$100 5-Axis Arm Kit incl Controller

[erco]

Looks like a great way to get into robot arms. These have been selling for $100-102:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Robotic-arm-DIY-kit-Lasercut-Plywood-Structure-6servos-AT89S51-MCU-USB-ISP-tool-/330856958959?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d089c8bef

5 axis arm, some enterprising roboteer here will make it full 6-axis. I think a 20M2 would be a nice addition to this.

 

[erco]

I got one and I'm building it up for a 20M2. Somewhat smaller than I expected, but it's a nice kit and certainly worth $100. I'm making a few mods along the way. First was to use CA glue to eliminate some of the play in the gripper, by reducing gear backlash and tightening up some of the pivot holes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o4gk7sClLQ

 

[erco]

Arm is mostly assembled and all 5 axes are under 20M2 control. First elbow test, nice smooth motion.

 

[lbenson]

Nice project. I hope you'll write it up when you get everything working.

 

[erco]

Combo project, this 20M2-based arm moving blocks whilst moving atop a mecanum chassis. Fun stuff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPIfIOat6Os

 

[westaust55]

Noting your comment about the overall size being smaller than anticipated and comparing size and cost (US$100),
for those in Australia an alternative could be the Jaycar Robotic Arm kit for AUD$70 (=~US$70)
see here:http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=KJ8916

Comes as a kit to assemble and could be controlled using a PICAXE.
Specifications
• Maximum lift capacity 100g
• Gripper opening 43mm
• Maximum reach 320mm
• Wrist movement 120°
• Elbow movement 300°
• Shoulder movement 180°
• Base rotation 270°
• Requires 4 x D cells
• Base measures 225(L) x 160(W) x 40(H)mm

 

[erco]

Anobium did an amazing mod on that OWI arm and documented his fine work here. A true labor of love: lots of custom encoder work and five or six PicAxes. I also have that OWI arm (also 5-axis) and can honestly tell you that the $100 servo-based arm is a far simpler option and much faster build, especially for beginning arm builders. It's bigger, too. Well worth the price difference, even at $100. I'm in touch with the servo arm seller to see if he will sell the kit without the controller & programmer, which would knock $10-20 off the overall price.