Arduino project · Motors and movement · Medium
Keypad Controlled Car
Keys 2, 8, 4, 6 and 5 on the keypad drive the car like the arrow keys of a game controller.
What you will learn
- How a keypad gives a number for each key
- How to map keys to actions
- Why 5 is in the middle for stop
How it works
Key 2 forward, 8 backward, 4 spin left, 6 spin right, 5 stop. Press and release a key on the drawing.
Try this next
- Use keys 1 and 3 for gentle turns.
- Add speed keys.
- Add a horn on key *.
The simulator program and explanation on this page are original. The idea follows a classic Arduino project that students have built for years.
Parts: sensors and actuators (tap to show or hide)
Try the inputs (virtual sensors)
Pins (you can change them)
| Part | Arduino pin (change it here) | How to wire it |
|---|
Every wire, one by one
Red rail = 5 V from the Arduino 5V pin. Black rail = GND. The coloured wires carry signals. Match the wire colours on the drawing to this list.
| # | Colour | From (part and leg) | To |
|---|
Steps run from top to bottom, then start again. While the simulation runs, the active step is highlighted in green.
Quantities come from the parts you added. The store links open a search for that item on Robu.in, Amazon.in and ThinkRobotics, so you always see what is in stock today. Check the model, voltage and price before you order.
| # | Item | Qty | Search term | Buy / compare |
|---|
The PDF has the circuit sketch, pin table, every wire, sequence, full code, the parts list with store links, do’s and don’ts for each part, and the safety notes. The project file lets you come back and keep editing.
In the real world
A remote-controlled car
Your commands drive the car. Switch the arena between track and room to try both.
Tip: use the gold tab at the bottom of the circuit drawing to pull the real-world view up over the Arduino board. Your parts stay visible above it, so you can press a button and watch the real scene react.
- Remote / keypad / joystick = your commands
- Car = the car driving