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You can build the littleBits Robot Butler as a small, obstacle-avoiding carrier: three roller switches sense bumps through movable arms, and an inverter switches the robot from forward motion to a turning motor. The original Make: project is a 2014 demonstration design, not a tested food-serving appliance. Its named Deluxe Kit is not enough on its own; plan for three roller switches, a second DC motor and an extra wire module unless you already have them.
How the littleBits Robot Butler works
The original design is a 6-inch-diameter robot intended to roam across a dining table while carrying food. A central DC motor drives it forward, supported by two LEGO wheels. Around the perimeter, plastic sensing arms press three roller switches when they meet a cup or bowl.
The circuit uses the switches in series, followed by a DC motor and an inverter that controls a second DC motor. With no switch pressed, the drive motor runs and the turning motor stays off. Pressing any switch stops the forward motor and, through the inverter, starts the turning motor. The robot pivots around its center wheel to steer away from the obstacle.
The sensing arms should point in the direction the robot turns, so they continue to detect an obstacle until the robot has turned away. In the compact design, the outer wheel is angled 17 degrees; the project suggests setting it perpendicular to the first wheel on a larger body to reduce drag. These dimensions and design details come from the Make: littleBits project, published July 10, 2014.
#1 Best Overall
- Snap modules easily to 3 inputs and 3 outputs on the Arduino module, as well as additional I/O for advanced hardware interaction
- Communicate with software (Processing, MaxMSP, Flash etc )
- Build with 8 Getting Started sketches, including a DIY Etch-a-Sketch, Mouse Control and hundreds more from Arduino's community!
- Includes everything you need to get started (battery + power included!) right out of the box
- Works seamlessly with the rest of the littleBits library
Parts and materials to gather
littleBits modules
The project’s circuit uses this module inventory:
| Module | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wire | 5 |
| Roller switch | 3 |
| Power | 1 |
| Inverter | 1 |
| DC motor | 2 |
The 2014 project names a littleBits Deluxe Kit but explicitly says it does not include everything needed: add three roller switches, one extra DC motor and one extra wire module. Treat this as a historical parts list, not a guarantee about what a kit sold today contains. Current littleBits Classroom pages describe offerings such as the Code Kit and STEAM Student Set, but do not establish that either includes this complete bill of materials or is compatible with every legacy component. Check the exact module types, quantities, present availability and compatibility before buying.
Rank #2
- Purchase one kit per RVR and allow your groups to combine both programming with engineering design principles
- Utilize RVRs onboard power source to power your littleBits invention and make it mobile with RVRs all terrain treads
- Program RVRs IR sensors to interact with the littleBits IR remote trigger to create mazes, gates and other inventions
- Connect littleBits’ newest bit - micro:bit adapter to program both littleBits and RVR in the same platform - Microsoft MakeCode or micro:bit python editor
- Promotes collaboration - assign one group the programming and another engineering and see what the can create together
Mechanical parts and tools
- Two motor wheels with a 3 mm cutout for the motors’ D-shaped shafts
- Two LEGO wheels and a small ball caster, or a LEGO turntable and wheel
- 1/4-inch acrylic for the body pieces
- M3 x 30 mm screws and nuts
- Three brass tubes, each specified as 1/4-inch diameter and 3/4-inch tall
- Glue dots, ruler, pliers, screwdriver and pipe cutter; a hobby saw can replace the pipe cutter
Use those dimensions as a fit checklist rather than assuming generic wheels, tubing or fasteners will match. A laser cutter is optional: the project allows paper or film templates as layout guides and suggests choosing a cutting method suited to the body material. Cardboard or hard paperboard can replace acrylic for the sensing arms; brass or plastic pipe can replace acrylic spacers. Substitutions may require dimension adjustments so the arms move freely and reliably actuate the switches.
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1. Assemble and check the circuit
Connect the modules in this order: power + wire + roller switch + wire + roller switch + wire + roller switch + wire + DC motor + inverter + wire + DC motor. Set all three roller switches to open mode. Test the circuit before attaching it to the body: with no switch pressed, the first motor should run; pressing a switch should stop it and start the second motor.
Rank #3
- QUICK START WITH INSTANT FEEDBACK: Color-coded electronic blocks make setup and inventing simple, with real-time feedback that encourages experimentation from the first snap
- GUIDED CHALLENGES: Includes open-ended challenges and guided cross-curricular lesson plans that introduce engineering design basics and foster critical thinking
- SCREEN-FREE CREATIVITY: Encourages hands-on learning, giving students valuable learning time sans screens
- VERSATILE AND ADAPTABLE: Modular pieces adapt to various projects and easily integrate across subjects
- COLLABORATIVE LEARNING: Supports teamwork and project-based learning in classroom settings
2. Cut and prepare the body
Cut the body pieces using the project template if available, or use it as a layout guide. The original project describes 1/4-inch acrylic, but paper or film templates and hand-cut alternatives can help when laser cutting is unavailable. Check that body pieces leave room for the motors, wheels, switches and moving arms.
3. Fit the drive and support wheels
Attach the center drive motor and its wheels, the two LEGO support wheels, and the direction-changing caster. Keep the wheels at an even height. The arrangement matters: the centered wheel drives forward, while the perimeter wheel helps turn the body around the stationary center wheel.
Rank #4
- Foster Imaginative Thinking: Create a minimum of three unique models with boundless potential using the BabaBit to build a robot stem kit! Featuring an assortment of colorful nuts, bolts, and shapely parts, our robot building kit empowers young minds to grow in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
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- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Unleash extraordinary designs with our educational model building kits, complete with detailed and illustrated instructions! This innovative approach to stem activities for kids makes it an exceptional learning and educational toy for budding builders and future engineers.
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4. Mount the modules and sensing arms
Position the Bits on the lower body, then install the sensing arms and spacers. Orient the arms to follow the turn direction. Leave enough clearance for each arm to move smoothly and press its roller switch without binding.
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Use the three tubes and fasteners to attach the upper platform. First test the moving build on a clear, bounded surface where it cannot run off an edge. Observe whether the arms actuate the switches and whether the robot turns away; adjust clearances and geometry before considering a tabletop demonstration. The 2014 project does not report a controlled safety test, so do not treat the build as a certified or validated food-serving device.
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What to check before starting
- Confirm that you have three roller switches, two DC motors, five wires, one inverter and one power module, regardless of what a kit label suggests.
- Verify wheel-shaft fit: the specified motor wheel has a 3 mm cutout matching a D-shaped shaft.
- Plan for the stated M3 x 30 mm screws and the tube dimensions; substitutions may need changes to the body layout.
- If using cardboard or hardboard, check that the sensing arms remain stiff enough to press the switches while moving freely.
- Test the circuit and the completed robot on a safe, bounded surface before any demonstration near food or table edges.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
