ESP32 Robot Car Chassis – Modular & Open Source Base

Ready to dive into the exciting world of robotics? This 3D-printable chassis is the perfect modular and open-source foundation for your ESP32-powered robot car projects.

Designed with DIY enthusiasts and educational purposes in mind, this robust and versatile chassis provides ample mounting points for all your essential components. Easily integrate your motors, wheels, battery holders, sensors, and, of course, your ESP32 development board. Its modular nature means you can effortlessly customize and expand it to fit your specific needs, whether you're building a basic line-follower, an advanced obstacle-avoidance robot, or experimenting with complex AI and IoT applications.

My Bambu Lab printer unlocked "Robot Mode" today.

Now I have six of them! Which color is your favorite?

Another video featuring the six different colors of my robots cars.

360° View of the ESP32 robot car

License

We're sharing this project under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. This encourages you to not only use our design but also to modify, improve, and share your own enhanced versions with the wider community, fostering true open-source collaboration.

How to build the ESP32 robot car

I have written a book which will be published in September 2025 describing the whole process from the design, vibe coding the ESP32 and using sensors and servo motors. The book is available here:

https://www.rheinwerk-verlag.de/roboter-autos-mit-dem-esp32-bauen-programmieren-steuern/

Currently the book is only available in German. If there's a demand for an English translation, please let my publisher know in the comments here.

More About This Project & Further Resources

For a complete deep dive into this ESP32 Robot Car project, including detailed build instructions, comprehensive insights, and even alternative approaches, visit my private blog which I am currently building up:

https://custom-build-robots.com/category/esp32-roboter-auto

On the blog, you'll find:

Detailed Components List: Get a full overview of all necessary electronic parts and where to source them.

Alternative Chassis Designs: Explore different chassis variations and ideas, including how they can be adapted.

Videos & Tutorials: Watch videos that guide you through the assembly process, programming, and various functionalities.

DIY Chassis Ideas: Discover creative ways to build your own robot car chassis using readily available materials like cardboard or Lego bricks, encouraging even more hands-on experimentation.

This resource is designed to provide you with everything you need to successfully build, customize, and experiment with your ESP32 Robot Car. Happy building!

3D Files

To ensure maximum usability and flexibility, you'll find a comprehensive set of files:

• .STL files: Ready for immediate printing on any 3D printer.
• .3MF files: Offer enhanced features for modern slicers, including improved model data and print settings.
• .STEP files: Provided for advanced users who wish to modify the design in their preferred CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, SolidWorks, FreeCAD). This allows full parametric control for deep customization.

Jumpstart your journey into robotics, electronics, and programming with a solid, adaptable platform that invites creativity and hands-on learning. We can't wait to see what you build!

Hint: The .3MF and .STL 3D files will be evailable soon!!!

3D files overview

The list shows the most important parts you need to build the ESP32 Robot Car.

ESP32 Robot Car pictures

ESP32 robot car with an ultrasonic sensor for the self-driving mode and NeoPixel LED rainbow light.

This is the robot car with the snow plow mounted on the fornt.

The car cabin with the OLED Display for status information and the voltage meter for the battery voltage.

Two robot cars, each equipped with a needle and balloon holder for exciting balloon duels.

Here you see the servo motor mount for the ESP32 robot car.

I plan to design additional attachments such as a metal detector, water sprayer, or brush. Of course, you are also highly encouraged to design or further develop your own attachments for the robot car!