Build an ESP32 Spherical Rolling Robot | Self-balancing Bot (ESP-ROLL)

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Seeed Studio *XIAO ESP32S3 Sense:*
https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-ESP32S3-Sense-p-5639.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=MaxImagination&utm_campaign=ESPRoll

*3D Printer* - Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kxfvNu
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus on Official Site:
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PCB Design Software with AI - *Flux:* https://www.flux.ai/signup?utm_source=influencer&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=MaxImagination2

*CAD Software* - Autodesk Fusion: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/

3D design mouse - *3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless* - https://amzn.to/3HuCN7u

*Elektor Magazine* - 50% OFF a 1-year Subscription | Code: maximagination50 (LIMITED TIME): https://www.elektormagazine.com/maximagination-elektor-offer-25

*Project blog* on Elektor Labs: https://www.elektormagazine.com/labs/esp-roll-build-a-spherical-self-balancing-robot-with-esp32-camera

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Introducing the ESP-ROLL - a Self-balancing Spherical Robot based on an ESP32 camera that you can build and have fun rolling over various types of terrain! 🟠📷

This little RC ball bot rolls in a transparent ornament shell, is 3D printable, and controlled over WiFi right from your phone - no fancy transmitters or complicated setup needed. You’ll be able to roll it around and stream live FPV video to your phone as you drive it.

In this video, I show you exactly how to assemble, wire up, and program the whole thing step-by-step.

👇 All the files - code, schematics, PCB gerbers, and part list are linked below so you can start this project right away.

📁 *Project Files* - (PCB Gerbers, Schematic, and RTR Code)*
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kDjNxRPIFhioJZheGN4Ns0RvkldiFyfA?usp=sharing

📐 *3D model/design* of ESP-ROLL’s Frame (STLs): https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/esp-roll-an-fpv-esp32-spherical-robot-rc-ball-bot-3d-design-stl-files

📜 *Up-to-date Code* (GitHub Repo Credits to ‘s60sc’): https://github.com/s60sc/ESP32-CAM_MJPEG2SD

📷 ESP32-CAM Guide Video - In-depth Code Setup Guide: https://youtu.be/k_PJLkfqDuI

🖥️ *Software* - Arduino IDE: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software/

*Parts and Materials:*
$13-24 - (x1) XIAO ESP32S3 Sense w/ antenna & heatsink - https://amzn.to/4kkQnsQ / https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-ESP32S3-Sense-p-5639.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=MaxImagination&utm_campaign=ESPRoll
$14 - (x2) 400RPM Micro metal geared motor - https://amzn.to/4kkQlRK
$0.8 - DRV8833 Dual motor driver - https://amzn.to/4kGBv7J / https://amzn.to/43CUd9z
$0.1 - (x1) SI2300 N MOSFET - https://amzn.to/4kYu1NK
$0.05 - (x1) Red 0805 SMD LED - https://amzn.to/3SCIfrr
$0.03 - Capacitors SMD 0805 - https://amzn.to/3Htm4S5
(x1) 10uF
(x1) 2.2uF
(x1) 0.01uF
$0.15 - Resistors SMD 0805 - https://amzn.to/4kzlPUj
(x14) 150Ω
(x2) 240Ω
(x1) 4.7KΩ
(x1) 10KΩ
(x2) 47KΩ
(x1) 51KΩ
$3 - 3.7V 200-450mAh LiPo cell (Battery) - https://amzn.to/3StvYFz
$0.3 - 3mm LEDs: Found in kit - https://amzn.to/4mGnfO3
(x14) White
(x2) Red
$0.7 - (x1) 5V Active Buzzer - https://amzn.to/43mOJAU
$0.9 - (x1) SS12F17 Micro Slide switch - https://amzn.to/4jFvYxo
$0.12 - JST Battery connector - https://amzn.to/43kd2iO
$0.1 - 28AWG Wire (15-20mm L) - https://amzn.to/4ee4RID
$2 - (x1) 60+ gram weight - https://amzn.to/43AdJ6s
$1.6 - (x1) 100mm Ornament Ball - https://amzn.to/3Ffq9Zy
$0.25 - (x5) M3 Threaded Insert - https://amzn.to/3ZqV7EU
$0.1 - (x5) M3 Screw (6mm L) - https://amzn.to/45hqSUy
$0.2 - (x4) M1.6 Screw (5mm L) - https://amzn.to/3Tr9eX6
$N/A - 1.5mm Steel Wire (2 short pieces) - https://amzn.to/4jO5Dgv
$0.05 - Small Zip Ties - https://amzn.to/3FXtmNu
$0.4 (~23g) PLA Filament (Grey) - https://amzn.to/4kCETkn
$0.2 (~7g) TPU Filament (Black) - https://amzn.to/43YGABL
$13.1 - PCBs and Stencil - Order from JLCPCB

Total parts Cost: *~$62 USD* (As of June 2025 excluding shipping and 3D model cost).

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Instagram: @max.imagination - https://www.instagram.com/max.imagination/?hl=en

*Chapters:*
0:00 Getting Started
1:25 PCB Design
3:17 Ordering PCBs
4:41 SMD Assembly
6:16 XIAO ESP32S3 Sense
7:28 Board Assembly
9:25 3D design
10:33 3D printing
11:52 Main Assembly
15:30 Programming & Setup
19:12 WiFi App
21:48 Controlling & Tuning
22:49 Elektor Magazine
23:17 Drive Tests
25:58 Next Steps

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Tags: Self-balancing, robot, spherical, sphere, round, rolling, RC, remote control, car, how to make, phone controlled, mobile, FPV, camera, ESP32-CAM, DIY, Arduino project, WiFi, ornament, 3D printed, robotics, vehicle, two-wheeled, ESP32, Sphero, app, robotic ball, ball-bots,

#esproll #esp32cam #xiaoesp32s3sense #esp32 #elektor #jlcpcb #autodeskad #flux #neptune4plus #uppbeat #selfbalancing #robotics