I want to purchase AL5D PLTW robot arm or AxiDraw robot to draw a picture which can input from outside. Either one works then it will be fine.
Could external sensor send start signal to robot to start drawing? And once drawing is done, it can send a signal out.
Hello @stephengta
The AL5D PLTW Robotic Arm is an amazing robot but is better suited for other tasks like picking and moving objects for automation applications, in your case a better option would be the AxiDraw robot which specifically designed for writing and drawing so it will give a better performance and it will be much easier to control, here is some information about it:
The AxiDraw comes fully assembled, tested, and ready to use, right out of the box. A universal-input plug-in power supply is included with the AxiDraw, as is a USB cable, and an optional paper-holding easel. Assuming that you’ve installed the software first, you can be up and plotting within minutes of opening the box. Our comprehensive PDF user guide walks you through every step of the process.
To operate AxiDraw, you will need a reasonably modern computer with an available USB port (Mac, Windows or Linux), plus internet access to download necessary software. Pens and paper are not included. (You can use your own; AxiDraw does not require proprietary pens or paper.)
AxiDraw is normally controlled through a set of extensions to Inkscape, the excellent, popular and free vector graphics program. Basic operation is much like that of a printer driver: you import or make a drawing in Inkscape, and use the extensions to plot your text or artwork. It’s all handled through a straightforward graphical user interface, and works cleanly on Mac, Windows and Linux.
And to answer your question about the start and end signal could you give a little more details about what you have in mind? With the Axidraw you will be able to start the drawing process by using the Inkscape tool which will also show when the job is done.