Gumball Launcher

In this project, you'll design and build a fully functional gumball machine using everyday materials and electronic components. With the SparkFun kit, you'll combine the power of an Arduino Uno microcontroller, servo and gear motors, and a drive train to create the mechanics of your dispenser. You'll assemble a creative and sturdy structure using Legos, cardboard, and 3D-printed parts. Powered by 4 AA batteries, this machine will feature programmed motorized movements to dispense colorful gumballs with the press of a button. Use duct tape and super glue to secure your creation and add finishing touches with scissors and rubber gloves to keep your project clean. By the end, you’ll have a unique, personalized gumball machine that’s as fun to build as it is to use!

1. SparkFun Kit
2. 2 Gear Motors https://shorturl.at/4H2Bv
3. 1 servo Motors (in SparkFun kit)
4. Drive Train (in SparkFun kit)
5. 4 AA Batteries  
6. Arduino Uno --- R3 SMD (in SparkFun kit)
7. Legos 
8. Scissors
9. Cardboard
10. Duct Tape
11. Super glue (Hot glue also works)
12. Rubber gloves
13. 3D Printed files attached below
14. Gumballs https://shorturl.at/gRpFK
15. •1 foot of 1” ID vinyl tube
16. The code is also attached

In this step we are just connecting the power and ground through the board.

In this step, we are connecting the push button

In this step, we are connecting our switch

In this step, we will be connecting our servo motors

We are connecting our motor driver. This is a different motor driver than the one from the kit, so be sure to align it with the in-person picture.

We finish the wiring by connecting our motors. Because this is a different motor driver than the one from the kit, be sure to align it with the in-person picture.

Using a mixture of tape superglue and popsicle sticks, establish a frame for the machine and attach the funnel to the top. This funnel will act as the hopper/container holding the gumballs. Make sure the frame is sturdy as everything else will be built off of this. We used multiple layers of popsicle sticks so be prepared to have several layers.

In this step, we connected the servo motor to the two discs that will drop the gumballs. This will attach just below the funnel

In this step, we placed our spinning disk dropper system below the funnel. We attached the dropper using multiple popsicle sticks, as it needs to be supported so it doesn't fall off.

In this step, we attached the piece that will redirect the gumball into the spinning motors. This allows us to control the gumball until it gets to the motor. If the 3D-printed piece is having gumballs get stuck, feel free to switch to the 1" ID Vinyl tube and hook it straight to the bottom of the dropper with tape.

In this step, we attach the wheels which are hooked up to the gear motors. Use the 3D-printed adapters and attach them to the Lego axle and motor. We then built a frame out of popsicle sticks to be able to get the wheels at the right height for where the gumball comes out.

In this final step of the build, we add cardboard to the outside. We do this to cover the breadboard and Arduino Uno, as well as to cover any exposed wires.

Here is a video of the project working.