ShopBot Blog

There have been a number of questions recently about what we are up to. It’s made us appreciate that it would probably be good to start posting a regular progress report and a time-line that lays out target dates for our primary Handibot projects. We’ll shoot for an update report around the middle of every month. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Handibot Development Report  /  January 2015 (this one covers the last few months)

Hardware

• Tool
  • Working at finalizing production changes and upgrade kits for Version 1.1 enhancements; V1.1 will include a new front panel with better access, backing plates to better lock alignment, new (better protected) proximity switches [the first two items will be available as upgrade kits; also documented and available for DIY] 

• Prototyping and testing a number of potential changes in format and footprint for improved tool access, rigidity, work area options, etc… for next version of Handibot
• Accessories
  • Release of laser sighting accessory 

• Continued work on rotary 4th axis (yes, it is coming soon) along with prototyping a manual 4th axis indexing system that will be very affordable and particularly useful in education
• Finalizing a top enclosure for noise and dust containment (for V1.0 and 1.1)

• Testing low-power “marking” laser
• Continued work to finalize “Crawler” system; we are specifying this as having 1-3 bays (positions) and a 5 foot track length. This supports a basic work area (with repositioning over the 3 bays) of 2’ x 4’. Track extensions will be available for longer work such as stair stringers

Software

• Apps
  • Cloud “Project” Apps and Ecosystem
    • Prototyping formats for Project Apps

• Working on Gallery and Project Ecosystem for Handibot HQ   
  

• Working on App delivery methods for Handibot HQ
• Onboard “Utility” Apps
  • Initial exploration of some “example” utility apps including “drill press”, “chop saw”, etc
  • App Developer Kit Instructions draft 
• FabMo Platform & Controls (see Github “handibot” pages to follow in detail)
  • Control Board / SBC
    • Testing all I/O functionality and finalizing board for beta production
  • Dashboard Interface
    • Working with and finalizing look of interface 

• Developing Javascipt components/modules/gadgets that provide functionality for the Dashboard and can be used as tools/inserts by app developers [see App Developer Kit above]
• Developing additional Javascript package that will help app developers generate simple shapes and 2D views
• Improving accessibility from multiple devices
• Engine
  • Creating job/file management system
  • Working towards highly robust interaction with motion core
  • Creating run-time systems for interaction in g-code and OpenSBP operation and programmability; also supporting wide range of tools and configurations
• Core Motion System
  • Working with G2 developers in enhancing functionality relevant to our CNC tools in general and Handibot types of application in particular
  • Working on robust installer and firmware upgrade methods

 

Evolving Timelines for Focal Projects 

                                                                               Targeted Completion   Targeted Store/Doc Release
Hardware

• Version 1.1 Handibot  …………………… Late Feb 2015 …………… Late Feb 2015
• Acc: Enclosure V1.0 & 1.1 ……………….. Feb 2015  ………………… Feb 2015
• Acc: Rotary 4th Axis  …………………….. Late Feb 2015  ………….. Late Feb 2015
• Acc: Crawler (auto tile indexing)  ……… Late Feb 2015  ………….. Late Feb 2015
• Acc: Manual 4th Axis  ……………………. March 2015  …………….. March 2015
• Version 2.0 Handibot  …………………….@ MakerFaire 2015 ……. June 2015
• Acc: Laser Marking Head ………………… June 2015 ………………. June 2015
• Acc: Manual 5 Axis  ……………………….. July 2015 ………………… July 2015
• Acc: 3D Print Head  ……………………….. July 2015 ………………… July 2015
• Acc: Motorized 5 Axis  …………………….. Fall 2015 ………………… Fall 2015
• Acc: End-work/Dovetail Jig ………………. Fall 2015 …………………. Fall 2015

Controls, Software, Web Ecosystem

• Beta V300 Control Cards (for FabMo)  …. March 2015 ……….. – limited to testers –
• V300 Control Cards (FabMo) & SBC  …… @ MakerFaire 2015 …… June 2015
• First Beta Release Version of FabMo …..  Feb 2015
• Release Version FabMo  ………………….. @ MakerFaire 2015 …… June 2015
• Beta & EXAMPLE Utility Apps  …………… Late March 2015
• Utility Apps for FabMo Handibots  ……… @ MakerFaire 2015 …… June 2015
• Developer Contributed Utility Apps …….. @ MakerFaire 2015?                 ?
• Handibot HQ Gallery & Project Areas …..  Feb 2015
• Handibot HQ Project Delivery (free) …….  April 2015
• Handibot HQ Project delivery (paid) …….  June 2015