Robohub.org
 

Make your own Dtto Modular Robot – Assembly instructions (Part 2 of 3)


by
23 August 2016



share this:
Dtto v.2 module robot, DIY project, photo by Alberto Molina.

Dtto v.2 module robot, DIY project, photo by Alberto Molina.

Dtto v2.0 is a modular self-reconfigurable robot focused on bio-inspired locomotion mechanisms. This tutorial shows how to assemble a fully working Dtto Modular Robot module.

Please review Part 1 before getting started.

This document is an illustrated guide on how to assemble a module (v2) for the Dtto Modular Robot: https://hackaday.io/project/9976-dtto-v20-modular-robot

Now, let’s jump in for Part 2!


Step 7

We need:

  • 1 x Part 005-1
  • 1 x Part 007-1
  • 1 x Part 009-1
  • 12 x Neodymium Magnets

In this step, we put the magnets on the male parts. It is very important to put all the magnets in the male part with the north pole facing the inside of the module. Put the magnets in the holes, then put a drop of glue, sticking it to the part. For this procedure, use a hot glue gun.

7a 7b

Repeat the procedure for the 3 parts:

7c

Step 8

We need:

  • 1 x Part 006-1
  • 1 x Part 008-1
  • 1 x Part 010-1
  • 12 x Neodymium Magnets

As we did in the previous step, we will also put the magnets in the female parts. Remember to put all magnets with the north pole facing the outside of the module. If we do this correctly the male parts won’t stick between them, but a male and a female part will be magnetically attracted.

Step 9

We need:

  • 3 x SG90 Servomotors
  • 3 x Part 013-1
  • 3 x Part 014-1
  • 3 x Small rubber bands (dental braces)

In this step, we will prepare the coupling mechanism that holds the modules of the robot together.

First, insert the servo arm (previously cut, as in the pic) through the two printed parts. Ensure that these parts rotate freely around the servo arm. Put the servo in the 90° position (servo.write(90)).

Then, screw the parts, like in the picture, using the screw that came with the servo.

Finally, put the rubber band between the two parts.

9a 9b

Repeat the procedure with the other 3 SG90 servomotors.

Step 10

We need:

  • 1 x Part 005-1 (step 7)
  • 1 x Part 007-1 (step 7)
  • 1 x Part 009-1 (step 7)

In this step, we will fix the servos that form the coupling mechanism to the printed parts.

First, insert the servo in the correct position.

Then, using the 2 screws that came with the servo, fix it to the part.

10a 10b

Repeat the procedure for the 2 parts left.

Step 11

We need:

  • 1 x HC-05 Bluetooth module
  • 1 x NRF24L01 radio module

In this step, we will prepare the Bluetooth and the radio module.

Remove the pin headers to solder wire directly, thus reducing the total volume of the modules. Be sure to use a flat cable from an old PC, because there won’t be much space for cables.

11a

Step 12

We need:

  • 1 x NRF24L02 radio module (step 11)

Now, we are going to stick the radio module to its final position.

Due to the lack of space and the need to reduce weight, we decided to simply stick the module with some hot glue. Be sure the module doesn’t make contact with the moving part in the center. The cables go to the other side of the module.

12a

Step 13

We need:

  • 1 x Part 009-1 (step 10)

Using 3 screws, mount the motor-equipped part 009-1 to the body of the module. Ensure that the servo cables don’t contact the coupling mechanism.

13a

13b

Step 14

We need:

  • 1 x Part 005-1 (step 10)

In this step, we will mount the “base” of the robot, part 005-1, with the previously mounted motor.

It’s important to note the size of the cables connected to the radio module (step 11), because they have to fit between the “base” servomotor and the top part.

We need 4 screws for this step.
14a

Tomorrow, we will conclude the tutorial with Part 3: configuring the voltage regulator, the Arduino Nano, and final part assembly!

This project and all of its files, images and texts are entirely licensed under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode).


If you liked this article, you may also want to read:

See all the latest robotics news on Robohub, or sign up for our weekly newsletter.



tags: , ,


Alberto Molina is a recent graduate in Electrical Engineering.
Alberto Molina is a recent graduate in Electrical Engineering.

            AUAI is supported by:



Subscribe to Robohub newsletter on substack



Related posts :

Intermittent swimming promotes the energy efficiency of fish-like robot movements

How zebrafish-inspired robots save energy by swimming in bursts.

What does it take for a robot to hold a conversation with a room, not just a person?

and   14 Aug 2026
Find out about a summer school held at Imperial College London.

Robotics roadmaps from around the world

We embark on a tour into some of the recent and prominent robotics roadmaps from around the world.

A ‘5-in-1’ seed-sized surgical robot

Mini robot can move, cut tissue, release drugs, grip and store samples, and generate heat wirelessly

AI agents create virtual playgrounds to help robots get crucial training data

  07 Aug 2026
“SceneSmith” system uses collaborative AI agents to create realistic 3D environments of places like kitchens, hotels, and living rooms, where robots can simulate everyday chores.

Robots in society, business and culture: July 2026

A round up of robotics stories in a new monthly series from IEEE RAS.

Simulated zebrafish and a vision-equipped robotic fish reveal how the body shapes brain circuits

Researchers look to the fish brain to create a robotic zebrafish that can autonomously swim upstream.

Researchers develop modular nanorobot

  31 Jul 2026
A team at the University of Basel has developed a versatile nanorobot with propulsion and payload modules.



AUAI is supported by:







Subscribe to Robohub newsletter on substack




 















©2026.05 - Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence