ESP32 Dev Kit C V4 – Build Your Own Robot Car – The Robot Software

The software is the brain of your robot car. With the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (Arduino IDE), you can program your ESP32 and customize your robot’s behavior. In this article, I’ll show you how the software is structured, what features it offers, and why it’s perfect for your project.

Table of Contents

Software Highlights

PS4 Controller Support: With the Bluepad32 library, you can intuitively control your robot using a PlayStation 4 controller. Alternatively, the program also works with PS5 controllers.
Dynamic Motor Control: The software processes controller commands and precisely controls the motors, including speed regulation and direction changes.
LED Effects with WS2812 Ring: Customize your robot’s lighting with various modes like “Ambient Mode,” “Speed Indicator Mode,” and “Police Mode.”
OLED Display for Status Updates: The current status, such as “Controller Connected” or “Motors Stopped,” is clearly displayed on an OLED screen.
Safety Features: A timeout mechanism ensures that the motors automatically stop if the controller loses connection or stops sending commands.

Robot ESP32 – Software

Software Structure

The software is modular, allowing you to integrate components like motors, LEDs, and sensors flexibly. The code provides a solid foundation for further developing your robot. From control to LED integration, everything your project needs is included.

How to Upload the Software to the ESP32

Install Arduino IDE: Download and install the latest version of the Arduino IDE on your computer.
Add ESP32 Board: In the Arduino IDE, go to “Preferences” and add the ESP32 board URL in the “Additional Board Manager URLs” field (https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json).
Install Required Libraries:
- Adafruit PWM Servo Driver
- Bluepad32
- Adafruit NeoPixel
- SSD1306Wire
Upload the Sketch: Open the code in the Arduino IDE, connect the ESP32 to your computer, and upload the sketch to the board.

Expansion Possibilities

The software is flexible and can be extended. Here are some ideas:

Sensor Integration: Add ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles.
Advanced LED Modes: Program additional lighting patterns, such as warning signals.
WiFi Control: Add a web interface for control via smartphone.

Software

You can download the complete software from GitHub.

GitHub: https://github.com/custom-build-robots/ESP32-DIY-robot-car-PS5-controller

Summary

The software for your ESP32 robot car offers numerous features that make the project exciting and versatile. From motor control to LED effects and controller integration, everything is included. With the Arduino IDE, you can easily customize and expand the software. Have fun programming and experimenting!