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Autonomous, Solar-Powered Fijibot Only Lives to Survive Another Day

Robot made from recycled materials with solar panel and sensors.

Aside from being completely adorable, Fijibot is a completely autonomous robot that automatically seeks out light sources to charge his solar-powered battery.

Robotic vehicle prototype with solar panel and camera sensors.

He's built from a 1.5 liter Fiji water bottle, packed with an Arduino Uno, 6 volt solar panel, and an Arduino Proto Shield. His other parts are all off-the-shelf gear you could grab at RadioShack, while the wheels are from a discarded RC car.

Components for a DIY robotics project, including wheels, an Arduino board, and solar panels.
Electronics components and wires connected to a modified plastic bottle.
Components for a DIY robotics project, including wheels, an Arduino board, and solar panels.
Electronics components and wires connected to a modified plastic bottle.

Fijibot isn't a particularly useful robot, but it's still fun to watch him navigate from light source to light source trying desperately to stay alive.

If you're interested in making your own, check out the full tutorial by mikesoniat.

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.

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