Build a Robot Arm with Servo Motors

Introduction

Robot arms are used everywhere from manufacturing to surgery. Building one teaches mechanical design, electronics, and programming concepts.

Degrees of Freedom

Our 4-DOF arm includes base rotation, shoulder, elbow, and gripper. Each joint adds complexity but also capability.

Servo Selection

Standard servos work for small arms, but larger builds need higher-torque servos or even stepper motors.

Mechanical Design

3D-printed parts work well for prototyping. Ensure joints are aligned properly to prevent binding.

Inverse Kinematics

IK calculates joint angles needed to reach a target position. We'll implement a simple geometric solution.

Next Steps

Add computer vision for object detection, or implement path planning for smooth movements.