FPV RC Car with Optional Robotic Arm (V3) NEW!

Build your own intelligent, 4WD FPV RC Car, powered by the HomeGenie smart home and robotics ecosystem! This project is a thrilling combination of mechatronics, real-time video streaming, and optional robotics, making it a fantastic platform for makers of all levels. Drive it using a live First-Person View (FPV) feed and, for an extra challenge, mount the 4-axis robotic arm to interact with the world.

Project Highlights:

• Agile 4WD Skid Steering: Precise speed control of four continuous rotation servos.
• Real-Time FPV: Low-latency video streaming directly from the ESP32-S3-CAM.
• Optional Robotic Arm Integration: Easily adapt and mount the 4-axis robotic arm (from our previous project) for object manipulation. The top cover is designed with the arm's servo mount integrated!
• Dual ESP32 Architecture:
  • ESP32-S3 Zero (or similar): Dedicated motion controller running HomeGenie `smart-motor` firmware for precise control of up to 8 servos.
  • ESP32-S3-CAM: Dedicated FPV camera running HomeGenie `smart-cam` firmware.
• HomeGenie Powered: Control via HomeGenie dashboards, use custom driving widgets, and leverage HomeGenie Server for advanced automation and AI capabilities (like object detection).
• Customizable & Expandable: The design encourages modifications and additions.
• All Parts 3D Printable: Chassis, covers, servo brackets and Mecanum wheels servo adapters.

This project is designed to be used with readily available **48mm Mecanum wheels**, which are highly recommended for optimal performance. You can anyway print your own wheels that are included in the .zip archive file under STL/CAD files download.

What You'll Need (Beyond 3D Prints):

• Electronics:
  • 1x ESP32-S3 Zero (or ESP32-C3 Mini/Zero)
  • 1x ESP32-S3-CAM module (wide-angle camera sensor recommended)
  • 4x MG90S 360° continuous rotation servo motors (for drive)
  • (Optional for Arm) 4x standard SG90/MG90S servo motors (if adding the Robotic Arm)
  • 1x HomeGenie Motors Controller Shield PCB (Gerber files are free to download), or your custom wiring solution
  • 2x Battery packs (e.g., 6V NiMH 2200mAh as used in the example - one for motors, one for camera)
  • 1x External WiFi antenna with U.FL pigtail
• Hardware:
  • Approx. 12x M2 8mm screws
  • Approx. 6x M2 4mm screws
  • Approx. 4x M2 10mm bolts/screws (for arm attachment if used)
  • Screws included with servo motors (for wheel attachment)
  • Wires, connectors (JST/Dupont as needed for your setup)
  • Mecanum 48mm wheels set (2x left + 2x right)

Printing Recommendations:

• File Format: The project is provided as a 3MF file, which includes all parts optimally arranged and potentially with print settings pre-configured for Bambu Lab printers (or to use with any compatible slicers). An archive with all STL files is also available.
• Recommended Filaments:
  • Chassis, Covers, Wheels, Brackets, Adapters: High-quality PLA or PETG.
• General Settings:
  • Nozzle: 0.4mm
  • Layer Height: 0.20mm
  • Infill: 15-25% (adjust based on desired strength)
  • Supports: Generally minimal, but check your slicer preview, especially for the top cover if printing with the arm mount features. The 3MF might have pre-configured supports.
• Mecanum Wheels Adapters:
  • Nozzle: 0.4mm
  • Layer Height: 0.12mm
  • Infill: 15-25% (adjust based on desired strength)
  • Supports: Only for the base, support inside the shaft hole is not recommended.

Assembly & Setup:

This project involves 3D printing, electronics assembly, wiring, and firmware setup using HomeGenie Mini.
Detailed step-by-step assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, and HomeGenie firmware setup guides can be found on our full project page:
https://homegenie.it/mini/1.2/examples/fpv-rc-car/

Briefly, the assembly involves:
1.  Printing all parts.
2.  Mounting drive servos and brackets to the chassis.
3.  Assembling and attaching wheels.
4.  Installing batteries and the electronics container with the ESP32-S3 Zero controller.
5.  (Optional) Adapting and mounting the pre-assembled Robotic Arm onto the top cover.
6.  Mounting the antenna and attaching the top cover.
7.  Assembling and mounting the ESP32-S3-CAM in the front housing.
8.  Final wiring and firmware configuration.

Software & Firmware:

• Motion Controller (ESP32-S3 Zero): HomeGenie `smart-motor` firmware.
• FPV Camera (ESP32-S3-CAM): HomeGenie `smart-cam` firmware.
• Orchestration & AI: HomeGenie Server.

Visit homegenie.it for more information on the HomeGenie ecosystem.

Share Your Make!

We'd love to see your version of the FPV RC Car! Please share photos of your build, any modifications you make, and how you're using it. Feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Happy Printing & Building!

VERSION HISTORY

Version 3.0 - Revision 1 (Major Overhaul)
- Complete chassis redesign for easier assembly and maintenance:
   - Top chassis now split into a **Battery Tray Cover** and a separate **Front Cover** (with slide-on/screw-less access).
   - Front Cover height dramatically reduced due to base servo relocation.
- Robotic Arm Base Servo relocation: Now mounted directly on the chassis base, resulting in:
   - Increased stability and simplified motor maintenance.
   - Improved arm reach with full 180-degree maneuverability.
- ESP32-CAM Cover extended/lengthened to increase camera sensor cable slack and mitigate potential WiFi interference issues.
 

Version 2.0 - Revision 2
- Added Mecanum Wheels adapter (default preferred wheels 48mmx25mm)
- Moved wheels to separate file (optional 3d-printed wheels) 
 

Version 2.0 - Revision 1
- General design fixes and improvements
- Added ESP32-CAM cover/housing for OV2660 sensor with 20 cm cable

Version 1.0 - Revision 1 (initial release)
- FPV RC Car using micro servo (e.g. SG90/MG90) with optional Robotic Arm