I don't have specific 'related hardware',  so the hardware listed is not mine,  I just chose it to submit this request. I just need ideas or specific items I can buy to maybe upgrade my robot,  thanks.

Upgrading your Meccano Meccanoid robot can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are some ideas and components you might consider to enhance your robot:

1. Microphone Upgrade:

   • If you're looking to improve voice recognition or sound detection, consider using a high-quality external microphone. You can connect it to a microcontroller like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi that interfaces with the Meccanoid's control system.
   • For integration with Synthiam ARC, you could use the EZ-B v4/2 Wi-Fi Robot Controller, which has a built-in microphone and can be connected to your robot's existing system.

2. LED Sound-Activated Mouth:

   • To create a sound-activated LED mouth, you can use an audio sensor module that detects sound levels and triggers LED responses. Modules like the KY-038 Microphone Sound Sensor can be used for this purpose.
   • You can program the LEDs to light up in patterns or intensity based on the sound detected, simulating a mouth movement. This can be done using a microcontroller to control the LEDs.

3. Working Hands with Servos:

   • To add movement to the Meccanoid's hands, you can install servo motors in the arms. Micro servos like the SG90 are small and can be used for simple hand movements.
   • You'll need to design or modify the hands to accommodate the servos and any additional mechanics needed to achieve the desired movement.

4. Control System:

   • To control the new components, you might need a more capable microcontroller or a robot controller that can handle multiple inputs and outputs. The Synthiam EZ-B v4/2 Wi-Fi Robot Controller is a good option as it can be easily integrated with Synthiam ARC for programming and control.

5. Programming and Integration:

   • Once you have your hardware components, you'll need to program them to work together. Synthiam ARC is a powerful tool for creating custom behaviors and integrating various hardware components.
   • Use ARC's scripting capabilities to program the microphone input, LED mouth, and servo movements. You can create custom scripts or use existing skills within ARC to control your upgraded Meccanoid.

6. Additional Sensors:

   • Consider adding more sensors to your Meccanoid for enhanced interactivity. For example, touch sensors on the hands could allow the robot to respond to physical interactions.

Remember that modifying your Meccanoid will require some electronics knowledge and possibly some mechanical modifications. Always ensure that the power requirements of your new components are compatible with your robot's power supply, and take care to safely integrate any new electronics.

Before purchasing any components, plan out your upgrade, determine the compatibility with your existing robot, and ensure you have the necessary tools and skills to carry out the modifications. If you're new to electronics and robotics, you might want to seek help from online communities or local maker spaces.

hi commandbitzen

witsh meccanoid do you have ? the big one or the short one . i prefer the short one . for the LED mout led its an easy way . use the signal port on a ezbv4 or iotiny and use pwm control , with a script . also do you have a printer? there are some parts , for a meccanoid to print like a mouth piece .

I have the big version,  the 2.0. And for the mouth,  I was just looking for maybe an led board I can buy, that had like that digital led screen look,  and reacts to the sound produced by the robot. It can be anything honestly,  but I was maybe thinking something like that,  a digital led board.  I do not have a printer,  but I could just mount the board another way.

hi jedi legend

what are you using as servo ? and controller ?

Just the basic board and servos that come with the robot kit,  I haven't bought any newer servos

I think most people who upgraded their Meccano robot changed the servos.  Only because the stock servos are quite weak. But to get started, I made a tutorial years ago on using the standard servos: synthiam.com/Community/Tutorials/Control-Meccano-Meccanoid-16220/1

also if you search for meccano on the main community page. There’s a few posts of robots that people made. You’ll find good details there too.

You can control the servos with an arduino but as DJ pointed out they are quite weak. If you replace the servos though don’t throw the old ones out as they monitor their position so they are quite useful if you are building something like a puppet controller for another device like a robot or robot arm.