https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/ en-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/m/managed-videos/151416Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:22:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:8ec96fd7-c868-4684-bc4c-eca73727e2e3CatwellWe designed the world's first Etch a Sketch movie rendering robot, and brought it to OpenSauce! #arduino #esp32 #3dprinting #maker #raspberrypi Thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this video! They're your one-stop platform for PCB prototyping, assembl...Every Flavor robotflavor robotevery roboteveryflavorrobotevery flavoretchasketchrobotEtch a sketchetchsketchEtchbothttps://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/b/blog/posts/remember-the-etch-a-sketch-toy-now-there-s-etchbotWed, 03 Jun 2026 18:21:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:14f235f6-eeaa-4944-9d85-141b70d0e8ddCatwellThe etch bot draws a portrait from a user uploaded image. (Image Credit: Every Flavor of Robot/ YouTube ) Back in the day, Etch-a-Sketch toys were a big childhood fascination. Many of us used it to sketch out a drawing to express our artistic side. Then, we shook the red plastic frame to erase it. A team of robotics enthusiasts from Every Flavor of Robotics (EFoR) made this toy more unique by turning it into EtchBot , a robot that draws portraits and plays videos on the screen. This project started as a demo for the OpenSauce event before being upgraded into a faster system with custom hardware and open-source software. To get the system working, users upload an image or video through a web interface. Afterward, a Raspberry Pi adjusts the image size to fit the screen. It then takes out the background before turning it into clean line art. The robot also creates G-code motion commands via an optimized path that reduces non-drawing travel between sections. This G-Code is sent to the controller board that powers two Gartt brushless drone motors, which operate as servos that turn the knobs. Magnets and encoder boards are integrated with the motors for real-time positioning feedback to achieve precise control. Meanwhile, motion control is executed by the MotorGo AXIS, a custom motor controller board that uses an ESP32 MCU and two brushless motor drivers in a Rapberry Pi hat. The controller uses PID-based closed-loop control system along with backlash compensation routines that account for mechanical slack in the drive system. The system changes movement speeds gradually instead of abruptly to minimize hardware stress and prevent damage. And since the drawing stylus is always in contact with the drawing surface, the robot’s software plans the best route to avoid accidental strokes. Once it finishes a drawing, the stylus moves back to a predefined safe position. Doing so ensures the next image creation has a clean start. (Image Credit: Every Flavor of Robot/ YouTube ) While in video mode, the robot draws one frame sequentially. If chosen, the screen can be cleared between frames, and the time-lapse camera captures each frame. All the frames are then stitched together to generate a video, giving the impression that the artwork is drawn live on the Etch-a-Sketch. Some versions of this system come with a self-erase or screen-clearing step between frames and drawings. Impressively, it only takes a minute for this system to draw an entire portrait. And it can create up to a thousand sketches per day. In addition to image and video uploads, the web interface allows users to change settings and control the robot. Those interested in making their own Etch-a-Sketch robot can find the code, firmware, PCB designs, 3D-printable parts, and assembly notes on GitHub . This latest EtchBot is different from earlier versions. Other robots didn’t move as fast, avoiding backlash and mechanical errors. They also featured simpler stepper motors that lacked advanced feedback and couldn’t work with video or fast frame-by-frame drawing. www.youtube.com/watch Have a story tip? Message me here at element14.projectroboticsrobotdiyopen sourcetoyhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/b/blog/posts/piaggo-fast-forward-launches-new-star-wars-themed-robot-that-carries-items-for-youThu, 07 May 2026 06:31:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:76a92588-0e52-4d23-98e2-02f6e90faac2CatwellThe Grogu-theme gitamini robot features sensors, a color CMOS camera, and cameras to identify the owner and follow them. (Image Credit: Piaggo Fast Forward ) I love this. I want it so bad. Star Wars: The Mandalorian fans now have something to get excited about. Piaggo Fast Forward recently launched the Grogu gitamini , a cargo-carrying robot. Inspired by Grogu’s pram in the Mandalorian, the Grogu gitamini, measuring 17.9 x 16.5 x 18.9 inches, uses two wheels, cameras, and sensors to recognize and follow the owner around. With a 20-pound carrying capacity, it can carry all sorts of items for you while traveling. Custom sounds and LED patterns are key indicators that allow the owner to determine if the bot is resting, following, or charging. Piaggo Fast Forward collaborated with Disney Consumer Products and Lucasfilm to make the custom Grogu version of the Gitamini. In the end, they came up with a white outer shell that has orange accents and slight wear and tear details to make it seem like it was lived-in. Despite the understated design, there’s more to look at. The design also has a Grogu graphic to add a 3D effect, making the robot pop out with depth and personality. By pairing the robot with the Mygita app, you can track how far you’ve walked, check how much power is left, and other details. The system is always improving, especially with OTA updates through the app---based on user feedback. Grogu graphic on the robot, adding a 3D effect. (Image Credit: Piaggo Fast Forward ) What’s more noteworthy is that the robot adapts to its environment and is designed to travel on many types of terrain. That means it doesn’t bump into objects in its path and can maneuver through tight spaces. You can also walk at your own pace, and the cargo-carrying bot will adjust its speed in response. Keep in mind that its top speed is only 6 mph and the battery runs on 19-22 miles of continuous travel. So, you may accidentally outrun it if you plan to sprint. “When we set out to create a gita mini robot inspired by the iconic hover-pram from The Mandalorian , we studied the series and thought about how we could bring certain details to life in a way that felt authentic. Once we decided on a design, we set out to create a custom sound library with Grogu and pram-inspired sounds as well as ways to incorporate subtle nods to Grogu's character and the pram throughout the design,” Piaggio Fast Forward wrote on its product page. Have a story tip? Message me here at element14.hmiroboticsrobotmotion controlaiCarrystar warshttps://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/m/managed-videos/151293Thu, 07 May 2026 06:31:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:15b1db25-3788-4dea-a60c-6e0f475811ccCatwellhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235373Tue, 05 May 2026 19:27:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:2b7258ec-acae-4262-81b4-52bc759c806cSensoredHacker0exactly. I mean the rios look fine. its this one weird bug effecting standard operations. I think at the time we went with them was in the chip shortage, and couldn't get anything else. maybe that was a clue! Anyway, lots of things look good on paper. Talking with folks lets you know what is legit.https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235328Mon, 04 May 2026 20:03:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:da4ad18a-653f-4b20-a985-41610c0209f6shabazI just remembered that BeagleBone people used the MSPM0 in I2C peripheral mode too (they call it I2C target mode for some reason). They used it to make the MSPM0 replace an I2C EEPROM and I2C ADC, they copied the register detail from real EEPROM/ADC chips. I'm hoping this code can provide a start: mspm0-adc-eeprom/source/modules at main · beagleboard/mspm0-adc-eeprom Actually, just thinking, if there's enough Flash space then the entire project could be used as-is, and append the extra code. That way a single device could be a multi-purpose EEPROM, ADC and UART bridge (I wouldn't be using the EEROM/ADC though).https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235326Mon, 04 May 2026 19:35:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d4de0135-abba-4990-bc9a-ba7997c9f3e5Jan CumpsSomeone wrote a bitbang implementation for Pico PIO: https://github.com/thomasfla/pico-pio-uart-dma-rs485 I didn't read the code yet. I'm gathering resources.https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235325Mon, 04 May 2026 18:49:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:b9fafb72-2035-477a-9dbf-20fc92316136shabazI've been considering that part (SC16IS740), I might go with it,. I suspect the SD16IS740 is also possibly a pre-programmed microcontroller. I thought DIY with an MSPM0 might be straightforward because the behavior of the SD16IS740 part is well-documented because it is in turn based on a historical part which had a parallel bus. If I went the DIY route, then maybe to save time coding, I initially wouldn't bother with all the registers, I'd hard-code it to perhaps 9600 baud, and hard-code the RTS behavior all ready for attaching the RS-485 transceiver. I'd also not need a crystal oscillator, since the MSPM0 part doesn't use that. What was attractive is that I could use the MSPM0 parts for something else if it turns out less RS-485 interfaces are needed. Disadvantage is that it's another device to develop for and program! I'd only consider it if I can fairly quicky get it to work.https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235324Mon, 04 May 2026 17:38:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:7a0efe2f-a3c9-4a01-b81e-ac6f716411ceJan Cumps[quote userid="123345" url="~/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235296"] I've been considering creating the opposite end, a device to read in the measurements (guessing Modbus RTU?) and acting as an I2C slave.... So I'm curious to make a sort of RS485 to I2C bridge. Such parts do exist but are pricey.[/quote] This NXP IC has RS485 to SPI / i2c parts: SC16IS7x0 I have an AVNET Pi-based device here that uses the SC16IS740. It has 2 pins to change i2c address.https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235298Sun, 03 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d44b67a3-a238-430b-b982-2475c6c19208shabazHi Michael, it would be great to have per-port isolation, but a sort of compromise idea was to put one data acquisition module per RS485 interface and just accept that just one or a few ports would be used per module (each bridge interface having isolation, even if the module does or doesn't). It would be straightforward to add more RS485 interfaces to the "hub" processor if the bridge circuit had selectable I2C addressing. I don't mind too much if that is limited in practise to say 4-8 RS-485 interfaces, since another hub could be added (trying to keep this all low-cost but at the same time with some element of graceful degrading if one hub ever fails); it's for my brother's business (heating/air-con related; some of those RS-485 interfaces in future will go to other equipment, not data acquisition modules).https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235297Sun, 03 May 2026 14:32:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:1345f5ea-1add-4891-b7d7-12898e211108michaelkellettWould you go for isolation between the analogue ports or only between the block of analogue ports and the RS485 ? I think that your data recorder (I think you Road Tested one) is fully isolated , but that many industrial IO blocks only isolate in blocks (or not at all). MKhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235296Sun, 03 May 2026 14:18:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:adb426f2-9826-41b2-9261-b8a8bb42e59fshabazI'd be interested : ) I've been considering creating the opposite end, a device to read in the measurements (guessing Modbus RTU?) and acting as an I2C slave.. for a couple of boring reasons, primarily I didn't have many free pins on my microcontroller. So I'm curious to make a sort of RS485 to I2C bridge. Such parts do exist but are pricey. Was thinking of using the good old MSPM0 chip since it's cheap and we know how to use it very effectively since we did all those experiments on it last year!https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235295Sun, 03 May 2026 13:48:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:29120617-4fa8-4037-8f9c-4c60a25029c0Jan CumpsI may try to make something like this. 24 volt based, RS485 comms, The usual industrial voltage and current source / sinks. Decent isolation / protection and DIN housing. I have devices with RS485 and industrial IO that I could use to test it with.https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235291Sun, 03 May 2026 08:52:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:4d26f7f5-1666-4a8f-9672-b39c06f447e0Jan CumpsOverdigit has analogue I/O with modbus, din mounted. 4 chan analogue i/o configurable, 10 V: EX04AIO 4 channels can be I and O at the same time. They have pins for both, and both can be controlled via ModBus at the same time.https://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235289Sun, 03 May 2026 06:09:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:0f5d28d0-9b45-469a-8bbb-c3095ce8713cphoenixcommQuestion how many inputs do you need (a) what is there Amplitude Vmax(b) what frequency do you want to get the info (c) how many devices (quantity) do you need and would you get dirty and DIY Them? Y/N if you are audio range there a bunch of D mux chips and one more thing would you be willing to do CAN in the Box...that is to say between your box and the sensor... but then the sensor has to talk CAN but if the sensors are stupid then you could put a micro-embeded cpu at the far end. TI has a broad range of these beasts as they are use in automotive industry btw one more you could use Semiconductor Analog Mux .~~ Cris Hhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235261Fri, 01 May 2026 13:53:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:07242987-6683-4aea-85d7-2c85a6881093geraldsHi SensoredHacker0 You can use Eaton Easy E4 for example: https://at.farnell.com/en-AT/c/automation-process-control/process-controllers-programmers-indicators?st=eaton+easy+E4 1) The controller (with display, just one of 3 possible modules; DC, UC, AC versions): https://at.farnell.com/en-AT/eaton-moeller/easy-e4-dc-12tc1/control-relay-w-display-24vdc/dp/3371899 4 analogue inputs, 8 digital inputs, 4 digital outputs 2) Analog expansion module: https://at.farnell.com/en-AT/eaton-moeller/easy-e4-dc-6ae1/analog-input-output-module-4-i/dp/3371908 4 analogue inputs, 2 analogue outputs Here you need 2 modules 3) If you want reading temp. sensors: https://at.farnell.com/en-AT/eaton-moeller/easy-e4-dc-4pe1/analog-input-module-4-i-p-24vdc/dp/3371912?MER=BR-MER-PDP-RECO-STM72194 4 analogue inputs, 2 or 3 wired PTxxxx At Farnell, you can find some other modules you want to combine together. Best Regards Geraldhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/industrial-automation-space/f/forum/56902/i-need-a-device-to-read-multiple-analog-inputs-and-write-2-analog-outputs/235260Fri, 01 May 2026 13:39:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:f84f7ed8-3f59-4e25-9387-d5d51464372dmichaelkellettI didn't even Google - merely Duck, Duck went and found loads. (Google would find more but I don't use it if I don't have to) These look not bad: https://www.lucid-control.com/lucid485-serial-rs-485-analog-digital-io-module-modbus-rtu/ I've designed such things in the past - and would be happy to do so again (commercially) but it wouldn't be worthwhile unless you use a lot of them. MK