For now doing educational things
Starting for programing some special moves.
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For the MANF 277 Capstone at Skagit Valley College, the focus moves from learning about a robot to using it as a critical component of a production solution. This course represents the transition from student to professional designer.
In this final phase of the program, students operate in a team environment to solve real-world manufacturing challenges. Using the skills developed in previous coursework, teams develop new products or implement significant improvements to the processes within the SVC Production Lab. The course emphasizes the application of computer-aided automation technology to support continuous improvement and efficiency in a production environment.
Students are tasked with developing comprehensive production solutions and the control documentation necessary to manage them. By producing prototypes that meet production standards and applying rigorous diagnostic testing, learners verify both design and process performance. This capstone experience ensures that graduates can not only operate automation hardware but also lead the design and maintenance of integrated manufacturing systems.
The AR4 6-axis robot is uniquely suited for capstone-level projects because it functions as an open platform for innovation rather than a restricted “end-user” tool.
Production Standards: With its ±0.5mm repeatability and 4lb+ payload, the AR4 allows students to prototype genuine pick-and-place, assembly, and testing sequences that mirror industrial standards.
System Design vs. Operation: Because the AR4 is non-proprietary and supports Python and ROS, students can go beyond basic movement to design custom logic that integrates the arm with external sensors and PLC-driven conveyors.
Accessible Internals for Diagnostics: The “white-box” design of the AR4 allows students to apply diagnostic testing to the robot itself, understanding motor feedback and controller data in ways that are often impossible with sealed, proprietary industrial arms.
Rapid Prototyping: The ability to 3D print custom end-effectors or mechanical modifications makes the AR4 the ideal centerpiece for teams looking to develop unique, specialized manufacturing work cells.
