Getting Started with RoboLink

Welcome to RoboLink

RoboLink is a mobile app that lets you wirelessly control Arduino-based robots using your phone. Whether you're building an RC car, a robotic arm, or a custom drone, RoboLink provides the controller interface.

This tutorial will walk you through the initial setup process.

Step 1: Install the App

Download RoboLink from the Google Play Store. The app is free and doesn't require an account.

Step 2: Install the Arduino Library

You'll need to install the RoboLink Arduino library to communicate with the app. There are two versions:

• RoboLink WiFi — For Wi-Fi connections via UDP (ESP32, ESP8266)
• RoboLink Bluetooth — For Bluetooth Classic connections (HC-05, HC-06, ESP32)

Download the library that matches your hardware from the Downloads page, then install it in the Arduino IDE:

1. Open Arduino IDE
2. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Add .ZIP Library
3. Select the downloaded .zip file
4. Restart the IDE

Step 3: Upload the Example Sketch

Each library comes with example sketches. Start with the basic example:

1. Go to File > Examples > RoboLinkWiFi > BasicExample
2. Update the Wi-Fi credentials if needed
3. Upload to your board

#include <RoboLinkWiFi.h>

RoboLinkWiFi robolink;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  robolink.begin("MyRobot", 4210);
}

void loop() {
  robolink.update();
  
  // Read values from the app
  int x = robolink.getValue("steerX");
  int y = robolink.getValue("steerY");
  
  Serial.print("X: "); Serial.print(x);
  Serial.print(" Y: "); Serial.println(y);
}

Step 4: Connect from the App

1. Open RoboLink on your phone
2. Tap the Connection button in the top-right
3. Select Wi-Fi / UDP or Bluetooth
4. For Wi-Fi: Enter the port number (default: 4210)
5. Tap Connect

Step 5: Choose a Layout

RoboLink comes with preset layouts for common robot types:

• RC Car — Joystick + speed slider + buttons
• Robotic Arm — Joint sliders + gripper toggle + XY pad

Load a preset from the Layouts panel, or create your own custom layout using the editor.

Next Steps

Now that you're connected, explore these tutorials:

• Setting up Wi-Fi control in depth
• Configuring Bluetooth connections
• Building custom controller layouts
• Adding camera streaming

Welcome to the RoboLink community!