slantconceptsThe V3 is live on Kickstarter if you would like to support us.
Whats the "V3"
The V3 is the third version of the LittleArm that we have made. It has fewer parts and relies more on 3D Printing than any of our previous kits have.
The LittleArm Original was the very first kit that we ever created in 2016. Then we followed that in 2017 with the LittleArm 2C. And it took quite a while to find a way to improve on that on. But we found it.
- Gripper - We have turned 8 pieces into 1. This gripper eliminates complexity that made it difficult for younger kids to work with the kits. It is also able to grab more stuff.
- Overall Design - Sleeker with even fewer screws and complications. Every piece has been optimized.
- Improved App and Demos - We have updated the software for the arm and will be releasing new demos.
Overall, we figured out how to further optimize all of the parts to make easier to put together. the gripper that was once 8 pieces is now just 1 piece. Only 2 of the 4 servos need a screw, so kids don't lose those tiny set screws in the rug. And we have made it even tougher so it can take the abuse of classrooms and groups better than ever.
Mechanical Design Upgrades
The LittleArm V3 is the third generation of the LittleArm. And you can tell.
Faster 3D Printing
The LittleArms were the first really viable 3D printed robot arms. But with the V3 we have improved on that. We have reduced the 3D printed part count to just 4 pieces. They can fit on basically any machine and they can be printed at the lowest resolution (0.3mm) in PLA and come out looking great.
Further Optimized Shoulder
The Shoulder from the Original to the 2C was a big leap. But we have gone a step further. Streamlining the should and allowing it to clamp onto the servo. This means we no longer have to use screws for the Servo horns.
New Gripper
When having younger kids build the LittleArms there was always one part that was difficult. The gripper. It had 4 small screws that had to be put in just right and it was often challenging. We wanted to eliminate all of it. But it took a long time and a lot of experiments to create the new V3 gripper.
The new gripper is all one 3D Printed part. The designed spring in one finger eliminates all of the screws but still gives it a full range of motion. All of that complex assembly is eliminated with a really cool design feature that other people can use and learn from.
The New gripper is also able to grab more stuff. The wider fingers let it pick up fabric and also allow us to cut out sections of the claw so that it grab horizontal objects, like a pencil, that were impossible for the original LittleArms
Only 21 Parts (counting screws)
The LittleArm has the fewest number of parts of any other robot arm kit. to put it together it is basically just snap-and-go the screws just make sure it doesn't fly apart.
The LittleArm 2C held the record previously with 31 screws. We basically cut that in half. And any other arduino robot arm you can find will have about 100 pieces in total to be lost as soon as you open the box.
Operates in all Orientations
We have upgraded the servos. They are the strongest metal geared micro-servos in we could find. And they more durable than any others also.
No other desktop robot arm can work in any orientation. Mount it where ever you want. And thanks to our new and improved servos performance doesn't take a hit at all.
Support
To create a kit that is expected to be used in a STEM classroom you have to have great support. We continue to build on what we have done with our previous arms and other kits. And we will continue with great design and a growing library of content, both written and in video.
Build in under 20 minutes
The LittleArm V3 2C has 21 parts, including the 6 screws. You just need fingers and one common screwdriver to put it together. Most of the servos snap into place without screws. The only thing you have to do is put the screws in the horns. This makes it great for classrooms where teachers are spread thin, so kids can operate independently, and later the kits can be disassembled for another group.
PLAY
The Website
The LittleArm Website has become a hub for everything LittleArm. Spare parts are available to purchase and we have a deep and continuous stream of resources and tutorials coming out. If someone has a problem working with their LittleArm they can find a solution on the Website.
Simpler Kit
With all of our past kits we added all types of additions and variations. This caused confusion and limited the amount of resources we could create for any single kit. So this time we are focusing on the core. Fewer variations but with more support and better refined design.
