# 325: Hasn't Been R2D2'd

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2020-03-26
- Length: 57m
- Episode: 325
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/325-hasnt-been-r2d2d

## Summary

John Saunders, founder of Saunders Machine Works and host of the NYC CNC YouTube channel, details the ambitious construction of a life-sized, 7-foot-tall Johnny 5 robot. He explains how collaboration with Input Inc provided the original CAD models and how his team sourced off-the-shelf food-grade conveyor belts for the tank treads. Saunders discusses the transition from a solo build to a community-driven project, managing thousands of parts and integrating hobby servos and Raspberry Pi controls. He also reflects on his journey from a hobbyist with a Taig machine to running a shop with 5-axis CNC equipment, emphasizing the educational value of such projects for inspiring students.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=6) Introduction: John Saunders and the NYC CNC Channel
- [1:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=115) The Johnny 5 Build: Origins and Input Inc Collaboration
- [6:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=386) Mechanical Design: Tank Treads, Servos, and Safety
- [14:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=873) Motivation: Inspiring Students and Career Pathways
- [20:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=1227) Shop Evolution: From Taig to 5-Axis CNC and Lathes
- [27:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=1654) Software Tools: Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and Open Source
- [35:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=2158) Business Growth: TIE Fighter Challenge and Community Management
- [41:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=2491) Managing the Collaboration: Logistics and Quality Control
- [45:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-03-26-325-hasnt-been-r2d2d#t=2723) Electronics and Control: IMUs, Servos, and Future Ideas

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Saunders Machine Works (company)
- Input Inc (company)
- NYC CNC (product)
- Johnny 5 (product)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- Arduino (chip)
- Fusion 360 (tool)
- SolidWorks (tool)
- KiCad (tool)
- Taig (tool)
- Tormach (tool)
- Haas (tool)
- Shapeoko (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 109: Building robots at home - Dan Nicholson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-02-14-episode-109-building-robots-at-home-dan-nicholson) (Robot Talk)
- [An Interview with John Saunders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-02-11-an-interview-with-john-saunders) (The Amp Hour)
- [S2E41 The Hacksmith | James Hobson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-09-24-s2e41-the-hacksmith-james-hobson) (Being an Engineer)
- [Raspberry Pi 500, Robot Roadies, Huge 3d Printers and Car Hacking!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-11-26-raspberry-pi-500-robot-roadies-huge-3d-printers-and-car-hacking) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Episode 180: 50ish-esque](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-08-24-episode-180-50ish-esque) (Making It)

## Citing this page

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