Home Web Front-end JS Tutorial Controlling a Motorbot Using Arduino and Node.js

Controlling a Motorbot Using Arduino and Node.js

Feb 19, 2025 am 11:43 AM

This tutorial demonstrates building a NodeBot—a robot controlled by Node.js—using Arduino. We'll create a simple motorbot controllable from a web browser. The project leverages JavaScript's growing popularity in robotics and IoT.

Key Concepts:

  • NodeBots & Arduino Integration: NodeBots, powered by Node.js, offer a powerful combination with Arduino for diverse applications, including game development, robotics, and IoT.
  • Hardware Setup: The hardware consists of an Arduino, two motors, an L298 motor controller, and a connection cable. Crucially, StandardFirmata must be installed on the Arduino.
  • Server-Side (Node.js): We use Node.js, Express.js, Socket.IO (for real-time communication), and Johnny-Five (a Firmata-based robotics framework).
  • Client-Side (Browser): A simple web interface allows users to control motor movements. Socket.IO handles real-time communication between the browser and the server.

Hardware:

  • Arduino microcontroller
  • Two motors
  • L298 motor controller
  • USB cable connecting Arduino to computer

Controlling a Motorbot Using Arduino and Node.js

Controlling a Motorbot Using Arduino and Node.js

Motor Selection: Choose motors appropriate for the intended load. Higher voltage motors may require an external power supply.

StandardFirmata Installation:

  1. Download the Arduino IDE.
  2. Connect the Arduino via USB.
  3. In the IDE, navigate to File > Examples > Firmata > StandardFirmata.
  4. Upload the StandardFirmata code to the Arduino.

Software Setup:

Create a package.json file:

{
  "name": "nodebot-sample",
  "dependencies": {
    "express": "^4.11.2",
    "johnny-five": "^0.8.53",
    "socket.io": "^1.3.3"
  }
}
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Run npm install to install dependencies.

Server-Side Code (index.js):

var express = require('express');
var app = express();
var io = require('socket.io')(app.listen(8081));
var five = require('johnny-five');

app.use(express.static(__dirname + '/app'));
app.get('/', function (res) { res.sendfile('/index.html'); });

var board = new five.Board({ repl: false });

board.on('ready', function () {
    var speed, commands, motors;
    motors = {
        a: new five.Motor([3, 12]),
        b: new five.Motor([11, 13])
    };

    io.on('connection', function (socket) {
        socket.on('stop', function () { motors.a.stop(); motors.b.stop(); });
        socket.on('start', function () { speed = 255; motors.a.fwd(speed); motors.b.fwd(speed); });
        socket.on('reverse', function () { speed = 120; motors.a.rev(speed); motors.b.rev(speed); });
        socket.on('left', function () { motors.a.fwd(220); motors.b.rev(50); });
        socket.on('right', function () { motors.a.rev(50); motors.b.fwd(220); });
    });
});
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Client-Side Code (app/index.html & app.js):

index.html:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <title>NodeBot Control</title>
  <🎜>
  <🎜>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="container">
    <i class="fa fa-angle-up" id="forward"></i>
    <i class="fa fa-angle-left" id="left"></i>
    <i class="fa fa-angle-down" id="reverse"></i>
    <i class="fa fa-angle-right" id="right"></i>
    <i class="fa stop" id="stop"></i>STOP
  </div>
</body>
</html>
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app.js:

var socket = io();

document.getElementById('forward').onclick = () => socket.emit('start');
document.getElementById('right').onclick = () => socket.emit('right');
document.getElementById('left').onclick = () => socket.emit('left');
document.getElementById('reverse').onclick = () => socket.emit('reverse');
document.getElementById('stop').onclick = () => socket.emit('stop');
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Run node index.js to start the server. Access the control interface at 127.0.0.1:8081. Remember to troubleshoot connection issues if the board isn't recognized. This example demonstrates the basic principles; more complex interactions are achievable with this foundation. The full source code is available on GitHub (link would be inserted here if provided).

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