Prepare the Robot

Prerequisites

• YardForce Classic 500
• Some basic screwdrivers

Step 1: Open The Robot

The first step is to open up the robot. This is a bit tricky in some parts, so I recommend you checking my YouTube video here: YouTube Video. The relevant time is: 2:25 - 5:08.

Step 2: Remove Stock Electronics

You will need to remove these stock electronics:

• Mainboard
• Perimeter Sensor (slim PCB in the front of the robot).
• All cables in the orange cover (emergency stop).

Keep the battery in place.

Step 3 Optional: Modify USB Socket

The YardForce classic has a USB socket on the back of the robot. Unfortunately for us, this socket has some non-standard connector on the inside.

If you want to use this USB socket on the back of the robot (for example for controlling the robot using a gamepad like shown in the first video), you will need to add a USB A plug to the USB cable and plug it into the Raspberry Pi.

This way the USB port at the back of the robot is wired directly to the Raspberry Pi.