1/10th scale RC-style car: Donkey

Donkey: Adam Conway/William Roscoe’s RaspberryPi CNN-based car

This car was designed to be as simple. It uses a single camera and all the code is python. Current capabilities include: line/lane following, avoiding objects on sidewalks, and remote control via a mobile phone.

Full build instructions are here

Hardware:

Required  components:

• Hobby grade RC Car with non-integrated ESC (see below for suggestions).
• Raspberry Pi 3
• Raspberry Pi Camera
• Raspberry Pi Servo Hat (for connecting RPI to existing RC car)
• Usb battery +  charger

Software:

The Donkey library was created to control this car. Its features include:

• Remote control car with a virtual joystick on your phone.
• Records image and telemetry data.
• Data pipeline for training autopilots using Keras Autopilot.
• Code and instructions here

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Hobby car platforms:

• Hobby King 1/16 mini rally car  – This car is small but handles very well and can soak up some bumps.  
• 1/10 Trooper Pro – A fast offroad car, but might be a bit loose for high speed road driving – CAD files available for a mounting plate and roll bar.  Currently Adam Conway is using this car.  

Tips for choosing a car:

• No need to get the “RTR” versions, these come with a transmitter(remote control).  It is unlikely you will need or be able to use the remote that comes with these models.  Choose the “ARR” version which typically comes with everything but a battery and TX/RX.
• Choose an ESC with a “UBEC” this will power your servo board connected to the raspberry pi, however will not power the raspberry pi.  
• 4WD is nearly free in most cars now.  While it will take a while for us to get cars fast enough to take advantage of this for performance, it does improve braking performance, which is important immediately.