Need to build two arm for industrial(lab) use... is this the place?

[Esstee]

As the title implies, I'm in need of two robotic arms for lab experiments and I'm looking toward making my own in hopes of cutting costs. And so I was wondering if it's feasible to ask for guidance in getting the task done as my knowledge of robotics is quite limited.

That said, here are some specifics for the requirements:

• Budget must be under 10K
  Arms must be capable of lifting 4kg at full extension w/4 axis 
  Arms must be suspended
  System can be run off a dedicated PC or laptop
  Speed not a priority
  Precision +/- .5mm
  Must manipulate liquids as hot as 110c
  Repeatability a priority
  Running process needs interface with external data (sensor)

My current questions are; what motors and materials are best for the task. What simulation software is available? Can it support tandem arms?
Project needs to begin immediately.

And finally, if this is not the right forum for this, could someone recommend one that is better suited for the task at hand?

Thanks in advance for all your help with this.

[mklrobo]

  hello!
Looks like you have a design, above the amateur robotics range.
For industrial parts, check out a book called the Thomas registry. It lists
all the manufacturers in North America. It sounds like a job for multiple
contractors, if speed is needed to get you up and running.
Software simulation, use Mathematica or Autodesk. (alot more are avaliable)
The manipulation of liquids at 110 C (= 230 F) sound like a quesiton for
Perry's chemical engineering handbook. This would be a guide for your begining
of the materials, and may help in collateral questions you would have later on.
Precision of +/- .5mm (.0196 inches, or roughly 20 thousands) would not be hard to
make on a Smithy lathe, or southbend lathe. if you wish to make things yourself.
Software for your controller can run anywhere from an Allen Bradley PLC, to more simple
robotic microcontrollers, depending on application. Simpler control, with no deadline to achieve
results, indicate a smaller cost effective microntroller platform. If more demands are projected,
more money vs project demands must be calculated. Good luck!

[bdeuell]

your questions are very open ended and the project is not very well defined so it is difficult to offer any helpful advice. for instance you do not even mention the size/working envelope for these arms.

[bdeuell]

Also based on the specs you provided I think you will be hard pressed to deliver a result on your budget especially if time is an issue. I hope you have "free" engineering and manufacturing resources available because that alone would likely blow your budget.

Perhaps you can pick up some used robotic arms for cheap (even if they are not working) and retrofit/repair/modify them to fit your needs.