Mar 22, 2018 | By Benedict

Chris Annin, an automation engineer from Portland, Oregon, has launched a Kickstarter for the AR2, an open-source, 3D printable kit for a six-axis robot. The robot can be built with low-cost, off-the-shelf components, and can be 3D printed or purchased with aluminum parts.

Looking to bring the factory of the future to your bedroom or office? You’re going to need a six-axis robot for that, and what better place to find one than Kickstarter, home of many wallet-friendly DIY machines over the years.

Engineer Chris Annin recently launched a crowdfunding campaign for his highly affordable six-axis robot, the AR2, which is available as either a budget 3D printed version or a fully metal version made with aluminum structural components.

“The AR2 robot is an open-source robot project where users can build and create their own six-axis robot,” Annin explains. “This robot can currently be 3D printed and built from low-cost off-the-shelf components from vendors such as Amazon, McMaster Carr, and Stepperonline.”

Makers will surely be delighted that Annin has made the AR2 six-axis robot fully open source, though it may hinder his chances of meeting his $23,900 Kickstarter goal. All the 3D printing files, schematics, and part lists can be found at the project’s GitHub repository, which means many tech-savvy engineers won’t have to contribute a cent to the Kickstarter.

They will, however, have to pay for their own components and 3D printing materials, with the electrical components, bearings, and hardware totaling approximately $1,180 from third-party sellers. The robot is operated by an Arduino microcontroller.

Still, for those who would prefer the 3D printed covers and spacers pre-printed for them, there is the option of getting these 3D printed parts directly from Annin for $100, shipping anywhere in the world.

The most appealing paid option, however, is an aluminum parts kit, which comes with aluminum structural components for the AR2. This option is available to backers for $1,195, and is surely where Annin hopes to raise the funding for his cool project.

Of course, Annin will only be able to provide these high-quality aluminum parts if his campaign hits that $23,900 target, releasing the funding required for production. “This project hopes to bring aluminum parts kits into production so that users have the opportunity to make their own aluminum version of the AR2 robot,” the engineer says.

Even though Annin still has a way to go before meeting his target (he has currently raised just over $5,000), the ball is already rolling for getting the robot kits shipped off to backers.

“Initial prototype production runs have already been made,” Annin says. “Prototype robots have been built and tested, [and] there is little risk moving to a full production scenario.”

With desktop six-axis robots generally costing upward of $10,000, Annin thinks his DIY option is a great option for roboticists looking to make savings. The aluminum parts kit and the off-the-shelf components together equals around $2,375, making the AR2 a real budget option for a relatively complex machine.

Check out the campaign here.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer

 

 

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