Reddit Robotics AMA. I’m here to answer any questions about making robots, the business of robots, the future of robots, or pretty much anything else you can think of.
Some people in our forums have been building hotwire foam cutters using GcodeCNCDemo technology.
Here’s a perfect example of a machine that could be done using this method.
We’re using a normal camera quick release for this robot arm because we want to follow the KISS principle. With these diagrams in millimeters [and inches] you should be able to model the adapter and then 3D print it, mill it, add it to a tool design, or more. The only rule to remember with the adapter is this: your tool should never go “below” the top edge of the adapter, or the arm might not be able to grab the adapter.
So what kind of tools could you make for your robot arm? Here are a few suggestions:
Today I’m delighted to officially open source some of the 5 axis robot arm I’ve named “Evil Minion” (seen here holding a bottle opener). Tweak it and bring it to World Maker Fair where – if all goes well – you’ll be able to run it on the arm.
This release contains the firmware and the electrical schematics. Firmware is the code for the central nervous system of the robot. The schematics explain the wiring between the Arduino MEGA, the motors, the sensors, and the Automatic Tool Changer (not yet available).
Click for a larger version
I used the schematic to make a PCB that turns a loose rat’s nest of wires on my desk into a compact, efficient shield.
