Hard⏱ time3 hr$ cost25
Drawing Robot
Two motors move a pen over paper to trace shapes — a tiny plotter you build yourself.
Start building ↓
Result first
The build
Step 01
Build the gantry
Set up two motors to move the pen on two axes.
Step 02
Mount the pen
Attach a pen that can lift and lower.
Step 03
Send a path
Program coordinates for a shape.
Step 04
Draw
Run it to plot the design.
Working Principle
Coordinating the two motors moves the pen along X and Y; stepping them in sequence traces lines and curves on the paper.
The science behind it
A closer look
It converts coordinate instructions into motion — the core of CNC machines and 3D printers, scaled down.
Take it further
Variables to test
- 1 Draw a square then a circle — which is harder?
- 2 Add pen-lift to draw separate shapes.
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