Build a Robot with Raspberry Pi and Python: A Complete Guide

The goal of this tutorial is to help you begin programming with Python to control your Arduino robots with a Raspberry Pi. We will go over the basics like installation and some simple examples to control your robot from a Python GUI from Raspberry Pi.

Step 1: Parts list

Below is a curated list of components that will enable you to assemble a mobile robot powered by a 12 V battery and controlled through a Raspberry Pi.

• Raspberry Pi (with monitor, USB hub, keyboard, mouse, and Wi‑Fi dongle) – Purchase here
• Arduino UNO (or compatible) with USB cable – Purchase here
• Wi‑Fi router
• Robot Base – Purchase here
• Motor Driver – Purchase here
• Power Distribution Board – Purchase here
• 12 V 7 Ah battery – Purchase here

We recommend using a 12 V battery because it provides ample runtime and high current capacity. The power distribution board will split the 12 V supply into regulated 12 V and 5 V rails, simplifying power delivery to all components.

Step 2: Introduction to Python

Python is a versatile, open‑source, object‑oriented language created by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s. Its clear syntax and extensive ecosystem of libraries make it ideal for robotics. For beginners, the official Python documentation and community tutorials are invaluable resources.

Step 3: Python Installation and Setup

Most recent Raspberry Pi images (starting with the 2013‑02‑09‑wheezy‑raspbian.img) ship with Python pre‑installed. Verify the version by running:

python --version

For the code examples in this tutorial we recommend Python 2.6 or later. If Python is missing, install it and the required libraries with:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install python2.6 python-serial python-tk idle python-pmw python-imaging

Next, download the following helper scripts into your home directory:

• scanports-arduino.py
• term.py
• Buttons.py

Make them executable:

sudo chmod +x ~/scanports-arduino.py
sudo chmod +x ~/term.py
sudo chmod +x ~/Buttons.py

These scripts will allow you to discover available serial ports, open a terminal interface, and add simple button controls for your robot. You can launch any of them by double‑clicking in the file manager or by executing the script from a terminal.

Finally, load the robot base sketch into the Arduino IDE (download here). Follow the wiring diagram shown above to connect the power distribution board to the robot base and the Arduino.

For a deeper dive, see the full tutorial: Building robots with Raspberry Pi and Python.