Best DIY 4WD 3D Printed Robot 🤖 of 2025

🤖 DIY 4WD Smart Robot Car with Custom All-in-One Shield

🧠 Introduction

In this project, we’ll build a compact yet powerful 4WD smart robot using a 3D-printed chassis, BO motors, and a custom-designed Arduino shield packed with sensors and wireless connectivity. Whether you're a beginner learning Arduino or an experienced robotics enthusiast, this build offers a perfect blend of speed, strength, and modular intelligence — ideal for automation, obstacle detection, or future AI integration. 🛠️⚡

🎯 Key Features

• 🧱 Fully 3D-printed chassis with motor mounting slots
• 🛞 4× BO motors for true 4WD drive
• 🧠 Arduino Uno with a custom multifunctional shield
• 📲 Built-in Bluetooth, NRF, I2C & SPI support
• 🌡️ Sensors: temperature, thermistor, and LDR
• 🔊 Buzzer, 4 tactile switches, and OLED display
• 🔋 Rechargeable 7.4V Li-ion battery system

🖨️ Step 1: 3D Printed Chassis & Basic Components

🧰 Parts List:

• 🧱 1× Custom 3D-Printed Robot Chassis
• ⚙️ 4× BO Motors
• 🛞 4× Matching Wheels
• 🔌 4× 2-Pin JST Connectors (for easy motor wiring)
• 🔩 8× M3 12mm Nuts & Bolts (motor mounting)
• 🧠 Arduino Uno
• 🧃 Custom Arduino Shield
• 🔋 7.4V Li-ion Battery Pack
• 🪛 Mini Screwdriver / Allen Key

🖨️ Chassis Printing Guidelines:

• Material: PLA or PETG
• Infill: 30%
• Layer Height: 0.2 mm
• Supports: Not required

🔧 Step 2: Mount BO Motors to the Chassis

Tools & Materials:

• ⚙️ 4× BO Motors
• 🔩 8× M3 Bolts & Nuts
• 🪛 Small Screwdriver or Allen Key
• 🧱 3D Printed Chassis

🛠️ Steps:

• Position the Motors
• Place motors into their dedicated chassis slots
• Shafts should point outward, connectors inward
• Secure the Motors
• Insert bolts from the outside, secure with nuts inside
• Tighten with screwdriver to ensure zero play

🛞 Step 3: Attach Wheels & Wire Motors

Tools & Materials:

• 🛞 4× Compatible Wheels
• 🔌 JST-terminated motor wires
• 🧠 Custom Arduino Shield with L293D (or similar)

🛠️ Steps:

Mount Wheels

• Press-fit onto motor shafts (D-type fitting)
• Ensure free rotation and alignment

Connect Motor Wires

• Match motor wires to correct outputs (e.g., M1 to front-left, etc.)
• Maintain polarity — adjust in code if necessary

🧠 Step 4: Mount Arduino & Custom Shield

Tools & Materials:

• 🧠 Arduino Uno
• 🧃 Custom Shield (with display, sensors, comms)
• 🔩 Optional screws or double-sided tape

🛠️ Steps:

• Stack Shield on Arduino
• Align header pins and press down gently but firmly
• Attach Assembly to Chassis
• Use screws (if mounting holes exist) or foam tape
• Check Orientation
• USB/power ports should remain accessible
• Avoid covering sensors like LDR or temp sensor

🧩 What's on the Shield?

• 📺 OLED Display
• 📡 Bluetooth & NRF modules
• 🌡️ Temperature sensor, LDR, Thermistor
• 🔊 Buzzer & 4 Input Switches
• 🔌 I2C/SPI headers for expansion

🔋 Step 5: Install Battery & Power System

Tools & Materials:

• 🔋 7.4V Li-ion Battery Pack
• 📎 On/Off Toggle Switch (optional)
• 🔌 2-Pin JST or screw terminal for power
• 🔧 Heat-shrink or electrical tape

🛠️ Steps:

• Mount the Battery
• Secure under the chassis using Velcro or zip ties
• Connect to Shield
• Attach battery +/– to VIN/GND on shield
• Most shields with L298N can take 6–12V input
• Add Power Switch (Optional)
• Place switch inline with the battery’s positive wire

📬 Need Help or the STL Files?

If you're planning to build a similar tank or want STL files, code, or circuit diagram, just drop me a message! 💬✅ DM me on Instagram — I'm always ready to help fellow makers. Or you guys can order it from “JUSTWAY”.

Instagram - @electro__dude

🤝 Sponsored by JUSTWAY – Build More, Save More!

This DIY tank project is proudly brought to you in partnership with JUSTWAY, your reliable source for custom 3D printing and CNC machining services.

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🧰 Happy building — and happy saving!

💻 Step 6: Programming the Robot

Tools & Libraries:

• 🖥️ Arduino IDE
• 🔌 USB Cable
• 📦 Libraries:
• Servo.h (for servos)
• Wire.h, SPI.h, Adafruit_SSD1306.h, SoftwareSerial.h
• VirtualWire, RF24, BluetoothSerial (based on modules used)

💡 Capabilities:

• 📱 Control via Bluetooth mobile app or terminal
• 📡 Long-range NRF remote
• 📟 OLED output: battery, direction, sensor data
• 🌡️ Sensor readings and data logging
• 🔊 Audio alerts
• 🔘 Mode switching via physical buttons

🧠 Sample Code:

📁 GitHub Link to Code

🧪 Step 7: Final Testing & Customization ✅ Checklist:

OLED display powers onWireless control responds correctlyMotors rotate in the right directionSensors report valuesBuzzer and switches function as intended🛠️ Optional Upgrades:🤖 Obstacle avoidance (Ultrasonic/IR)📷 ESP32-CAM for live video🌈 WS2812 RGB lighting📡 Dual control mode (Bluetooth & NRF switch)

🌐 Wi-Fi web control (ESP8266/ESP32 upgrade)

🎉 Conclusion

Congratulations! You've built a feature-rich, modular, and wireless-capable 4WD smart robot using:

• 🧱 3D-printed parts
• ⚙️ Simple BO motors
• 🧠 A custom Arduino shield
• 📲 Bluetooth or NRF communication
• 🌡️ Real-time sensor feedback via OLED