The build has come a long way since my last post. The 3D printed parts (with exception of two small ones that need changes) are all done. I've machine the tubes for the body and cut all the rods, and I've wired up and mounted all of the motors. Software is also coming along quickly, the coordinated move hardware settings are working and I'm working on adding a communication stack to stream moves.
The Robot Arm In Motion
This video shows the robot arm with 3 of the axes of movement running in coordination. The motors for the grip and the upper arm are working, but I need to modify the motor couplers. I like how the parallel bar linkage and bearing on the wrist are working. I took some close-up video of the lower arm tilt gear because it’s one of my favorite details. It’s a 28:1 Herringbone gear, only the sector the robot needs is there and I webbed it out to reduce print time while keeping walls where it needed strength.
Currently the software is pretty simple. It is built on the method Max provided in this thread. I haven't yet added a USB stack or intelligence which would generate the moves. There is just a function called "GetNextMove" which currently gives back two positions alternately for all the axes, to show off the coordinated moves, and will later give back the next move from the com port.
Voting is open
If you like my project please vote for me, it's open until Jan 17th. Mine is the 13th one down,
"The Auto Barista - Paul Sisneros"
http://www.element14.com/community/polls/1692?ICID=PSoc4-topbanner_vote
