We would like to create a prototype for a robotic arm that we can then ‘hack’ and use to teach basic programming. We started with the OWI EDGE kickstarter.com/projects/peopleengineproject/the-robauto-robot-hacking-kit?ref=home_location which works fine but can’t lift much weight. I am looking for suggestions on what I need to purchase to do essentially the same thing but which will allow us to lift heavier objects. I don’t want to use the standard interfaces to control it - I want to control it via C++.
The next step up from that arm is the AL5A, which uses servos instead of DC gear motors. If there are other arms on the market between this price range, we have yet to find them. The AL5A with SSC-32 servo controller can be controlled from a computer using C++.