Would You Like To RoadTest a Servo Driver for a Robotic Gripper?

I don't know much about such control mechanisms but would like to learn more from a hobbyist viewpoint. As michaelkellett mentions, the higher costs of this industrial board may mean I am not the ideal candidate. That said I would still apply with the possibility I am chosen and can (1) help Trinamic identify any product documentation and software issues from a newcomers perspective and (2)  to learn something new.

A motor and load sensor would help make a better roadtest package. I'd have a look and suggest something suitable in my application for my intended project. The proximity sensor isn't such and issue (if needed for the roadtest project) as it would be made from IR LED etc. "Anything else?" My existing PSU is 15v 3A and therefore a item such as this 30v 5A PSU from CPC Farnell would also be very helpful .

In terms of a roadtest project I would plan to design a generic bench-mounted gripper using OpenSCAD and print using my 3D printer, which mounts the supplied motor, load cell and proximity sensor. This design would also include a simple servo control to lift the gripper. Using a RS485 driver board I'd utilise the Trinamic's TMCL libraries to control the board - probably settling on the RPi and C. I may decide however to use Labview from a PC as I see that is also supported. The gripper would be tested against a range of sample items of various composition to see how the software can utilise the proximity and motor control allowing faster approaches to the test items before using torque control before adjusting the final grip (with feedback from the load cell). A latter stage once gripped would be to power the servo and undertake a controlled lift of that item, pause whilst in air, lower and then release grip. The ultimate test I feel would be to lift an egg without any breakage !

As mentioned, I'm just intrigued about such technology and my approach is more akin to learning robotics in a University practical session. I don't currently have a huge yearning for build anything useful - but quickly can think of some cool projects such as a gripper in an automatic wire stripper.

I hope that helps answer some of your questions

I don't know much about such control mechanisms but would like to learn more from a hobbyist viewpoint. As michaelkellett mentions, the higher costs of this industrial board may mean I am not the ideal candidate. That said I would still apply with the possibility I am chosen and can (1) help Trinamic identify any product documentation and software issues from a newcomers perspective and (2)  to learn something new.

A motor and load sensor would help make a better roadtest package. I'd have a look and suggest something suitable in my application for my intended project. The proximity sensor isn't such and issue (if needed for the roadtest project) as it would be made from IR LED etc. "Anything else?" My existing PSU is 15v 3A and therefore a item such as this 30v 5A PSU from CPC Farnell would also be very helpful .

In terms of a roadtest project I would plan to design a generic bench-mounted gripper using OpenSCAD and print using my 3D printer, which mounts the supplied motor, load cell and proximity sensor. This design would also include a simple servo control to lift the gripper. Using a RS485 driver board I'd utilise the Trinamic's TMCL libraries to control the board - probably settling on the RPi and C. I may decide however to use Labview from a PC as I see that is also supported. The gripper would be tested against a range of sample items of various composition to see how the software can utilise the proximity and motor control allowing faster approaches to the test items before using torque control before adjusting the final grip (with feedback from the load cell). A latter stage once gripped would be to power the servo and undertake a controlled lift of that item, pause whilst in air, lower and then release grip. The ultimate test I feel would be to lift an egg without any breakage !

As mentioned, I'm just intrigued about such technology and my approach is more akin to learning robotics in a University practical session. I don't currently have a huge yearning for build anything useful - but quickly can think of some cool projects such as a gripper in an automatic wire stripper.

I hope that helps answer some of your questions