Perhaps the name Hopscotch is a bit of a misnomer. This bot doesn't actually play Hopscotch. It is actually more akin to a jump rope or leapfrog. Nonetheless, after watching it go for a while, it just seemed like Hopscotch was the most fitting name. It has that sort of personality about it. Maybe this says more about the way I think than the way the bot acts. I am okay with that. At the end of the day, no matter what we call Hopscotch Bot, it does not detract from it being a fun, playful, self-righting, hoppity, little bot.

Also, if you like this project, check out my new book Homemade Robots for even more!

Step 1: Go Get Stuff

You will need:

(x2) continuous rotation servos modified for direct drive**

(x1) 4 x AA battery holder

(x1) 4-5/6" x 6" x 3/8" U-bolt and nuts

(x1) small push-broom head attachment

(x2) 4-40 x 1-1/4" nuts and bolts

(x1) assorted zip ties

**Modify your servos for direct drive here

Step 2: Attach

Stand the servo motors up on their sides on the center top of the brush.

Zip tie them firmly in place.

Step 3: U-Bolt

Put nuts on each end of the U-bolt.

Zip tie the U-bolt firmly to the servo horn such that it won't slide.

Step 4: Trim

Trim any excess plastic from the zip ties if you have not done so already.

Step 5: Drill

Position your battery holder near the edge of the brush such that the U-bolt can rotate past without getting stuck.

Using your battery holder as a guide, drill two 1/8" holes downward through the brush.

Step 6: Fasten

Firmly attach the battery holder to the brush using nuts and bolts.

Step 7: Wire It Up

Wire the red wire from one of the motors to the black wire from the other. Then, connect both of these wires to the red wire from the battery holder.

Connect together the three remaining wires from the motors and battery holder.

Step 8: Tidy Up

Using zip ties to tidy up all of the wires, make sure that they are all securely tucked away and no excess is sticking out that could later get caught.