The SunFounder PiCar-V is an educational smart video robot car kit designed for Raspberry Pi. It combines robotics, camera-based monitoring, Python programming, and motor control in a customizable four-wheel robotic platform.

Equipped with a 120° wide-angle USB camera, servo-controlled camera movement, and a four-wheel chassis, the PiCar-V allows users to explore real-time video streaming, remote-controlled movement, and intelligent robotics applications.

The kit includes a Robot HAT, PCA9685 PWM driver, TB6612 motor driver, and three servo motors, providing a practical platform for learning electronics, programming, and robotics.

Ideal for students, makers, and engineering projects.

Note: Raspberry Pi board and 18650 batteries are not included.

Key Features

• Raspberry Pi-Based Robotics: Designed for Raspberry Pi development and programming.
• 120° Wide-Angle Camera: Captures video for monitoring and robotic vision projects.
• Real-Time Video Monitoring: Supports video streaming through compatible software.
• Camera Pan and Tilt: Servo-controlled camera positioning.
• Python Programming: Develop custom robotic movement and camera-control applications.
• Visual Programming: Supports graphical programming through compatible software.
• Four-Wheel Robot Chassis: Stable platform for robotic movement.
• PCA9685 PWM Driver: Provides PWM control for servo motors.
• TB6612 Motor Driver: Controls DC motor movement.
• Robot HAT Expansion Board: Simplifies connections between the Raspberry Pi and robot components.
• DIY Assembly: Practical hands-on experience with mechanical and electronic systems.

Technical Specifications

Camera and Video Features

The PiCar-V includes a wide-angle USB camera for robotic vision applications.

• Live video monitoring
• Remote camera viewing
• Pan-and-tilt camera movement
• Camera-based robotics experiments
• Image processing using compatible Raspberry Pi software
• Python and OpenCV experimentation

Note: Advanced functions such as object recognition, tracking, and autonomous navigation require additional software development.

Programming and Control

The PiCar-V can be programmed to perform different robotic functions:

• Forward and reverse movement
• Left and right steering
• Camera pan and tilt
• Remote-controlled driving
• Video streaming
• Custom motor and servo control
• Sensor and camera integration

Python provides flexibility for creating customized robotic applications.

Raspberry Pi Compatibility

The PiCar-V was developed for earlier Raspberry Pi models, including:

• Raspberry Pi 2 Model B
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+

Important: Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 compatibility is not guaranteed. Software, mechanical mounting, and GPIO compatibility must be verified before use.

Applications

• STEM and Robotics Education
• Python Programming
• Remote-Controlled Robot Cars
• Video Surveillance Experiments
• Computer Vision Projects
• Robotics Research
• Camera-Based Navigation
• University Engineering Projects
• DIY Robotics Development

Package Includes

Additional mounting hardware may be supplied with the kit.

Important Notes

• Raspberry Pi is not included.
• 18650 batteries are not included.
• Assembly and software installation are required.
• The included USB Wi-Fi adapter is intended for compatible Raspberry Pi configurations.
• The PiCar-V is an educational robotics platform, not a ready-to-use commercial surveillance robot.
• Newer Raspberry Pi operating systems may require software adjustments.
• Verify Raspberry Pi model compatibility before purchasing.