Motbots (short for Motivated Robotics) is a hands-on learning platform focused on electronics, robotics, and intelligent systems — built around learning by doing, one project at a time.
Learn More
Reading Time: 22 minutesProject Name: Introduction to PIC Programming Using C: Programming a Super Simple LED Switch – Part 1 Project Description: In Part 1, we discuss the basics of a PICkit, MPLAB, C, and other topics of interest. Project Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Project Note: Attempting this project requires some hardware and software to program a PIC […]
Reading Time: 37 minutesProject Name: OwlBot Project Description: Part 5 build of the OwlBot, where we provide mechanical movement to our OwlBot prototype. Project Difficulty: Easy Project Note: For this fifth part of the project, we’ll focus on the OwlBot’s mechanical movements. We’ll update the code for when motion is detected by the PIR sensor we added in […]
Reading Time: 16 minutesIntroduction to Diodes A diode is a two-terminal electronic component that allows electric current to flow in only one direction. You can think of a diode as almost like being a check valve for electrical current. Like a check valve for plumbing permits water to flow in one direction, but not the other — the […]
Reading Time: 13 minutesProject Name: OwlBot Project Description: Part 4 build of the OwlBot, where we upgrade the power supply to our OwlBot prototype by adding a secondary power source. Project Difficulty: Easy Project Note: For this fourth part of the project, we’ll focus on upgrading the OwlBot’s power supply. Introduction In this part of the project we’re […]
Reading Time: 11 minutesWhat is a Solenoid? A solenoid is a type of electromagnet that consists of a helical coil of wire. Its length is significantly greater than its diameter. Think of taking a 10ft length of magnet wire and wrapping that magnet wire around a 16-penny nail. The width of the wound wire along the nail and […]
Reading Time: 16 minutesIntroduction The Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) plays a pivotal role in countless applications in electronics ranging from power management to digital circuits. Unlike traditional transistors, MOSFETs are voltage-controlled devices, offering advantages such as high input impedance, fast switching speeds, and low power consumption. Their operation is based on the voltage applied to the gate terminal, […]
Reading Time: 18 minutesIntroduction to MOSFETs Let’s talk about a specific type of field-effect transistor (FET); the Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor is a mouthful, so let’s just call it MOSFET or by its plural form MOSFETs. MOSFETs are a type of transistor used for switching and amplifying electronic signals. They are crucial components in modern electronics, found in everything from power […]
Reading Time: 24 minutesProject Name: OwlBot Project Description: Part 3 build of the OwlBot, where we add the OwlBot’s flashing red LED eyes to our prototype. Project Difficulty: Easy Project Note: For this third part of the project, we’ll focus on the OwlBot’s flashing red LED eyes. We’ll update the code for when motion is detected by the […]
Reading Time: 33 minutesProject Name: OwlBot Project Description: Part 2 build of the OwlBot, where we add an MP3 player to the OwlBot prototype to give it the ability to make sound when motion is detected by the PIR sensor that was installed in Part 1 of the build. Project Difficulty: Easy Project Note: For this second part […]
Reading Time: 27 minutesProject Name: OwlBot Project Description: Part 1 build of the OwlBot, where we start by getting the prototype of the OwlBot to sense infrared motion. Project Difficulty: Easy Project Note: For this first part of the project, we’ll focus on the OwlBot’s infrared sensing capabilities using a PIR sensor module. Introduction In this project we’re […]
