3D-Printed Robotic Arm Prototype
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
I’m looking for a hands-on partner to take a benchtop robotic arm from concept to fully functioning prototype that I can use for ongoing prototyping and experimentation.
Scope
• Mechanical: Create a printable CAD design (STL/STEP) for all structural parts, optimized for common desktop FDM printers. The arm must reliably pick and place lightweight objects (plastic, paper) and modest medium-weight items such as small wood or aluminum pieces.
• Electronics: Specify and supply a cost-effective motion stack—servos/stepper motors, drivers, controller board (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar), power supply, wiring, and end-stop sensors.
• Firmware & Software: Program the controller so I can define simple pick-and-place sequences through an easy interface or basic script. Clean, well-commented code is essential.
• Assembly & Test: Build the first unit, verify repeatable motion, and showcase a short video of it lifting and placing representative objects. Ship the assembled arm to me once tests pass.
• Handover Package: CAD files, BOM with sources, wiring diagram, firmware, and a brief user guide for future tweaks.
Nice-to-haves (not mandatory but appreciated): ROS integration, Fusion 360 native files, optional pen-holder attachment for drawing demos.
I value clear communication and documented work so I can iterate on the design later. If you have prior experience with printed robotics, motion control, or mechatronics, let’s get this prototype moving.
Scope
• Mechanical: Create a printable CAD design (STL/STEP) for all structural parts, optimized for common desktop FDM printers. The arm must reliably pick and place lightweight objects (plastic, paper) and modest medium-weight items such as small wood or aluminum pieces.
• Electronics: Specify and supply a cost-effective motion stack—servos/stepper motors, drivers, controller board (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar), power supply, wiring, and end-stop sensors.
• Firmware & Software: Program the controller so I can define simple pick-and-place sequences through an easy interface or basic script. Clean, well-commented code is essential.
• Assembly & Test: Build the first unit, verify repeatable motion, and showcase a short video of it lifting and placing representative objects. Ship the assembled arm to me once tests pass.
• Handover Package: CAD files, BOM with sources, wiring diagram, firmware, and a brief user guide for future tweaks.
Nice-to-haves (not mandatory but appreciated): ROS integration, Fusion 360 native files, optional pen-holder attachment for drawing demos.
I value clear communication and documented work so I can iterate on the design later. If you have prior experience with printed robotics, motion control, or mechatronics, let’s get this prototype moving.
Related categories:
Electronics
CAD/CAM
Solidworks
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics
Product Design
3D Modelling
Robotics
Arduino
3D Printing