MAKE 34: Robotics

OpenROV creator Eric Stackpole holding up his remote controlled submersible

Join the robot uprising! There’s never been a better time to delve into robotics, whether you’re a tinkerer or a more serious explorer. With the powerful tools and expertise now available, the next great leap in robot evolution is just as likely to come from your garage as a research lab.

Table of Contents

Columns

Welcome

Join the robot uprising!Page 08

Reader Input

3D shootout, upcycling visions, pure Pyrex, and unholy smoking.Page 10

Made on Earth

The world of backyard technology.Page 22

Features

Smart Gallery

The artists of Oakland’s Lost and Foundry are paving their own path away from convention.Page 28

Make: Believe

Puppetry and 3D printing with Images in Motion.Page 40

Ironwood

One of the world’s great engineering materials.Page 42

Solar Observatory

A low-tech setup to observe the sun’s movement. Page 44

Water to Wine Cooler

An illusion converts water into flowing red wine.Page 46

ROBOT UPRISING!

How I Printed a Humanoid

3D-print a $12,000 robot for half that price.Page 66

CoffeeBots

Build a simple, programmable robot with personality.Page 70

Lip Balm Actuator

Linear motion from a Blistex tube and mini hobby servo.Page 78

Smartphone Servo

Control almost anything with a fingertip.Page 84

Project

Skill Builder: Finishing and PostProcessing Your 3D Printed Objects

Simple tools and techniques to take your desktop 3D printer to the next level.Page 88

Japanese Toolbox

Build this strong wood box with a clever lift-out lid.Page 110

Electronics: Fun & Fundamentals

Make easy, efficient LED photography lights. Page 116

The Dryer Messenger

Get your dryer on Twitter and never forget your laundry. Page 120

Door-Top Stash

Make a sneaky compartment that’s easy to reach but hard to find.Page 130

Country Scientist

How to document what you make or discover.Page 132

Puzzle Treasure Box

It’s easy to open this padlocked box, once you know the secret.Page 136

Remaking History

Heron of Alexandria and the gin pole.Page 138

Homebrew

Audio console fusion.Page 142

Danger!

Make a rope swing.Page 144

Howtoons: Gami-Bot

Page 146

Toolbox

Dental tools, steadicams, bolt cutters, and quadcopters.Page 148