Hello,
I would like to make a robot that would automate the process of taking pictures as described below.
Please let me now what arts do I need to make this robot.
In order to take the pictures you indicated, you will need two systems:
]a rotating table/:m]
]a 1-DOF (degree of freedom) arm that would move the camera along the arc you depicted (see the diagram below)/:m]
The rotating table can be actuated by a servo motor and a gearbox such as the Servocity GDP985A-BM Heavy Duty Gear Drive Pan System (RB-Sct-92).
This servo motor/gearbox combination should handle a wide variety of tables and products that could be put on it. Feel free to choose a different gearbox if you feel your products and table are too heavy for this setup (heavier than 50 lbs).
In order to actuate the arm (that could be built out of wood or any other material from a local hardware store), you will need a servo motor and gearbox similar to the one used for the table or a linear actuator. The stroke and the strength of the linear actuator will depend on the size of your setup:
]25 lbs actuators/:m]
]115 lbs actuators/:m]
In order to control the actuators you will need a servo motor controller such as the Pololu Micro Maestro (RB-Pol-101).
Here, you can find software and instruction on how to control this motors using your computer. You will also find instruction on how to take pictures automatically with a Canon camera by controlling it with a computer(at the same time you move the servos).
Also, it is important to note that, although it might be tempting to use a conventional robotic arm for this task, there are no arms large enough currently available that could fit this kind of setup.
I just received patent pending status on a photography robot that does exactly as you indicated. The arm is not a feasible to handle large objects and lighting from the side of the arm causes shadows which are undesirable. My robotic photographer is now available and marketing is just beginning. You can see the output at this link jdnphoto.com/ViaSpigaShoe/ViaSpigaShoe.html Enjoy!
The output (video) is certainly very nice. If you used additional lighting you may get the background very white. Not too long ago, RobotShop has released the M100RAK robotic arm which includes a mount for a camera. This could also be used to take photos or videos of objects.
Sincerely,