Dobot M1: Pro Robotic Arm for Makers and Businesses

Technological development is not a linear process. As technology improves, it allows people to create further innovations faster and with greater accuracy. One of the main ways that this occurs is through the use of robotics. Having programmable machines to perform the routine tasks usually left to people is not only more cost effective, but also much more accurate and consistent.

Robotic arms have been used in a wide variety of industries. From manufacturing cars to the International Space Station, the reliability and detail afforded by robotic arms is changing the face of manufacturing. However, recent innovations have allowed these devices to be introduced to small businesses and even homes. One such device is the Dobot M1, a professional-grade robotic arm that is ideal for businesses, factories, and homes. Its wide variety of uses make it a versatile tool that can be adapted to nearly any job.

The Dobot Team

The makers of Dobot are passionate about creating technology that combines reliability with user friendliness and affordability. It is the robotic arm division of Yuejiang, a leader in the robotics industry in China. The division was created in 2015 and has since introduced several robotic arms to worldwide acclaim.

Dobot operates out of China’s booming technological hub, Shenzhen. With its growing popularity in various industries around the world, Dobot aims to improve its marketing and distribution reach in coming years. It is composed of dedicated robotics engineers who hope to improve societies around the world by creating useful and simple technology.

Timeline

While a great deal of time and effort has gone into the creation of the Dobot M1, the dedication and experience of the Dobot team has allowed the machine to be developed fairly quickly. Dobot has built on the success of previous models like the Dobot 1.0 to produce an even more versatile robotic arm with the M1. The initial concept for the machine was introduced in August of 2015. Early prototyping occurred throughout the rest of the year and into May of 2016. This led to the project launch in June. From July to September, a great deal of work was done to design the machine’s mechanics and hardware, which led to the creation of prototypes. In October, the testing of the M1 began. The final touches to the device’s software will be completed in early 2017. The arm is set to be manufactured and shipped by May, 2017.

Funding

Unsurprisingly, the M1 has received tremendous support from online backers. The creation of a versatile, accurate, and powerful robotic arm is attractive enough, but M1’s affordability has caused great excitement from backers in fields like small business, education, and manufacturing. Despite setting a goal of only $100,000, the project has raised nearly $275,000 thus far, with a month remaining in the campaign. Over 200 backers have supported the project.

The Dobot M1

The M1 is a robotic arm that is affordable enough for small businesses and personal use while maintaining the accuracy and power of professional-grade robotics. It is a sleek and attractive machine that can be used for a variety of purposes. With interchangeable heads and computer vision, there are few tasks that this arm cannot handle. Further, it comes with a variety of useful abilities that allow it to adapt to any customer and any purpose. The arm boasts 0.02 mm precision and a 1.5 kg payload. Further, it has a speed of 200 degrees per second. These impressive capabilities are offered with the M1 at a very affordable price, making this one of the most attractive robotic arms ever created.

Versatility

The most important aspect of the M1, aside from its considerable capabilities, is that it can be used for a wide variety of tasks. The arm is perfect for 3D printing, with a 400 mm radius and printing height of 250 mm. As well, it is capable of laser engraving, using a Pulse-Width-Modulated laser to beautifully impose images on other surfaces. Further, the M1 is ideal of accurate soldering, allowing it to create a variety of tool heads.

Abilities

In addition to the wide range of tasks that the M1 can handle, it is also comes equipped with a variety of abilities that make it perfect for any customer. One of its most impressive abilities is its computer vision. With a vision system that can be further adapted by the user, the arm can easily sort different materials, even while they move on a conveyor. Further, the M1 can be extended to include dual-arm use with its wireless capabilities. With a single command from a mobile device, the M1 can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Finally, the robot is able to sense and move about its environment independently. With its own mapping system, the M1 can work around an entire floor. Tasks like automatic inventory are made simple with this versatile robotic arm.

Ease of Use

While the wide range of tasks that the robot can handle and its considerable abilities make it highly attractive, the M1 is not a machine that was only designed for those with experience in robotics. Instead, it is specifically designed to be easy to use for novices and experts alike. This range of customizability is due to the fact that the device is completely programmable. Users can access the M1’s API and SDK on their own, or enjoy the visualized programming that comes with it. Further, its app provides a simple and convenient way to control the arm through a mobile device.

Price

Although the M1 offers the accuracy, speed, and features of a professional robotic arm, it comes at a fraction of the cost. While most robotic arms with similar capabilities come with prices that are around $2000, the M1 can be had for much less. While it will retail at the affordable price of $1599 for a standard model, the M1 can be had for only $999 by super early bird buyers on Kickstarter. These deals are expected to sell out quickly.

Specs

Arm

– Reach: 400 mm
– Payload: 1.5 kg
– Circle Time: 0.45 seconds
– Speed: 200 degrees/second
– Repeatability: 0.02 mm

Size

– Base: 130 mm x 115 mm x 12 mm
– Height: 670 mm

Connectivity

– Ethernet
– Wi-Fi
– Bluetooth

Conclusion

Robotic arms are an invaluable resource for a variety of industries. Whether in manufacturing or education, customers have adored the accuracy and simplicity of these machines. However, most robotic arms are extremely expensive.

The Dobot M1 is a robotic arm that offers excellent power, speed, and accuracy. Further, it is able to move about its environment independently, see with computer vision, and employ dual-arm use. In addition, the arm can be used for a variety of purposes such as 3D printing, laser engraving, soldering, inventory, and much more. This amazing range of features are available for a highly affordable price. The Dobot M1 is therefore the ideal robotic arm for factories and small businesses alike.