MOTION / MECHANISM
Cardboard Kinetic Automaton
A pre-cut card and craft-stick cam mechanism brings a small automaton to life. An SG92R servo turns a linkage, while a 10k potentiometer gives builders direct control over its motion.
EST. €30.49
Build #28
Build plan
Make it
your own.
- Build time
- 3–4 hours
- Main interface
- Servo PWM + analogue input
- 01Assemble the pre-cut corrugated-card and craft-stick cam linkage on its base.
- 02Fit the SG92R horn to the crank and check that the linkage moves freely before attaching it to the automaton.
- 03Place the Pico and 10k potentiometer on a breadboard; read the knob position with an ADC pin.
- 04Power the servo from the separate 5V supply and connect its ground to Pico ground.
- 05Map the knob reading to a safe servo angle, then tune the motion so the linkage never jams.
- The card pieces must be pre-cut before the session; attendees only assemble the mechanism.
- Do not power the servo from the Pico 3.3V rail. The servo supply and Pico must share ground.
Bill of materials
Parts list
BerryBase parts were listed in stock on 1 Oct 2026. Stock and prices can change; workshop materials are listed separately.
ItemCost
- 01Raspberry Pi Pico WHIn stock · checked 1 Oct 2026
- 02SG92R micro servoIn stock · checked 1 Oct 2026
- 0310k breadboard potentiometerIn stock · checked 1 Oct 2026
- 04400-point breadboardIn stock · checked 1 Oct 2026
- 0540-pin Dupont jumper-wire assortmentIn stock · checked 1 Oct 2026
- 06MeanWell 5V / 4A power supplyIn stock · checked 1 Oct 2026
- 075.5×2.1mm DC socket to screw terminalIn stock · checked 1 Oct 2026
- 08Pre-cut cardboard and craft-stick linkage kit (workshop-prepared)Workshop-prepared · no attendee cutting€0.00workshop
Estimated build total€30.49