# 385: I Just Wanted an Industrial Arm

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2021-08-26
- Length: 1h 09m
- Episode: 385
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/385

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=6) Introduction and Background
- [3:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=199) The Industrial Arm Project Specs
- [6:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=418) Mechanical and Electrical Design Challenges
- [11:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=681) Software Struggles with ROS and MoveIt
- [14:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=868) Comparison to MeArm and Kinematics
- [24:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=1442) Robot Safety and Current Feedback
- [31:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=1873) The Dr. FARM Design Methodology
- [49:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=2956) Prototyping Materials and Precision
- [45:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=2752) Sourcing Motors and Community Advice
- [57:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-26-385-i-just-wanted-an-industrial-arm#t=3476) Learning to Code and Hiring

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- ROS (tool)
- MoveIt (tool)
- Gazebo (tool)
- MeArm (product)
- Teensy 4.1 (chip)
- Arduino (chip)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- KUKA (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Jacob Evink | From CAD to Mechanical Curiosity: Student Engineer Spotlight](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-09-04-jacob-evink-from-cad-to-mechanical-curiosity-student-engineer-spotlight) (Being an Engineer)
- [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)
- [S2E41 The Hacksmith | James Hobson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-09-24-s2e41-the-hacksmith-james-hobson) (Being an Engineer)
- [Robo Fry Guy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-10-10-robo-fry-guy) (The Amp Hour)
- [Episode 188: Robots that will kill you](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-10-26-episode-188-robots-that-will-kill-you) (Making It)

## Citing this page

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