Raspberry Pi Robotic Arm Prototype
Budget: $25 – $50 USD
I already have a CAD model for a patent-pending device, and now I need to turn that static design into a working proof-of-concept driven by a Raspberry Pi. Your first task will be to overlay the existing CAD layout onto a clear Fritzing diagram that shows every connection for a Raspberry Pi 3B, an Arducam IMX219 camera, two stepper motors, and a single push-pull solenoid. If you see smarter or cheaper component choices that would simplify the build, please point them out before we lock in the schematic.
Once the wiring is settled, I need fully documented code that brings every part to life:
• the Pi boots, initializes the camera, and stores images to an organised, easily expandable library structure;
• the image library can accept new, labelled images so I can add training data later for object recognition;
• real-time vision tracks the chosen object and sends position data to the stepper motors;
• on command, the solenoid actuates to interact with the object;
• graceful shutdown and basic error handling are in place.
I work iteratively, so I hope for frequent feedback loops as we refine both the hardware layout and the control software. The end milestone is a repeatable demonstration where the robotic arm identifies a target from the camera feed, follows it smoothly, and engages the solenoid to interact with the object of interest. Python, OpenCV, TensorFlow and any stepper-control libraries you prefer are fine as long as everything runs on a stock Raspberry Pi OS image.
Deliverables
1. Updated Fritzing file aligned with the current CAD drawing.
2. A short report on any recommended component substitutions and why.
3. Well-commented source code (camera, motion control, solenoid).
4. Folder template and sample script that ingest, label, and retrieve images for future training.
5. Video or live demo instructions proving the arm can track and follow an object.
If you thrive on hands-on prototyping and clean, maintainable code, I’d love to move forward together. I will require a NDA. Thank you for your time.
Once the wiring is settled, I need fully documented code that brings every part to life:
• the Pi boots, initializes the camera, and stores images to an organised, easily expandable library structure;
• the image library can accept new, labelled images so I can add training data later for object recognition;
• real-time vision tracks the chosen object and sends position data to the stepper motors;
• on command, the solenoid actuates to interact with the object;
• graceful shutdown and basic error handling are in place.
I work iteratively, so I hope for frequent feedback loops as we refine both the hardware layout and the control software. The end milestone is a repeatable demonstration where the robotic arm identifies a target from the camera feed, follows it smoothly, and engages the solenoid to interact with the object of interest. Python, OpenCV, TensorFlow and any stepper-control libraries you prefer are fine as long as everything runs on a stock Raspberry Pi OS image.
Deliverables
1. Updated Fritzing file aligned with the current CAD drawing.
2. A short report on any recommended component substitutions and why.
3. Well-commented source code (camera, motion control, solenoid).
4. Folder template and sample script that ingest, label, and retrieve images for future training.
5. Video or live demo instructions proving the arm can track and follow an object.
If you thrive on hands-on prototyping and clean, maintainable code, I’d love to move forward together. I will require a NDA. Thank you for your time.
Related categories:
Python
Electronics
Microcontroller
PCB Layout
Robotics
Raspberry Pi
OpenCV
Tensorflow