Tech newbie here. How do I go about building the robotic arm for this prop? Any easy-to-follow tutorials online?

[u/Teagar_]

For context, I'm trying to build a motorized prop of Flowey the Flower. The sketch only includes the inner mechanism, as I already have a plan for the exterior.

(Also, I have access to a Bambu 3D printer, so I'm good with printing parts for this if needed!)

I've luckily found an X/Y Pan/Tilt servo setup with a joystick already attached, but I'm stumped with the robotic arm. I am almost completely new to the world of robotics when it comes to cosplay. I've soldered stuff before and have done some basic LED setups, but this is another level for me.

What would be the best way to go about building the robotic arm? I'm trying to build a setup where the base of the arm sits on the left shoulder (I'll probably include a large base pad of sorts for stability in that regard, as well as straps to attach it to myself), and I'd ideally like to be able to raise and lower it with only one joystick, preferably in a way where I wouldn't have to keep holding down the joystick to keep the mechanism standing upright (or to have it stay in whatever position I put it in).

I am willing to do more than 2 joints in the arm to accomplish this build (more than 2 joints might actually help it move smoother in the end), I just need help with how to start. I've researched a bunch of tutorials, but most of them have been either too large in the scale of the arm or too complex for what I need.

Thank you so much for reading, I appreciate any help! God bless!

[u/Snow_Moose_]

As someone currently doing a lot of servo motor work, my suggestion is to pick one of these aspects for your first build. Later builds can iterate, but if you try to do all of this as your first build you're going to end up with a bench of scattered parts and no final product.

What's the most important element of the build to you?

[u/hoganloaf]

Start with one joint. Size the servo, plan your power (batteries, power converters where needed, drivers, charging), then do the control. Bench test and build the arm bits until satisfied. For the second joint you could simply duplicate the first for a quick build, or you could integrate a second servo into the same joysticks control scheme (maybe theres a two servo joystick library out there already). Remember to size your power electronics for peak load current plus about 20%, not nominal (check the data sheets), or it will behave erratically and be harder to troubleshoot.

[u/Pite_00101]

Could you please tell me what specific work the hand should do?

[u/Federal_Rooster_9185]

Why not just bluetooth?? There are easy to follow tutorials on arduino+Bluetooth. No wiring needed.

[u/Rayzwave]

Sorry, I don’t get it. I guess I need to understand what Flowey the flower is all about?