It could have been two and a half hours, but I missed an essential step and left the wheel motors unscrewed to the mounting plate of each wheel. Still, I was able to assemble all 100+ parts and 31 sensors, including the minicamera, in just three hours. And what is more important, DJI Robomaster S1 worked normally after downloading the application on the iPhone to be able to handle it.
Let’s remember what I already wrote a few weeks ago. Robomaster S1 is an educational robot, for those passionate about engineering and robotics, that was born from a competition between university students. Robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and programming with Python and Scratch are some of its keys for those who want to get the most out of it.
As what interests me, in this text, is to tell in a few lines, and with many photos, how I have been able to make the assembly of Robomaster S1, I only add for those who want to get hold of it this Christmas, that its price is 549 euros.
The first step to build the DJI robot are the wheels, for which you have to use an adapter in which various parts of the same fit, and fit the wheels in the right direction on each wheel, screwing them clearly so that they do not move.
Next, we begin to mount the front and sides on the mechanical chassis where the sensors for those front and left and right side areas will go, as well as the motherboard where all the connections that will make the sensors work are inserted. After having integrated these elements, the rear cover is inserted that will protect the compartment where the battery goes.
It is time, then, to couple the motors of each wheel and screw them to their mounting plates, and screw them (a step that I forgot and that I had to correct at the end), and then connect the motor of each wheel to the base plate.
Once this step is finished, it is time to insert the wheels, in the correct direction of the rollers, on each motor, and put the front cover on. And it is now when the gimbal is inserted where the camera will be located, the laser shooter (also small gelatin balls), the smart controller to connect it to the Wi-Fi network and the speaker. It is the end, or almost. It only remains to insert the battery, charged, open the application, and start playing.
The S1 is designed to show users the possibilities of robotics and how fun it can be. It includes powerful brushless motors, a chassis that can move in all directions, a high-precision stabilizer, and interactive programming, game and competition modes. The RoboMaster S1, and I can attest to this, is accessible to newcomers and at the same time offers advanced features for users already experienced in the field of AI, engineering and robotics.
On the S1’s rugged chassis: the camera offers a live, stabilized first-person view via the RoboMaster app. It also features a specialized mechanical stabilizer with a non-toxic gel ball and infrared launcher, which automatically limits launch speed and angle for added safety. The S1 is modular and has six PWM control ports and one Sbus control port for advanced users to connect third-party hardware.
Another new feature is music programming with Scratch. DJI has added 36 musical notes to the programming module, allowing users to write original music so that the S1 can play it. Furthermore, using the advanced FPV camera and machine vision technology, the S1 can realize autonomous driving. By designing an online tour with duct tape, the S1 will follow the path and even record simulated traffic signs using vision markers.
