Hi there!

I got myself a xArm from Hiwomder to play around and learn from. https://www.hiwonder.com/products/xarm-1s?variant=32436121894999

Is there open source code for it? I would love to dig into how it works on firmware and software level. Looks like esp32 based. I wonder if I can flush this robot arm with different software. It wants a rob file?

The robot comes with a gui. I can give commands to each individual servo and the time it takes to achieve command (sets robot speed?). I think the servos can move simultaneously?

Is there a cam software that I can use to draw its path? Is it possible to parametrically program the robot?

My ultimate goal is to mount the robot arm to a x and y linear rail.

My plan is to move the gantry via gcode and the robot arm via similar gcode like process. I guess I’ll be using Ross to communicate to each other.

i tried this tuto : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8XPqDjof4U&list=PLRG6WP3c31_Xg_IPNGJybiP8H4Lpy2RuY

DYNAMIXEL Quick Start Guide for ROS 2

i tried colcon build a few times, at each time it takes more then 10 min to build (i exit before it finish) and on my WSL laptop it takes about 2 minutes

is it normal, like is it a bad idea to use dynamixel sdk with ROS2 on raspberry pi 3B?

my goal is to move an arm with 3 dynamixel XM540-W270R in X Y coordonate (with IK)

I will tried to fallow this tuto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXA9O9Wtz64 Python Project | Forward and Inverse Kinematics with 3 DOF Planar Robot

have you some tips for me?

Hello. I'm studying robotics and I need to teach an IRB2600 with IRC5 a few new positions.

Trouble is that i can't immediately do this through the FlexPendant due to the configuration, instead changes seem only possible to save through Robot Studio. (Didn't see this issue at ABB's training center)

I'm not sure if this configuration issue is the result of having an ABB Flexloader, but I wouldn't be surprised if that has something to do with this.

In any case: If i'm going to try and follow the style things are set up in the code already, I should redefine the workobject "wWasher" which is currently just a bunch of zeros.

Also: It's suggested to use a pointing tool to define a workobject it seems, but I'd rather not swap tool to "point" out this workobject, reason being that the tool isn't easy to take off and requires recalibration when refitted, it's a 2-sided bracket with a different gripper on each side.

Considering this, how should I proceed ? (workobject/points line up as 45 degrees on Z when everything else is positioned at 90 degrees and there isn't space for new equipment to be placed at the normal agles)

Technically: I could skip the workobject but that might not be the best idea.

Reference: Rough sketch of robot cell layout: https://imgur.com/a/7vBFQZh (P1 and P2 are new target positions that needs to be teached and they should be within a workobject, to follow the "standard" that's already present in the existing code)

As the title says. I'm from Australia and I have a bachelor of mechatronics engineering. I'm looking for graduate employment in robotics, bit I'm having difficulty finding any roles.
Does anyone here know what my best shot is here? Or is it too much of a long shot to find robotics roles with just a bachelors and I should go back and study a masters?

I am a mechanical undergrad interested in robotics. I am currently leading the college robotics team. I want to do masters in something related to robotics. Which would be closest to designing robots (and not just programming them)? masters, which include the mechanics, mathematics, coding, physics of robots (I don't want that much of electronics in it)
a) Masters Mechanical Engineering; b) System Control Engineering; c) Mechatronics Engineering; d) Robotics Engineering.
Thank you for guidance, I am actually in a very confused state RN

Hello everyone I graduated recently with my IT degree at my school UHCL, I specialized in web development and design and took a minor in SWEN taking some CS classes like data structures, application development and more so I'm not a total nut head when it comes to software development. Currently I am doing a business application development certificate to get a even strong foundation in software development, essentially i want to either work in front end engineering or robotics software engineering. My question is this certificate in foundations of computer science that covers mathematics for computers would be enough maths for working on the software engineering side strictly for robotics. My math knowledge is pretty basic as in IT I only saw precalculus, I took cal I just for it and failed twice. As for programming I have solid skills and foundations in python and will be taking c soon. I will link both programs below, thank you in advanced! https://catalog.uhcl.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=19&poid=4864 https://catalog.kennesaw.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=67&poid=8127&returnto=5323

Hi guys. Total noob here. I'm designing a dc powered compact chain driven drone launcher. Picture a catapult launcher on an aircraft carrier scaled down to something ~2m long. Payload is about 300 grams. This is a personal project.

I need to be able to control the launch speed precisely (~5kph increments) from 65kph up to 135kph which is why I'm not going with an elastic based launcher. Pneumatics is outside of my wheelhouse. So I'm trying to do it with chains and gears/sprockets and electric motors.

Right now I'm thinking of two motors set about 2m apart both driving a looped chain with some undetermined sized sprockets. The launching cradle would be fixed to the chain. It'd look like this https://imgur.com/mlHgl9K

Where I'm stuck is figuring out A: is it even possible to accelerate the cradle from 0-135kph (~85mph) in 2m. B: would two motors be able to sync precisely enough to do it or would I just use one big motor. C: just how big would that motor or motors have to be.

This may be the wrong subreddit to ask these questions, so I apologize in advance if it is.

Have a nice day!
I'm try to build a TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation Module for my DIY Cobot. I had the kinematic equations and verified them. But I encountered some difficulties with programming the module.
My forward kinematic equations have 4 input (theta1->4) and 5 output (X,Y,Z, fInTheta1 , fInTheta234 ).
My Inverse kinematic have 5 input (X,Y,Z, InvT1, invT234 ) and 4 output (theta1->4) (tx1 and tx234 determine the direction of end-effector).
And declare my parameters as follows:
//forward input
HRESULT hr = TrafoSupported(p, true);
//dau vao
double fTheta1 = p->i[0] * PI / 180;
double fTheta2 = p->i[1] * PI / 180;
double fTheta3 = p->i[2] * PI / 180;
double fTheta4 = p->i[3] * PI / 180;
//forward output
if (p->i && p->o)

	{
		p->o\[0\] = fX; // MCS - X (mm)
		p->o\[1\] = fY; // MCS - Y (mm)
		p->o\[2\] = fZ; // MCS - Z (mm)
		p->o\[3\] = fInTheta1 \* 180 / PI; // MCS - Phi (degree)	
		p->o\[4\] = fInTheta234 \* 180 / PI; // MCS - Phi (degree)	
	}  

//inverse input
double InvX = p->i[0];

double InvY = p->i\[1\];
double InvZ = p->i\[2\] - m\_DisD1;
double InvT1 = p->i\[3\] \* PI / 180;
double invT234 = p->i\[4\] \* PI / 180;  

//inverse ouput

if (p->i && p->o)

		{

p->o[0] = InvTheta1 * 180 / PI; // ACS - Theta1 (degree)

p->o[1] = InvTheta2P * 180 / PI; // ACS - Theta2 (degree)

p->o[2] = InvTheta3P * 180 / PI; // ACS - Theta3 (degree)

p->o[3] = InvTheta4P * 180 / PI; // ACS - Theta4(degree)

;

		}  

//get dimension method
HRESULT CCoKinMod1::GetDimensions(ULONG* pFwdInput, ULONG* pFwdOutput)

{

HRESULT hr = S\_OK;
//
//Chi dinh 5 dau vao 5 dau ra
if (pFwdInput && pFwdOutput)
{
	\*pFwdInput = 5;
	\*pFwdOutput = 5;
}
else
{
	hr = E\_POINTER; //pointer error
}

return hr;

}
my error: Severity Code Description Project File Line Suppression State

Error 4/4/2024 9:55:00 AM 035 ms | 'TCNC' (500): Kinematic-Group 11: Kinematic FORWARD transformation failed with error 0x4c03 (HRESULT 0x98114c03) when starting group (ACSDim=5: ACSPos[0]=0.000000, ACSPos[1]=0.000000, ACSPos[2]=0.000000)

SO, What parameters do I have to change for the module to operate? please helpp me.

I'm currently designing a sectioned millipede inspired robot that uses a central driveshaft to power the leg mechanisms on each section. I am having trouble with finding a suitable method of turning the robot while still keeping the flexibility of the sections. I've researched some designs like this reign-like one from James Bruton, but I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB6LjzeLnZA&t=154s

I've been trying to recreate the code for this follow focus system, but I've had very little luck which also sucks tremendously since the video guy said it was pretty easy.

So far, I'm programming on a single NXT block and trying to get the motor B to match/mirror the movement of motor A. I do want to implement the other features of the video's program, but I'm stuck doing this one thing.

I've looked up steering systems and they seemed promising, but they use a bluetooth controller motor input to control motor B and not a wired motor. Any guide or advice would be very much appreciated.

Hi, I’m working on a project for an autonomous rover and I’m using a motor controller mdds30 thats 2 wheel drive. My rover is going to be 4 wheel drive. Should I use one motor controller oof two motor controllers? Any recommendations is fine.

Bit of a dilemma I hope some of you could help with!
After 2 years working with autonomous vehicles in industry I’ve decided to apply to a Robotics related masters degree. I’m planning to build stronger (not self taught) fundamentals in some of the foundational concepts in robotics and open more doors in the field (along with some more personal development related reasons). I’ve received two offers so far for my two top choices, a double degree from Aalto University and KTH Sweden and a Robotics MSc from NUS (Singapore). The course contents aren’t super different but the double degree curriculum is 75% technical and 25% “entrepreneurship” whereas NUS is purely scientific.
The modules in both programs seem interesting and both would lead me to learn what I want. However, the degree major for Aalto/KTH is “MSc ICT Innovation with Autonomous Systems for Intelligent Robotics Specialization” whereas NUS is just “MSc Robotics”. I’m worried that this might block doors if I wish to pursue a specialized PhD. Those reasons along with NUS being quite highly ranked, and experiencing living in Singapore/ in a different culture is making me lean towards NUS.
My hesitation is: I have a full scholarship + living stipend for the Aalto/KTH double degree and I’d have to self fund NUS. Tuition would be ~40k USD for the two years.
Would the double degree title cause issues with recognition by employers/ PhD applications and/or is NUS worth the premium? I’m fortunate to afford to study there without taking on debt but obviously it is still a lot of money.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

I have a BSc in Computing Science and doing a MSc now. I wasn't able to get into a pure robotics/embedded degree, but I will be able to take at least one elective in robotics, as well as a C++ low-level course and one sort of embedded course working with signal processing. I can also take one computational geometry course as well as a computer vision course. Also considering doing a 3D modelling course (not just literally printing things in Blender but looking more theoretically at the geometry behind Blender and 3D modelling), but that would be at the expense of the low-level C++ course so not sure about that yet.

Does this sound generally sufficient to get further into robotics in academia and industry in the future? Anything else I can look for too?

I am a final year undergraduate student and I am planning to continue masters focusing on robotics. My previous experience was concentrated in computer vision and its applications in robotics but not pure robotics (RL, planning and navigation etc). My master’s seem to focus more on RL and pure robotics and although I am very interested in learning it, I am scared that it would take me alot to get used to it and start contributing interms of research publications. What is the best way to start learning RL given a background in CV and AI?

I also don’t have current access to robots so do I focus more on learning RL theory through books and courses or do I also try applying them on simulators?

I can buy these water level sensors, called XKC-Y25 (example link) that supposedly detect water levels without touching the water, useful when you have a tank of chemicals and don't want to dip electronics into it....

Anyone used them? How do they work? Are they reliable? Is it sonic or magnetic?

Robotics has always peaked my interest, especially combat robotics (robot wars, battlebots etc.) and id like to build my own lightweight version. is there anyway to build one for a low cost (20 euros or less) i saw someone online build one with a wii remote as controller and i have a few of those knocking around. i have no knowledge of coding besides a limited amount of python. Any advice?

Hey reddit, so i got a predicament.

I'm in my final year of university and have been given a project to create a tendon driven robot arm for an endoscopic surgical robot the school is developing. I was tasked to make a robot arm that exhibits variable stiffness. I got the variable stiffness part pretty much down, it's just that my arm isnt strong enough. When i test it, it cant even lift 50 grams. It's driven by two steel tendons. But one thing to notice is that this thing is tiny. The outside diameter of the arm is 3mm. and the total length is no more than 2cm.

I developed a joint that can lock and unlock when the tendons are under tension, giving us the variable stiffness property.. but the arm just isnt strong enough. I can pull and pull on the tendons but it seems no force i put on the wires goes towards lifting the mass. The joint is not the issue, i tried with a hinge joint and got the same problem. I cant really show any pictures due to policy sorry..

So here is my question: Generally speaking, how can i maximise the force generated by a tendon driven arm?

Reduce friction? Think about moments?

thanks

Hello! I'm looking into undergrad programs in the U.S. that are great for either of them, especially those that stand out academically, offer lots of competition opportunities, and have strong undergraduate research options.

I'm looking for schools that don't just see these components as boxes to check. Also, quote any particular faculties, clubs, or societies within these universities that stand out. Moreover, if there are very particular topics/concepts I'll need to navigate in the coursework, please share them! Very, very few schools directly offer Mechatronics (and similar ones). I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in any way.

Without CMU, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Northwestern, NYU, Rice, JHU, Vanderbilt, UCs and Ivies (clearly, ik these are amazing schools....) , below are the ones on my immediate list :

GaTech, UMich, USC, UT Austin, UIUC, UMD College Park, University of Notre Dame and Drexel

Obviously, the main dilemma is to choose between Mechanical, Electrical and Electrical n Computer engineering.

Would anyone be able to rank these if you're currently enrolled in, have graduated from, or are familiar with them ?

Hello r/AskRobotics,

I'm in a bit of a pickle deciding the courses for my undergrad studies at uni after the summer and I'm hoping that someone can aid me in this process.

I have no idea if to take the Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems course or the Mechanical engineering course. I'm thinking about the future of building my own business or to work at a space company such as NASA, ESA or SpaceX. I'm struggling to find the demand for any of those courses or which one is more useful in the long run.

Hopefully someone here can help me decide which one is better.

Thank you very much for your help, and have a great rest of your day!

Hoping this is the right place to ask, but I have just been made head of fundraising for my school's autonomous racing team and I'm having a hard time making contact with corporations in my search for sponsorships.

Would anyone have any tips or guidance for finding ways to fund our team to race in some tournaments coming up this year? We really want to attend the IEEE ICRA, IROS, or IV conferences where there will be an autonomous Grand Prix with F1TENTH.

I've reached out to a lot of big tech companies whose hardware we use, but I feel like there must be more that I could be doing? Are there any corporations that are known to sponsor/support nonprofit robotics clubs?

Thanks all!

As the title says, I’m having trouble with deciding what to do with a project I’m going to be working on soon. Currently, the idea is to synthesize image data from a few different types of cameras and output them to a UI where the data is displayed (thermal, distance) on top a regular images.

At this time I know that I’d want to use a FLIR Lepton, and maybe a Jetson nano dev board to piece it all together (if I can get my hands on one). Other than that some depth sensing camera and an IR camera too. I’m aware that this isn’t an easy task as multiple cameras add extra layers of difficulty (shutter speed, resolution, fps, etc.). Right now all I only see this as a proof of concept and learning experience for myself, given that most of my robotics experience is mostly mechanical, and this would be primarily software heavy.

I’d really love to throw this package into a handheld device or tablet, or maybe a UGV, but can’t really think of an ulterior motive to throw it all together. and tbh it would be a waste of pricey tech. This is where y’all come in if you can help:

If anyone has any ideas on how I could apply this elsewhere, or maybe insight on combining sensor data I’d love to hear about it. I’m also open to any articles or areas of research that need looking into. DMs are welcome as well.

Need help identifying the type of sensor for our robotics project please.

I am currently working on our rrl and is in the works (starting around september, think) for the construction.

So I'm thinking of a sensor that can detect the same type of sensor nearby and identify the measure of it's distance (m/km). This sensor cannot or is minimally affected by barriers like building, people, etc.

For futher context but I don't wanna spoil the whole project:

Gadget A has a sensor and it senses the same sensor on the same gadget B on a different location and depending on the measure of gap between the sensors, the device will light an LED color respectively.

Mechanical Engineering student looking for insight. I am building a robotic arm for my senior design project and had a question about venders. What venders are reliable? I currently looking at this motor for my arm and was wondering if they are reputable? If there are other places with reputable motors that I could choose from, I would greatly appreciate it.

I’ve seen so many horror stories in SWE groups about people not able to find internship and jobs. How does the job market for robotics look like?

P.s. I’m a grad student entering 2 years master.

Hi, I’m a beginner and I’m trying to make a desktop robot like emo, with multiple face expressions on a screen. However, I don’t know how to do that. All the tutorials I’ve found use a very small display, and I would prefer to use at least a 3 inch display. I want to use raspberry pi for this. Please give me some suggestions

Hi All,
I'm working on a robot that works similar to the robot in the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAWmFWB-jfA

I'm struggling with figuring out what to use for cliff sensors, and (if indeed) I can use something to sense in front/down for the cliff section.

I'm looking for any recommendations in this regard

Hi,

I am currently applying for MSc in Robotics and the entry exam requires few background on specific topics such as kinematics, SLAM, reinforcement Learning, ROS, Gazebo and linear systems.

but since I Bachler in Electrical Engineer, these topics are quite new to me, so what is the best why to prepare for the topics mentioned?

YoutTube playlist, Coursera courses, or any other mean to study /prepare for the entry exam.

Thank you.

Hi everyone, I'm working on a project and I need to choose servomotors. I'm asking here because I don't want to buy some motors and then find out they suck, because I know there are a lot of low quality products. I need 18 of them, so my budget is €5.50 each. I know it's not much but I still want to buy something small, light and quite resistant, with decent torque (1.5/2 kg/cm), really precise in rotation and I need to control them from a Raspberry PI. If you know of any models that you liked it would be of great help to me.
Thank you

Previously I made LFR using 6 IR sensor array of straight line configuration but I faced problem detecting complex turn. I found that Curved or U-shaped IR sensor array are used widely for this. So I wanna design a PCB for this but I don't know the placement and purpose of the IR sensor in this arrangement. Would be grateful for everyone's help. Thank you.

Hi I'm 18M trying to get in robotics but colleges and universities don't have robotics or mechatronics courses, just want to ask if electronics engineering is also a good choice to go.