The uArm project by uFactory raised funds on Kickstarter several years ago.
They had always stated it would be an open-source project, but once the campaign ended, they were slow to release the source files.
I just wanted to cut the acrylic according to their designs and be done with it, but since the source files weren’t available and weren’t expected to be anytime soon, I decided to replicate the design from photos.
When I started working on the designs, I didn’t just want to copy the uArm—I wanted to improve it.
I felt I could manage without bearings in my setup. Additionally, I didn’t like that the electronics rotated with the entire manipulator, and I wanted to simplify the construction of the lower part of the joint.
Plus, I began designing it slightly smaller.
Later, I decided to use more powerful and popular servos, increase the size, and add bearings. I also decided not to strive for perfection right away.
I quickly sketched the designs without drawing detailed connections and ordered cuts from transparent acrylic.
With the resulting manipulator, I was able to refine the assembly process, identify areas needing reinforcement, and learn how to use bearings.
It frustrates me that I couldn’t bring anything fundamentally new to the uArm project.
By the time I started drafting the final version, they had already released 3D models on GrabCAD.
In the end, I only slightly simplified the gripper, prepared the files in a convenient format, and used very simple and standard components.