How to build BCN3D Moveo
6-DoF desktop robot arm · Intermediate
Build the BCN3D Moveo, the 3D-printed educational arm from Barcelona with stepper motors and an Arduino Mega controller, using BCN3D's open files and manual.
Some soldering, calibration and Linux comfort needed.
Our estimate, part-time
Price the BOM yourself
MIT
What is BCN3D Moveo?
BCN3D Moveo is a 3D-printed robot arm from BCN3D Technologies, designed with the Catalan government's education department. The aim was to give vocational schools an arm their students could build and modify for much less than industrial training equipment costs.
BCN3D never sold the Moveo. It published the files, firmware and an assembly manual in English and Spanish, and ran a build workshop for 15 institutes. The design builds on Andreas Hölldorfer's BetaBots printable arm, and it has gone on to become one of the most-remixed hobby arms around.
Versions and forks
- The BetaBots arm it was based on
- Many remixes with closed-loop steppers, homing and ROS
BCN3D Moveo specifications
- Axes
- 5 + gripper
- Actuators
- Stepper motors + servo gripper
- Controller
- Arduino Mega with RAMPS shield
- Structure
- 3D-printed
- License
- MIT (repository)
Figures as published by the project. See Sources below.
Bill of materials
| Part | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stepper motors | — | Sizes per joint in the BOM |
| Arduino Mega 2560 + RAMPS 1.4 | 1 set | |
| Stepper drivers | — | |
| Servo | 1 | Gripper |
| Belts, pulleys and bearings | — | |
| 3D-printed parts | — | |
| Power supply | — |
Where's the full bill of materials?
The full BOM, with exact quantities and vendors, lives in the project's own files. Prices change often, so treat Not published as a ballpark. Start at the project repository.
Tools you'll need
- 3D printer
- Hex keys
- Soldering iron
- Multimeter
- Arduino IDE
Step-by-step build overview
Electronics & wiring overview
This is 3D-printer electronics: an Arduino Mega with a RAMPS shield and plug-in stepper drivers, with the servo on a header. Many builders add homing switches and an external driver for the biggest motor.
Software
The project ships its own firmware and control code. See the repository for setup.
BCN3D supplied a basic Arduino sketch. The community has since added ROS packages and G-code firmware options.
Tips from the bench
- ☕ Belt tension makes or breaks the Moveo's precision.
- ☕ Plan to add limit switches, since the original has no homing.
- ☕ Read the manual first.
BCN3D Moveo FAQ
Can I buy a BCN3D Moveo?
No. BCN3D chose to publish the files instead of selling it.
What electronics does it use?
An Arduino Mega with a RAMPS 1.4 shield and stepper drivers.
Who designed the Moveo?
BCN3D Technologies with the Catalan education department, based on Andreas Hölldorfer's arm.
Sources
Written by Bots n' Beans from the project's own documentation. Check the sources for the latest revision before you buy parts.
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