Everything starts from an open-source project found on the net that included a printable robotic arm and a basic firmware (program of the hardware) for Arduino boards. after the building of this still young project I find an interesting base and realize the huge potential of it:

the use at this stage is to send commands lines via serial containing the positions of the robot.it is very basic and tedious if we do it manually!

Here is where the ARCS adventure starts, I wanted to create a program with a user interface to control and program the robot from my pc. Thus we can now move this robot by moving sliders on the screen (or joystick, gamepad ...) memorize the position of the robot in a file, and thus create "sequences" or "events" which are transmitted to the robot firmware to execute them. The files created by ARCS can even be reused in arduino code to play a particular sequence based on a particular event, the .arcs file simply being a text file containing the positions to achieve line by line.

I would like to "free" ARCS as my contribution for everyone to use it and discover robotics by the fun way.

Current specifications of the ARCS software:

-written with Processing, easily modifiable for beginner in programming

-multi platform (tested on win7, 8, XP, Linux) Mac testers welcome!

-configurator tool integrated to assign the axes of any controller or joystick to controls the robot. (in none or all mode with threshold value)

-Simplified setup interface for setting values stored in EEPROM

-graphical control interface

-sequences creation, playback, and recording sequences

-simulation mode. (with installation of an optional virtual serial port)

-Firmware with improved management of the traveling speed, movements optimization ...

-multi language support

Developments to come:

-New robot models supported

-Inverse kinematics

-control by proportional joystick.

-control of two robots synchronized. one may also imagine piloting larger arm.

-what you make it!

Presentation of the Mk1 robot by my biggest supporter, Angie, 5 years:

Production:

-Anything that is printed in 3D will be produced by me, in France, as well as packing and shipping. I optimized the print time of a complete kit at all levels from the CAD file, slicing , to the printer itself that is ready for large series! and the whole with no concessions for good quality parts.

I have developed a manufacturing strategy on demand (what lends itself well with 3dPrint!) Wich venture to manufacture up to 5,000 kits in 4 months. (And even the calculation is reasonable!)I will put additional amount of printers depending on the demand. These printers can be won by lottery at the end of the campaign between contributors as explained in the printer challenge.

-For The electronics, I have a special relationship with a supplier with whose I already worked with.

-Timeline: The longest part is the production by 3dPrinting, but the timing is under control: from the minimum goal reached even if the campaign is not over production can begin on a machine, and I can assemble the second printer that will come as reinforcements and will be to win by lottery.

Shipping first batch 6 weeks after the end of the campaign (between 150-500 kits) depending on the request... until 5000 kits I will be able to produce within 4 months after the end of the campaign .. .I am prepared to provide rewards regardless of the number of contributors!

First to come, first to ship. ;-)

Rewards:

oo A big thank you!

and your name in the ARCS software

oo supporter kit!

Previous counterpart + ARCS key ring and official contributor plate

printed in PLA, show your support!

oo Printer challenge!

WARNING: Delivery only in metropolitan France.

I will equip myself at least an additional 3d printer if the campaign is funded, and based on the number of kits to make at the end. At least one printer to win by drawing of lots among the contributors to 9 € (or one for the number of contributors chances to win !!!) draw at the end of the funding period, delivery after the production of kits, the Printer (I3 custom) will have printed many Mk1 kits, nothing to be worry about the wear, just prowling mechanics! it will be reviewed and ready for use.

oo ARCS Trophy:

it is the actual size mk1 robot mounted on a hollow pedestal (To ballast) can be articulated as the real one!

oo Kit Mk1 parts:

the kit of plastic parts only, for those who already have servomotors and Arduinos available.

Here is the complete print of a Mk1 kit:

oo Robot Arm Mk1:

This is a kit to assemble yourself with detailed assembly and installation instructions. It includes everything you need except an additional power supply (6 to 12V) which is readily available anywhere (universal wall transformer or battery... at your convenience and preferably re-used! ) the robot used in the videos is powered by a small transformer of 7.5v 1.5A.

-3DPrinted in PLA bio plastic

-The original designs used in the construction of the kit are available at Thingiverse: thing 34829

They have been improved and revised, and I will publish all current files simultaneously with ARCS. PLA is the first choice material for this robot, it is much more rigid than ABS, lighter, and will be just as durable as that keeps dry! (Humidity is his only enemy)

The kit of parts comprises a pinion and rack clamp replacement and a special clamp allowing to accommodate a micro-switch in order to achieve a taken sensor.

-5 9G Servo

-electronics Arduino compatible board. highly modifiable.

-Additional screws

-tutorials are in preparation for further and improve of the basic kit, concerning actuators, installing a Bluetooth module, taken sensor ... etc ...

oo Kit 11+ Education:

The ideal kit for popular teachers! Everyone can have his robot to assemble and program, courses on electronics, microcontrollers, programming, modeling and impression3d can emerge. This pack contains a total of 11 complete kits + 10 servos in Arduino and 2 extra pieces to compensate for any possible mishandling with confidence. Shipping included for France, add 5 € for neighboring countries, € 10 for the rest of the world.

oo Kit 24+ Education:

The perfect kit for popular teachers! Everyone can have his robot to assemble and program, courses on electronics, microcontrollers, programming, modeling and impression3d can emerge. This pack contains a total of 24 complete kits + 20 servos in Arduino and 4 extra parts to compensate for any possible mishandling with confidence. Shipping included for France, add 5 € for neighboring countries, € 10 for the rest of the world.

Goals:

When goals are achieved collecting small bonus will flow!

€ 9,750 -Arcs becomes open source! with immediate effect.

€ 15,000 -The chef's surprise! This will affect contributors who have chosen one or more Mk1 kits.

€ 20,000 -Inverse Kinematics! I'll improve arcs for a more advanced robot control allowing it to be positioned in space by absolute coordinates.

€ 40,000 -additional 3dPrinter! to win by lot so chances of winning doubled for participants.

This list is not exhaustive and according to the results of the campaign I will add other bonuses as well.