4-in-1 robot kit draws images on a surface

The mDrawBot model from Makeblock is a 4-in-1 drawing robot kit that can be transformed into four configuration robots. These four drawing robots are called mScara, mCar, mSpider and mEggBot. The robots are controlled by Makeblock’s mDraw software.

The mScara is a Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm or SCARA driven by stepper motors. Once a pen is installed on the mScara, the robot will draw pictures on a flat surface. The robot can also transform into a desktop laser engraver using a laser diode.

The mSpider, meanwhile, is controlled by two stepper motors though strings. Using longer strings provides the robot with a longer drawing range.

Designed to draw on objects in cylindrical shape or with arched surface, such as eggs and tennis balls, the mEggBot can be used to write letters or draw expressions on surfaces that are impossible to print on.

Lastly, the mCar is a three-wheel robot car with two stepper motor drive wheels and a ball caster wheel. It can draw its own movement tracks on a surface.

Each mDrawBot kit can be assembled into any of the four configurations in under an hour. The detailed assembling instructions can be downloaded on the company’s website. The kit has more than 60 aluminum components. Other features include BMP to SVG conversion, gray-scale laser engraving, customize parameters and zoom drawing. The mDrawrobot is also available in two upgraded packs: Bluetooth module and laser engraver.

Makeblock was founded in May 2011. It is based in Shenzhen, China.