385: I Just Wanted an Industrial Arm

Embedded.fm · 26 Aug 2021 · 1h 09m · Episode 385

What this episode covers

Jeremy Fielding, a self-taught mechanical engineer and YouTuber, discusses his journey building a full-size industrial robot arm in his garage. He details his 'Dr. FARM' design methodology, the mechanical and electrical challenges of the build, and his struggles with ROS and MoveIt software. Fielding also shares insights on prototyping materials, sourcing motors, and the importance of overcoming fear to start building.

Mentioned

Companies
KUKA
Products
MeArm
Chips
Teensy 4.1, Arduino, Raspberry Pi
Tools
ROS, MoveIt, Gazebo

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Being an Engineer · 36m

    Jacob Evink | From CAD to Mechanical Curiosity: Student Engineer Spotlight

    Jacob Evink, a mechanical engineering student at Western Michigan University, discusses his journey from high school manufacturing classes to working in a high-volume injection molding factory. He details the design and construction of a four-axis robotic arm using an ESP32 microcontroller and stepper motors, highlighting the trial-and-error process of electronics integration. Evink also shares his perspective on using AI tools like ChatGPT for coding assistance and the importance of documenting failures publicly on Instagram to build an engineering portfolio.

  • Robot Talk · 24m

    Episode 109: Building robots at home - Dan Nicholson

    Dan Nicholson, founder of MakerForge.tech, discusses his journey from a software engineer to building a large-scale open-source bipedal companion robot. He explains how he transitioned from a simple cube design to a complex, 3D-printable robot using hobby servos, Raspberry Pi, and cloud-based CAD tools to make robotics accessible to non-experts. Nicholson highlights the challenges of balancing cost and functionality in hobby robotics, the importance of rapid prototyping with 3D printing, and the value of open-source collaboration in accelerating development and community engagement.

  • Being an Engineer · 58m

    S2E41 The Hacksmith | James Hobson

    James Hobson, founder of Hacksmith Industries, explains how he transitioned from a mechanical engineering student to running a YouTube channel that builds functional prototypes of fictional items like the Iron Man helmet and Tesla Cybertruck. He details the company's growth from a solo hobbyist project to a 23-person team operating out of a 13,000-square-foot facility, highlighting the role of viral hits like the Captain America shield in driving sponsorship revenue. Hobson also discusses the technical challenges of building the Alien Power Loader, the importance of in-house manufacturing tools like fiber lasers, and his philosophy on self-taught engineering.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 18m

    Robo Fry Guy

    Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the feasibility of humanoid robots in low-end service jobs, citing high costs and the 'jack of all trades, master of none' design philosophy, while Jones details Tesla's dense supercomputer power supply failures caused by MEMS oscillator resonance. The hosts also explore practical hardware engineering, including Gammell's use of DALL-E for AI image generation, his 'Lego prototyping' with off-the-shelf sensor boards, and Jones's audit of household phantom power using specialized meters. Finally, they debate the challenges of sourcing standard plastic enclosures and the logistics of remote hardware training via browser-based containers.

  • Making It · 1h 13m

    Episode 188: Robots that will kill you

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's mechanical zombie spear, Clagett's fake neon sign using EL Wire, and Picciuto's go-kart trophy. The conversation shifts to the definition of an artist, exploring how makers, engineers, and even surgeons can be considered artists, and the importance of pursuing creative urges regardless of professional background. They also share recommendations for YouTube channels like Machine Thinking and Pneumatic Addict, and discuss the accessibility of making through technology.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Embedded.fm. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.