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Automates unattended 3D printing with vision-guided plate handling

UC Davis AR4 + Bambu A1 Mini Automated Print Cell

Kevin Oghalai and the UC Davis MaSTeR Lab paired an Annin AR4 with a Bambu A1 Mini to run an unattended print cell. Vision uses ArUco markers so the arm can estimate locations, pull the print plate, scrape finished parts, and reseat the plate for the next cycle—fourteen successful prints over an eight-hour run for an IMECE 2026 submission. A strong education/research showcase of AR4 in a real automation loop.

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Course Code: MANF 277

Capstone Manufacturing Project for Automation

Course Description

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.

Capstone: Advanced Automation & Manufacturing Solutions

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 Robot in the Capstone Environment

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.

The AR4 robot develops high-level expertise in robotic design and integration

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it encourages project-based learning and student innovation.

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it has ROS (Robot Operating System) support for advanced programming.

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it offers a clear path from simple commands to complex programs.

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its aluminum construction made it the most durable educational robot on the market.

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students build it from scratch for unparalleled hands-on learning.

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students can control it using an Xbox controller for hands-on learning.

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the compact size fits safely on any lab bench.

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the software interface is intuitive for beginners.

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Check out more courses using the AR4

Loads a single slide into a cassette for scanning

Hans de Bruin AR4 Slide-to-Cassette Loader

Hans de Bruin (Ctrl-Alt-Dude) runs an Annin AR4 through a precision task: loading a single slide into a cassette for scanning. The orange AR4-branded cover and workshop instrumentation frame a real lab-style use case beyond generic demos. Strong application clip for the User Builds gallery from a distinct European maker.

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AR4 arm tests airflow from a Noctua fan.

Ken Son Annin AR4 First Run

Ken Son’s first run of an Annin AR4 tests airflow from a Noctua fan while the orange-and-white labeled arm moves on the bench. A classic commissioning moment from an independent builder—approachable proof that a completed AR4 can go from assembly to useful motion. Strong entry-level showcase for the User Builds hub.

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Vision-guided pick-and-place with a Logitech webcam on an Annin AR4.

Sami Sattanen AR4 Vision-Guided Pick Test

Sami Sattanen’s first AR4 vision test uses a Logitech webcam for pick-and-place on a cutting mat, with candid notes on perspective error and why a farther zoomed camera helps. Custom purple printed cable-management parts personalize a clear Annin AR4. Honest maker debugging content that helps others starting vision on the platform.

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Controlling an AR4 MK3 with Python for a chess robot.

AR4 MK3 Python Chess Robot Experiment

After the mechanical assembly series, Yaser Ali Husen shows higher-level use: driving the AR4 MK3 from Python in a chess-robot experiment. Strong software/education angle.

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Live-lab unboxing and early CAD tweaks on an AR4 MK4 kit.

Kat’s Lab AR4 MK4 Kit Build — Part 1

Kat’s Lab begins an AR4 MK4 build on stream/VOD—going through kit parts and making early CAD adjustments before deeper assembly. Useful for builders starting an MK4 kit. Distinct from Chris Annin’s official videos.

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AR4 MK3 identifies, sorts, and stacks mixed blocks.

AR4 MK3 Sort and Stack Demo

Lowrider4sd shows an AR4 MK3 performing identify → sort → stack on mixed blocks. Clean pick-and-place / object-sorting application clip demonstrating perception-plus-motion usefulness.

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Festive AR4 that hands out full-size Halloween chocolate bars.

Halloween AR4 Chocolate Bar Dispenser

dedoky put an AR4 to playful real-world use—dispensing full-size chocolate bars for Halloween. It’s a memorable community application that shows the arm outside the lab: event entertainment, timed handoffs, and a crowd-pleasing demo that still reads clearly as an Annin AR4.

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AR4 demo carefully moving a cup — precision handling.

RobotJS AR4 Cup Manipulation Demo

RobotJS runs an AR4 through a cup-moving demo that highlights smooth joint motion and end-effector control. The channel also covers AR4 acceleration tuning and JS-oriented robot control, making this a strong application clip for the User Builds gallery.

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