, program, and take the robots home at the end. A little background on me and this project: I've always wanted a little robot to program and play with, but kept getting hung up on the cost associated with making one. I realized that I could source inexpensive parts from eBay, and 3D print the rest. I brought my proof of concept to the school, and the 4-H robotics coach there loved it, and asked if she could get 20 for a kid's makercamp. The rest is history. To learn more about the Project, visit https://theprotobotproject.wordpress.com I designed the base and antenna (And the STL file included) in Fusion 360. The previous versions were made in TinkerCad, but I needed something more powerful. Fusion 360 worked great, was easy to learn, and very intuitive and powerful. Contest note: I know this isn't a robot to help around the home, at least not in the sense of chores- But wouldn't we all get there faster if there was an easy, cheap, and accessible way for everyone to learn good programming?