difficulties encounter diy-robotics project robotic armIt comes as no surprise that building a DIY-Robotics industrial robot is a process that comprises unique challenges. You could face problems with design, construction, programming, or electronics and need to know how to troubleshoot a variety of sub-systems on the fly. In this article, we discuss three common problems you may face with your DIY-Robotics project and propose tools to overcome them.

Potential Problems

Programming the Robot

Programming a work cell requires an understanding of the physical limits and capabilities of the robot. The code must go hand-in-hand with the robot’s design and function. You have to consider the robot’s environment and mechanical constraints. On top of that, FANUC puts powerful tools at your disposal, and efficient, precise programming is necessary to make these tools as effective as possible.

Interfacing the Robot with External Machinery

Your robot may seem isolated in its protective work cell, but that is far from the case. You must configure your robot to interact fluidly with its environment. Properly configuring the robot’s inputs and outputs will be one of your primary tasks as you begin the setup process. There are a lot of variables to consider from the robot’s dimensions, workspace layout, proximity to other machinery, and payload.

Robot Movement

You will also want to consider how the robot’s movements are affected by different loads. This can change the robot’s center of mass, and moment of inertia. Once these values are calculated, you can move onto designing appendage tools, such as grippers and arms, that will facilitate the motions your robot will make, optimizing the process and cutting down cycle time.

DIY-Robotics Solutions

DIY-Robotics offers a variety of information sources that answer the questions of engineers and programmers and other industry professionals. Here are just a few possible solutions to help smooth over your DIY Project.


Each robotic cell comes with a manual full of resources. Additionally, you have access to FANUC’s electronic reference documents and extensive programming library. Satellite, Comet and every other cell DIY-Robotics makes is delivered with a full catalog of documentation. You can even get help building your own cell!

problems diy robot project


FANUC’s website if full of e-classes, whitepapers, and other helpful documents to answer every question you may have about your work cell setup and integration. Their YouTube channel is a vital resource featuring numerous training videos and troubleshooting guides. Take part in a variety of webinars offered by FANUC that cover the basics, and not-so-basics, of owning and optimizing your FANUC robot cell.


Get help from users and professionals alike on the forum. You’ll find help for everything from programming issues to error codes. Learn from other users just like you who have tackled the same problems you are facing and have the solutions you need.

At DIY-Robotics, we care about fostering the collaboration between members of the engineering and programmer community. Working with us means having access to a maximum number of resources so you can implement efficient solutions for your DIY project challenges. Embark on the DIY-Robotics adventure and build your robotic cell now using all our online tools.

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