| There are inexpensive educational products: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xD9QCBkxAs https://www.anninrobotics.com/product-page/ar2-aluminum-and-... https://www.omc-stepperonline.com/upgraded-ar4-robot-complet... https://github.com/shoiland/ar4_ros_driver YMMV as I haven't tried it myself, it looks like a solid aluminum frame with geared-stepper drivers. This means many of the axis will have minimal backlash behavior from the gears, but if you keep the driver power minimal you are less likely to strip off teeth when (not if) you make a programming error. I also like that it is open design, as making it do something useful gets easier. You might be able to get away with a fully 3D printed plastic arm if your use case is not demanding. However, when stating your project goal in one sentence you will have to decide if you are A. building robots or B. solving some lab task. Best of luck, one may find academic sponsorship/funding is easier than trying to recreate the wheel. Best of luck =3 |