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The original eggbot


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What's the Eggbot?

The Eggbot is an open-source art robot that can draw on spherical or egg-shaped objects from the size of a ping pong ball size to that of a small grapefruit-- roughly 1.5 to 4 inches in diameter (4 - 10 cm). Super adjustable; designed to draw on all kinds of things that are normally "impossible" to print on. Not just eggs but golf balls, light bulbs, mini pumpkins, and even things like wine glasses-- with a bit of work.

Use it to personalize Christmas ornaments or impress your friends with masterpiece Easter eggs. The Eggbot is not just a cool gadget; it’s also a great introduction to do-it-yourself robotics. All of the electronics and software are designed to be hackable and repurposable, so you could easily computer control an Etch-a-Sketch or create something totally new.

The Eggbot software allows you to control the 'bot from within Inkscape-- a superb freeware illustration program -- on Mac, Windows, or Linux computers. You can draw an image directly, trace a photograph, or import designs from other programs. You can also control the Eggbot directly from many other programs that have the ability to send serial commands over a USB port.

Eggbot Gamma kit - teaser


New kit coming soon!

This year we've teamed up with Evil Mad Science to produce a new version of the kit-- the "Eggbot Gamma," which will be available in Summer 2010 for $195. This version improves on last year's Eggbot Beta, with a higher performance motor controllers, improved mechanics with better bushings and a more rigid frame, vastly improved servo-driven pen up/down control, and much better availability. The 'bot is recommended for ages 10 and up; under 13 adult supervision is recommended.

What's all in the new kit?

  • The Eggbot chassis with integrated stand
  • Two precision stepping motors
  • Pen-lift servo motor
  • The Eggbot controller board
  • All the hinges, standoffs, and other components that make up the Eggbot
  • Plug-in universal-input power supply
  • USB cable
  • A Sharpie brand pen

What are the features of the controller board?

  • Includes independent 16X microstepping bipolar drivers
  • Screw terminals to motors
  • Independent regulator for servo motor
  • USB interface
  • Documented serial commands
  • Fully assembled-- no soldering needed.

What will you need to assemble it?

  • Pliers
  • Screwdrivers: medium and small phillips head
  • Internet access to download instructions
  • An hour or so to put everything together

What will you need to run it?

  • Recent vintage Mac, Windows, or Linux computer with USB port
  • Internet access to download free software
  • A place to plug in the power supply
  • Objects to draw on