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Crafting an Affordable Robotic Limb Without Emptying Your Wallet

Robotically fabricated arms have numerous applications, with each instance presenting its own set of demands. For [Thomas Sanladerer], the essential function of his robotic arm was to facilitate a digital tool...

Crafting a Robotic Arm at an Affordable Cost
Crafting a Robotic Arm at an Affordable Cost

Crafting an Affordable Robotic Limb Without Emptying Your Wallet

News Article: Thomas Sanladerer Unveils Unique Nine-Degree Robotic Arm, "Caroline"

In a groundbreaking move, creator Thomas Sanladerer has revealed his latest invention - a nine-degree robotic arm named Caroline. Unveiled in August 2025, Caroline is primarily designed to support a digital camera, offering a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics.

The robotic arm, inspired by 3D printers, boasts a design that resembles mammalian appendages. However, contrary to some misconceptions, Caroline's styling and colour scheme are not intended to evoke the image of a yummy moist cake. Instead, the arm's design is intended to be menacing in a casual manner, adding a touch of intrigue to its primary function.

Caroline's construction is a testament to innovative engineering. It comprises aluminum hollow stock, 3D printed sections, and Waveshare ST3215 servos. The arm's head uses these servos with internal magnetic encoders for precise angle control. The arm's unique feature is the use of linear rails instead of stepper motors for each joint, providing smooth and accurate movements.

However, one concern arises from the Waveshare ST3215 servos. During testing, one of these servos experienced overheating, a potential issue that Thomas Sanladerer is currently addressing. In light of this, he is considering replacing the stepper motors with brushless motors, although the current version of Caroline does not use brushless motors.

Despite this concern, the cost of the robotic arm, including the Waveshare servos, remains a few hundred Euros. Given its components and the nine degrees of freedom it offers, the cost isn't excessive. Each Waveshare ST3215 servo costs approximately €35.

Caroline's design, while unique, was not a deliberate choice. The name and design of the robotic arm are coincidental, a happy accident that adds to its charm and intrigue. Thomas Sanladerer's Caroline is more than just a robotic arm; it's a testament to creative engineering, a fusion of functionality and aesthetics that is sure to captivate and inspire.

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