Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Discrete & Component Electronics/DIY Self Balancing Robot using Arduino

Intermediate

ARDUINO

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

DIY Self Balancing Robot using Arduino

Build a self-balancing two-wheeled robot using an Arduino and an MPU6050 sensor with PID stabilization algorithms.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Arduino UNO R3 Board (Compatible) – ATmega328P Microcontroller with USB Cable Rs. 999.00
MPU6050 - Triple Axis Accelerometer + Gyroscope Module Rs. 438.00
3–6V R140 DC Motor (High-Speed DIY & Toy Motor) Rs. 49.00
L298N Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Module – 2A Rs. 195.00
110 RPM Single Shaft BO Motor – Straight Rs. 99.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: AA / AAA Battery + Holder

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How It Works

The DIY Self Balancing Robot operates on a continuous feedback loop managed by the Arduino Uno. At the heart of the sensing system is the MPU6050 Accelerometer and Gyroscope module, which measures the tilt angle and angular velocity of the robot's chassis relative to gravity. This motion data is communicated to the Arduino Uno. The microcontroller processes the incoming angle measurements using a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control algorithm programmed via the Arduino IDE. The PID algorithm calculates the precise error between the robot's current leaning angle and the desired upright vertical position, generating a corrective response value. This computed output is translated into Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals sent to the motor driver (such as the L298N). The motor driver acts as an intermediary power amplifier, supplying the necessary current and voltage from the battery pack to drive the DC motors with wheels. If the robot leans forward, the motors instantly drive forward to catch its center of mass; if it leans backward, the motors reverse. This constant, high-speed adjustment mimics human balancing and keeps the two-wheeled chassis upright.

Why Build This

Gain hands-on experience applying physics concepts like center of gravity, torque, and rotational motion to a real-world mechatronic system.

Learn how to implement foundational control theory algorithms like PID stabilization, which are essential in advanced robotics and engineering.

Understand how to integrate microcontrollers, sensors, power distribution, and motor drivers into a cohesive, functional autonomous machine.

Real-World Application

Self-balancing technology is used in personal transporters like Segways, robotics, and aerospace stabilization systems.

Skills You'll Learn

I2C communication protocol

sensor data fusion

PID control loop tuning

PWM motor speed control

DC motor driver interfacing

power distribution management

Safety Precautions

Ensure correct polarity when connecting batteries to avoid short circuits and damage to motor drivers or microcontrollers.

Technology Tags

ARDUINO

MPU6050

ROBOTICS

PID CONTROL

SENSORS

MOTORS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my robot falling over instead of balancing?

This usually happens because the PID constants (Proportional, Integral, and Derivative values) have not been properly tuned, or the MPU6050 sensor orientation and calibration need adjustment.

Can I power the Arduino Uno and the DC motors using the same battery pack?

Yes, but you must ensure the battery pack has sufficient voltage and current capacity to drive the motors without causing voltage drops that could reset the Arduino Uno.

Do I need to install an external library to use the MPU6050 sensor?

Yes, you will need to install compatible MPU6050 and PID libraries via the Arduino IDE library manager to properly read sensor data and execute the balancing algorithm.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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