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In this tutorial I show you how to make a Wi-Fi controlled robotic tank controlled from a smartphone using Blynk App. In this project an ESP8266 Wemos D1 board was used, but other plate models can also be used (NodeMCU, Firebeetle, etc.), and the principles presented in this tutorial can be applied to other robot models.
In previous projects I presented how to mount a robot controller with an Arduino Uno connected to an ESP8266 module and a web interface using html and javascript. A robot was developed using simple materials, without the need of using complex tools such as 3D printers and laser cutting machines. You can read more about this project at the link below:
https://www.instructables.com/id/WiDC-Wi-Fi-Controlled-FPV-Robot-with-Arduino-ESP82/
It had some drawbacks, such as the need to use two independent controllers (an Arduino and an ESP8266) and the fact that it could only send/receive commands from a local area network and using a computer (desktop or laptop).
This time I decided to test a different physical structure, and a new way to perform control of the robot. For this, a DIY kit was used for the robot structure, and a Wemos ESP8266 board associated with the Blynk app to carry out its control. The code for robot control was developed using the Arduino IDE.
There are several ways to use this tutorial. You can use it to:
- Learn how to program an ESP8266 using the Arduino IDE;
- Practice your electronics and soldering skills, etc;
- See how to assemble a robotic kit;
- Learn how to use Blynk app on your projects;”

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