# Robots Build Robots

> A one-person robotics workshop in Tbilisi, Georgia, run by Jonathan Else. It starts with one open-source ArkBot robotic arm, then builds more arms, then uses the arms to build and repair robots with as little human help as possible. Contact: admin@robotsbuildrobots.space

## The ArkBot arm

- Designed by Robotics Ark, MIT licence: https://github.com/Robotics-Ark/ark_bot
- 6 axes plus gripper; 7 Waveshare ST3215 12 V serial-bus servos; 3D-printed cycloidal gearboxes; 86 printed parts; 12 V DC supply.
- Designer's published specification: 1 m reach, 1.8 kg payload, 2.6 kg weight.
- Only critical print check from the designers: the cycloidal disk's six outer holes must be exactly 12 mm.

## Parts for one ArkBot (this project's first build)

- 7 × ST3215 12 V servo; 1 × Waveshare Bus Servo Adapter (A); USB cable
- Bearings: 36 × 693ZZ, 20 × 6802-2RS (the official list says 12; the assembly video shows 4 per gearbox × 3 + 4 per claw carriage × 2), 5 × 6706-2RS, 6 × 6810-2RS
- 30 × 30 slot-8 aluminium extrusion, 100 mm + 200 mm; 12 M3 T-nuts
- M3 button-head screws and nuts (assortment); ~50 M3 heat-set inserts (5 mm OD, 4 mm long)
- 12 V 5 A adapter with 5.5 × 2.1 mm centre-positive plug (the servo adapter is limited to 5 A total)
- About 2–3 kg PLA; printed on a Bambu Lab A1
- Planned cost in Tbilisi: about 3,100–3,400 GEL (≈ US$1,190–1,310) including printer and filament (~1,900 GEL ≈ US$730), arm parts (760–1,060 GEL ≈ US$290–410) and tools (~470 GEL ≈ US$180), before import charges. Estimates, not quotes. USD at the National Bank of Georgia rate of 2.5982 GEL/USD, 17 Oct 2026.

## Software notes

- ArkBot runs on the Ark Framework (Python, LCM messaging, PyBullet simulator).
- Video of the arm running in simulation (original control software, PyBullet): https://robotsbuildrobots.space/arkbot-sim.mp4

## Progress

- 2026-10-16: Planning started (parts, tools, Tbilisi suppliers, workshop layout).
- 2026-10-17: All 35 part types prepared for printing; original control software running the arm in simulation; first-build parts list settled at 28 items.
- Next: order printer, servos and bearings; print and check the first cycloidal disk.