Arduino PID + MPU6050 Gesture Balancing Kit - Build a Ball Balancer
Build a Self-Balancing Ball Platform with Arduino and MPU6050: Master PID Control and Gesture Recognition
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Ever wondered how drones stay stable or how self-balancing robots work? This kit lets you build a real PID-controlled tilting platform that uses an MPU6050 gyro-accelerometer to detect angle changes and a high-torque servo to keep a metal ball precisely centred. It's a hands-on journey into control theory, sensor noise filtering, and real-time feedback-the exact principles behind modern robotics, aerial gimbals, and automotive stability systems.
What You'll Build
You'll construct an acrylic platform that tilts on a single axis. A metal ball sits on its surface. The MPU6050 continuously measures the platform's tilt, and the Arduino runs a PID loop to command the MG996R servo, tilting the platform against gravity to keep the ball from rolling. Tune the proportional, integral, and derivative gains, and the ball will stay dead-centre even when you gently nudge it. This same closed-loop balance technique is used in Segways, camera stabilisers, and industrial balancing machines.
What You'll Learn
- PID tuning (Kp, Ki, Kd) on a physical system with immediate visual feedback
- Reading and filtering raw MPU6050 accelerometer and gyroscope data
- Servo control with high-current MG996R and stable 5V power delivery
- Real-time feedback loops and sensor fusion for stable balancing
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | x1 |
| MPU6050 | x1 |
| MG996R Servo | x1 |
| 4.7k? Resistors | x5 |
| 10k? Resistors | x5 |
| 100nF Capacitors | x5 |
| PCB Prototype Board | x1 |
| 5V 2A Power Supply | x1 |
| Acrylic Platform 150x100mm | x1 |
| M3 Bolts + Nuts | x10 |
| M-F Jumper Wires | x20 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Ideal for B.Tech ECE and EEE students working on control systems or feedback loop assignments, Smart India Hackathon teams prototyping autonomous balancing modules, and CBSE Class 12 students needing an advanced physics project on servomechanisms. Also fits ATL Tinkering Lab experiments and robotics clubs at IIT, NIT, VIT, and BITS campuses where practical PID understanding is essential.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project - accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code, and the AI companion will guide you step by step, referencing this project's exact wiring and code. Or send a WhatsApp message - our team responds within hours.
Do I need to know PID theory beforehand?
Not at all. The AI companion explains each constant (Kp, Ki, Kd) in plain language as you tune the balancer. You'll learn by seeing the ball react in real time, not by reading textbooks alone.
Can I use this for a college robotics competition?
Absolutely. The kit demonstrates real-time closed-loop control. You can extend the code to add gesture-triggered commands or RF feedback - many IIT and NIT teams have used similar setups in national-level contests.
What if the ball doesn't balance perfectly?
That's part of the discovery. The AI companion will walk you through debugging sensor noise, power supply stability, and PID parameter adjustments until you achieve a stable zero-error equilibrium.
Gesture - MPU6050 on a single-axis tilting platform uses PID to balance a ball in the centre using a servo.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit - 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo - 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items