notes on the MeArm Maker Kit Robot Arm and PWM Servo Driver

This post summarizes an example usage of an inverse kinematics motion control library [1] for the MeArm Maker Kit Robot Arm on an Arduino with an Adafruit 16-channel PWM Servo driver board is presented.

It offers an overview of the MeArm Maker, a compact and affordable robotic arm kit designed by Mime Industries. The post shares insights into the assembly, programming, and overall functionality of the MeArm Maker, making it a useful resource for robotics enthusiasts and educators. The MeArm Maker is recognized for its simplicity and accessibility, designed to introduce beginners to robotics and mechanical engineering. The post very briefly explores the process of putting the kit together, highlighting potential challenges encountered during the build. Additionally, it reflects on the software tools available to program the arm, such as Arduino and other open-source platforms, which enhance the kit's educational value.

Example

Materials

- ‎MeArm Maker Kit

- ‎Adafruit PWM Servo driver board

- Arduino

Sketch

/* Pins:

* Arduino PWMServo

* GND GND

* 5V VCC & V+

* A4 SDA

* A5 SCL

*

* Adafruit Servo

* 0 Base

* 1 Shoulder (right)

* 2 Elbow (left)

* 3 Gripper

*/

#include "meArm_Adafruit.h"

#include <Adafruit_PWMServoDriver.h>

#include <Wire.h>

meArm arm0;

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600);

arm0.begin(0, 0x40);

}

void loop() {

arm0.openGripper();

arm0.closeGripper();

arm0.openGripper();

arm0.closeGripper();

arm0.openGripper();

delay(500);

arm0.gotoPoint(-80,100,140);

arm0.closeGripper();

delay(500);

arm0.gotoPoint(70,200,10);

arm0.openGripper();

delay(500);

arm0.gotoPoint(0,100,50);

delay(2000);

}

Additional illustrative example

References

[1] https://github.com/RorschachUK/meArm_Adafruit