so i am an experienced programmer but am new new to mechanics. i have written a simple chess AI algorithym. i would like some directions on where to start to build a basic arm to move peices? any ideas on what i would need for construction? how to make joints and swivels?
Have a look at the MeArm for inspiration. It is really only a toy but might give you some ideas
You might be better with an x/y system with the pieces picked up by a grabber in the z axis rather like a CNC machine
UKHeliBob:
You might be better with an x/y system with the pieces picked up by a grabber in the z axis rather like a CNC machine
Might not look as nice, and could obscure the board from human viewers, but would be way easier to build and code I'm sure.
I can visualise problems with trying to get a grabber on a meArm type device in to get a short piece like a pawn if it's got taller pieces nearby that could easily get knocked over by an arm coming in at an angle. The "pen down / pen up" idea ala old school HP plotters would be easier, but even then closing the grab on a short pawn compared to a tall queen would be a challenge to overcome.
That all said, there must surely be some existing projects on youtube and instructables?
Many computerized boards use magnets underneath.
For a robotic arm i think space shuttle arm.
Stow alongside the board then lifts up whewhen needed
Magnets in the chess pieces, and a XY plotter type machine moving an electromagnet under the board, hidden by the board would be way cooler, I think.
Don't forget some sort of speaker and text-to-voice capability so you can announce the move to be made before the computer's piece starts mysteriously moving.
Knights' moves would be tricky with magnets if there are pieces in the way, as would Castling, and you still need to remove the taken pieces, to say nothing of swatting the losing King.
Knights' moves would be tricky with magnets if there are pieces in the way
The chess board could be sized so that the diameter of the (largest) pieces was just less than half the size of the squares.
you still need to remove the taken pieces
Not really a problem. Drag them to the edge of the board and drop them on the floor.
to say nothing of swatting the losing King.
While giggling like a maniac.
If you're set on building from scratch you might start with these:
If the intent is more to test the algorithm ready-to-go arms are out there. - YouTube
meltDown:
Knights' moves would be tricky with magnets if there are pieces in the way, as would Castling, and you still need to remove the taken pieces, to say nothing of swatting the losing King.
Move magnet under the slain piece, reverse the field, and up and away it goes!
you guys are great for advice. I love doug's links. i didnt know there where dedicated webites for random mechanical "robot parts". im kinda a from scartch kind of a guy so i will be investigating these sites for parts.
on a side note i was considering developing a super basic server section of my server intended to work with a small arduino library to connect to games and store moves. this way anyone here with a chess arduino project could connect to others if they have internet access. for free just for fun.
is there anything like this out there allready? Do you think arduino people would use it?