Summary

In this chapter, we covered the basic principles of the mechanical design approach for DIY Arduino robots that maximize your chance of a successful project. These principles are similar to those that we have already talked about in the context of software development. In addition, we have looked at many important aspects of building the mechanical structure of your robot, namely ways to connect components, and materials to build custom components from. We have discussed, on a high level, the purpose and benefits of CAD and looked at the 3D printing toolchain in some detail. You can deepen your understanding of this by experimenting with various materials, glues, tools, and techniques to gain experience and intuition that will help you become an expert robot builder. You can take your robotic skills to the next level by getting familiar with CAD software and digitally modeling your first parts in 3D. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can learn a lot about the digital manufacturing...