KAUDA Offers Low-Cost Open Source Solution for Learning Robotics
Giovanni Lerda’s beautiful robot arm is intended primarily for makers, students, teachers, and universities.
The KAUDA robotic arm is an open source and 3D-printable project that offers makers a low-cost solution for learning about robotics. It has been developed by maker Giovanni Lerda, a student at the Technical Institute Superior in Italy, for other hobbyists, students, teachers, and universities.
As can be seen in the picture above, the robot features five axes. The bottom axis (Z-axis) allows a complete 360-degree movement of the robot. Furthermore, the Y-axis houses two stepper motors, effectively doubling the available torque making the robotic arm stronger as well as more reliable. Separating the axes are lightweight aluminum rods that help to provide a rigid structure. The gripper can rotate 180 degrees through the use of a servo, while the gripper itself uses a DC motor with a worm screw to open and close.
The electronics Lerda implemented to complete the design involve a few important pieces universal to most robotic builds. These include an Arduino Mega, a TB6600 stepper motor driver, an L298 dual DC motor controller, and a 12V 30A switching power supply. A few optional components are also mentioned as pieces to enhance the project, such as a 12V signal lamp, LEDs, and an optocoupler. The complete schematic for the KAUDA is also available as a PDF on Lerda's website..
A lot more details and pictures of the robotic arm can be found through the website referenced above, plus an Instructables page that has recently been created. This entails a complete list of parts needed for the build along with a detailed step-by-step assembly instructions. Overall, the design is a beautiful way for interested makers to dive into the fun world of robotics.