Is my idea valid

**Henrik** · 05-27-2011 10:50 AM

Hey all.

I'm currently working on an idea I had a few days back and just thought I'd throw it out here for some feedback..

Whenever people think of industrial robots people also think hugely expensive machines, that are way to big for most small businesses.

I then thought to myself. If I were to design a small affordable robot arm (perhaps a miniature automatic welder) that I could produce and sell for under 4000 dollar (excluding welder) would small manufacturers etc. be interested in such a machine?

As I see it the arm should probably be able to move only a few feet in either direction, be articulated around 4-5 axes and of course it should be shielded when used as a welder.

Programming should be easy, but using standard servos, and some clever software this should pose no problem at all..

Whay do you think of this idea? workable or not?

**Elsoft** · 05-27-2011 12:12 PM

Henrik.Im not sure if it would really click since there are robots based on servo mechanism that do more or less what you mention in the industry- of course Im not sure about the pricing.But are you providing something really unique in terms of functionality and user experience with the machine.Of course,it can be used for educational purpose as well,if customised.But you need to think in terms of what unique you are offering.

**Henrik** · 05-27-2011 01:14 PM

Hey again

Thank you for your reply.

I was actually thinking about doing something unique (bear in mind it's a very new idea and I haven't done much research yet, so it might not be unique)

My thoughts are to create a universal robotic welding arm that uses the companys existing MIG welder. In other words a cheap and easy to use, but very precise robot welder, using existing equipment.

**retro world** · 05-27-2011 01:30 PM

I would like to know more about this project. I am a programmer and also intrested in robotics/electronics.
PM me with more details

**Henrik** · 05-27-2011 01:54 PM

Hi retro

Im afraid my idea is only that, an idea, at the moment. The thought however is to use mostly off the shelf parts for the mechanics, and design a very simple, yet durable design for the robot body.

Keeping the cost at a bare minimum is extremely important since the idea is to present businesses such as a small machine shop with a valid alternative to hiring a worker, without having to spend a bunch on a large industrial robot.

It should be very easy and intuitive to program. Here I'm thinking that in stead of a software solution to design the welding paths you should just be able to guide the arm through the first weld and set it to repeat (this would be done through the stepper motors and some clever software through an rs232)

**retro world** · 05-27-2011 02:06 PM

What would the cost be for one unit of the arm? including material and manufactoring

**Henrik** · 05-27-2011 03:44 PM

As cheap as possible, but I would aim at keeping the production costs under 6000 danish kroner (around 1000 dollars) for a sales price in the 15000 DKK region (app. 2200 dollars)

**Elsoft** · 05-27-2011 10:23 PM

Great.So,have a notebook - make it an idea book.Develop this idea,since you believe it has a lot of potential,why not make it big.If you would like any help at any stage - including the designing,engineering and marketing ,feel free to post here.As you can see there are alot of engineers here including myself,who will be glad to help you.