PiCy: Build Your Own Tiny Raspberry Pi‑Powered Robot

Create a compact, mobile robot powered by a Raspberry Pi using the PiCy kit and a few essential tools. Follow this step‑by‑step guide for a reliable build.

What you’ll need:

• A Raspberry Pi (any model with GPIO pins will work)
• The PiCy pack kit, which includes:
  • Two DC motors and two wheels
  • A battery holder for two AA batteries, complete with clip
  • Two 40 mm M4 bolts and two M4 nuts
  • About 20 cm of red wire, 10 cm of green wire, and 10 cm of purple wire
  • Three strips of double‑sided sticky tape or foam
  • A standard Raspberry Pi case
• Two AA batteries
• Hot‑soldering iron and solder
• Wire cutters
• Small flat‑bladed screwdriver

This tutorial covers the mechanical assembly only. To learn how to control the robot via Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi, see the extended guide.

Step 1: Wire the PicoBorg

Solder the PicoBorg’s motor driver board with the following connections:

• Red wire → M1+ and M4+
• Red wire from battery clip → V+
• Black wire from battery clip → GND
• Purple wire → M1-
• Green wire → M4-

After soldering, gently tug each wire to confirm a secure connection. Your PicoBorg should resemble the third image in the original step diagram.

Step 2: Prepare the Case

Carefully remove the expansion tab from the Raspberry Pi case. Use a small screwdriver to lift it out without damaging the plastic.

Step 3: Route Wires Through the Case

Thread the PicoBorg’s wires and battery connector through the expansion tab’s hole. Bend the wires away from the GPIO header and around the PicoBorg to keep them tidy.

Step 4: Secure the Assembly

Fasten the long M4 nylon screws through the case and secure them with the M4 nuts. Optionally, mount the Raspberry Pi itself using the metal screws supplied with the case.

Step 5: Connect PicoBorg to the Pi

Align the PicoBorg’s socket holes with the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO expansion header. Gently press the edges of the PicoBorg to slot it into place, avoiding the sharp soldered pins on top.

Step 6: Snap the Case Lid On

Secure the case lid by snapping it onto the body. Your board should now be enclosed and ready for power.

Step 7: Mount Motors and Battery

Without double‑sided tape, position the battery holder and motors on the back of the case. Ensure the wires have enough slack to reach both the battery holder and the motor terminals.

Once assembled, your PiCy robot is ready for the next steps—programming and wireless control, which are covered in a separate tutorial.