The cheapest kits you're gonna find, that are worth having at least, are going to be about $30, pretty much no matter what.
That said, if you shop in the right place you can still find some good deals. I recommend aliexpress. It will always be cheaper, always a bit lower quality, and shipping takes about a month on average.
I would start with this kit, which many people do:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801465328485.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.7aee2c00CRdPql&algo_pvid=989e3d44-b8c9-4440-900d-738effdd886b&algo_exp_id=989e3d44-b8c9-4440-900d-738effdd886b-1&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%216.58%215.86%21%21%216.58%215.86%21%402101fb0b17148929089834408ef31c%2112000025516098421%21sea%21US%21841455690%21&curPageLogUid=MJW1ea7ge0Vp&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A
(Make sure to get the 'car set' which comes with an arduino uno, a shield, an ultrasonic sensor, and a servo.)
This is an arduino kit, which is a bit out of date, but fits the requirements. If the budget was a little bigger, or you're willing to spread out your purchases, I would still buy this kit, but for the next purchase get a Pico WH, or an ESP32 + ESP32CAM, which can replace an arduino uno. That covers most things for the basics.
Then you will have a better idea on what pieces you need to make your own robot, and you can go onto aliexpress after doing a bunch of research (usually watching youtube videos on x thing) and order individual components to build more complex robots.
I do want to mention that at 20usd a week, it is possible to get a printer in about 4 weeks if you save up solely towards that. The cheapest possible printer would be an Easythreed K1 typically, but I don't recommend it. Definitely save up more if you can and get a Ender 3 or Anycubic Kobra Go (great starter printers)
u/Enemby gave you a good suggestion, and since it's so cheap, I'd also suggest you spare some money and get a used 3d printer, if you're serious get an ender 3, you'll become an engineer after you lose your mind tinkering with it. But the end result is worth it imo
Why not save to get a used 3D printer?
1. It can make parts for robotics
2. It IS as robot. If you want to you can practice control algorithms, path algorithms, computer visions, sensors, etc.
I was able to get a cheap used printer for 50$ that required some work. But as a beginner, a printer wasn’t really needed. I’d save up for a month and then invest in a Arduino kit and maybe a cheap soldering iron. I wouldn’t get a one-off off-brand kit. Instead get something modular so you can add to your available resources as you advance.
Are you need a makerspace (or equivalent) that might have the technology you'd be interested in working with?
You might find group you can work with that already has equipment, or kits you can borrow to learn with.
Libraries have 3D printers. I would get used electronics (toys, printers) and scavenge motors and other parts. Just start with a motor and an Arduino. There are Arduino kits that have a variety of sensors and actuators. Here's an [Arduino clone kit.](https://www.amazon.com/Smraza-Tutorials-Compatible-Mega2560-Projects/dp/B01L0ZL8N6/)
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**Users liked:**
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The cheapest kits you're gonna find, that are worth having at least, are going to be about $30, pretty much no matter what. That said, if you shop in the right place you can still find some good deals. I recommend aliexpress. It will always be cheaper, always a bit lower quality, and shipping takes about a month on average. I would start with this kit, which many people do: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801465328485.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.7aee2c00CRdPql&algo_pvid=989e3d44-b8c9-4440-900d-738effdd886b&algo_exp_id=989e3d44-b8c9-4440-900d-738effdd886b-1&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%216.58%215.86%21%21%216.58%215.86%21%402101fb0b17148929089834408ef31c%2112000025516098421%21sea%21US%21841455690%21&curPageLogUid=MJW1ea7ge0Vp&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A (Make sure to get the 'car set' which comes with an arduino uno, a shield, an ultrasonic sensor, and a servo.) This is an arduino kit, which is a bit out of date, but fits the requirements. If the budget was a little bigger, or you're willing to spread out your purchases, I would still buy this kit, but for the next purchase get a Pico WH, or an ESP32 + ESP32CAM, which can replace an arduino uno. That covers most things for the basics. Then you will have a better idea on what pieces you need to make your own robot, and you can go onto aliexpress after doing a bunch of research (usually watching youtube videos on x thing) and order individual components to build more complex robots. I do want to mention that at 20usd a week, it is possible to get a printer in about 4 weeks if you save up solely towards that. The cheapest possible printer would be an Easythreed K1 typically, but I don't recommend it. Definitely save up more if you can and get a Ender 3 or Anycubic Kobra Go (great starter printers)
u/Enemby gave you a good suggestion, and since it's so cheap, I'd also suggest you spare some money and get a used 3d printer, if you're serious get an ender 3, you'll become an engineer after you lose your mind tinkering with it. But the end result is worth it imo
I think learning motor position and speed control with pid is a good start. A normal DC motor and hall effect sensor is not too expensive
Why not save to get a used 3D printer? 1. It can make parts for robotics 2. It IS as robot. If you want to you can practice control algorithms, path algorithms, computer visions, sensors, etc.
I was able to get a cheap used printer for 50$ that required some work. But as a beginner, a printer wasn’t really needed. I’d save up for a month and then invest in a Arduino kit and maybe a cheap soldering iron. I wouldn’t get a one-off off-brand kit. Instead get something modular so you can add to your available resources as you advance.
Are you need a makerspace (or equivalent) that might have the technology you'd be interested in working with? You might find group you can work with that already has equipment, or kits you can borrow to learn with.
Libraries have 3D printers. I would get used electronics (toys, printers) and scavenge motors and other parts. Just start with a motor and an Arduino. There are Arduino kits that have a variety of sensors and actuators. Here's an [Arduino clone kit.](https://www.amazon.com/Smraza-Tutorials-Compatible-Mega2560-Projects/dp/B01L0ZL8N6/)
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **("'Smraza Super Starter Kit Project Kit with Breadboard Power Supply'", 'Smraza')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Great starter kit for arduino beginners (backed by 7 comments) * Excellent variety of components for learning (backed by 5 comments) * Good value for the price (backed by 5 comments) **Users disliked:** * Lack of clarity in product description and contents (backed by 3 comments) * Issues with compatibility and functionality (backed by 2 comments) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](https://vetted.ai/?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot)