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

Max Imagination June 15, 2025
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Max Imagination

@maximagination

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If I help makers build RC, robotics, and electronics projects that actually move - with step-by-step tutorials and files. I am Max Imagination (you can call me Max), and here we turn your childhood tech dreams into real, working builds! Here you’ll learn electronics through hands-on projects like RC cars, drones, submarines, robots, and smart gadgets using ESP32, Arduino, circuits, and 3D-printed/mechanical design - explained clearly so you can build it yourself (not just watch it). Start here: 1. Subscribe to never miss a new project/guide 2. Watch a playlist (e.g. ESP32 Projects) 3. Get the project files/3D designs (links in video descriptions) For companies who want to become a sponsor in the next project video: Business inquiries ONLY: email me below ⬇⬇⬇ If you get stuck on building one of my projects and need help, please only DM me on Instagram: @max.imagination

Video Description

Easy, Affordable, & Reliable PCBs with *JLCPCB!* Sign up to get $70 New-user Coupons: https://jlcpcb.com/?from=MaxImagination 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: https://us.elegoo.com/products/neptune-4-plus-fdm-3d-printer?utm_source=maximagination&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=n4pl&utm_id=n4pl 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 ————————————— 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). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no added cost to you. 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 ————————————— 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

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