A spherical FPV robot for remote inspection in hazardous and hard-to-reach environments.
ORB is a spherical robotic platform with first-person-view video, designed to let an operator inspect environments that may be dangerous or inaccessible to people. The clear outer shell protects the electronics while the internal drive system moves the robot and keeps the chassis upright. The finished prototype earned 4th Place in The Hive's Summer 2026 Project Buildathon.
A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W runs the robot and controls three 300 RPM N20 motors through two TB6612FNG motor drivers. The motors drive three omni wheels arranged around the chassis. Custom Python kiwi-drive kinematics translate operator commands into individual wheel speeds, allowing ORB to move in any direction without first turning to face it.
The internal chassis went through several design iterations so every component would fit inside an eight-inch plastic sphere. The mass of the electronics and battery acts as a stabilizing pendulum, helping the chassis remain upright as the shell rolls. The final parts were printed on an Ender 3 Pro and use heat-set inserts so the assembly can be opened, adjusted, and repaired more easily.
The electrical system combines a 12 V LiPo battery, a 12 V-to-5 V buck converter, dual motor drivers, the Raspberry Pi, three motors, and a micro servo. Fitting that system inside the sphere required careful wire measurement, soldered cable splits, jumper connectors, and heat shrink to prevent shorts. Each component was tested independently before the complete system was assembled and powered on.
An onboard Pi camera streams live video over Wi-Fi, giving the operator a first-person view from inside the robot. The working prototype successfully drives and streams video, proving the core concept. Future improvements include camera stabilization, stronger motor couplings, and a better clamp for the clear shell.
ORB now has a virtual twin. It cannot roll into your furniture, which makes it the safest version yet.
CLICK HERE TO USE THE ORB →