Robotic arm platforms
Desktop arms designed to be assembled, understood, and repaired by students. V1 is a 6-axis arm with a fixed gripper claw.
Robotics & Electronics
Robotics & Electronics
Hands-on engineering systems combining hardware, controls and software. K-Smitty Labs is developing educational robotics and teaching electrical/controls fundamentals for schools, educators, students, and makers — a working 6-axis arm prototype, Arduino-based control and automation, and electronics curriculum spanning contactors, VFDs, motors, PLCs, and mechatronics.
Prototype — Version 1
The K-Smitty Labs arm, already built
This isn't a concept. V1 is printed, wired, and moving on the bench — a 6-axis desktop arm in K-Smitty red and black, driven by an Arduino Uno R3 and servo-driven at every joint. V1 ships with a fixed gripper claw, not interchangeable end effectors — those are planned for future versions. It's a working demonstration of the intersection of mechanical design, 3D printing, electronics, controls, programming, engineering, and education.
Development Focus
What's being designed
Robotics that students can build, break, fix, and actually learn engineering from — mechanical and electrical together.
Control & automation
V1 runs on an Arduino Uno R3 — students see the wiring, the code, and the motion all in one place.
Electronics & PLC curriculum
Circuit analysis, controls, and PLC instruction from a working instructor — pair it with the mechanical side and you get real mechatronics.
Classroom-ready hardware
Durable builds and lesson-ready activities made for real classroom conditions and repeat use.
End Effectors
Gripper today, quick-change tomorrow
Version 1 uses a fixed gripper claw — it grabs, lifts, and places. A quick-change mount with swappable attachments (scoops, electromagnets, custom tooling) is on the roadmap for future versions.
Claw / gripperOn V1 today
ScoopIn Development
ElectromagnetIn Development
Custom end effectorsFuture Product
Concepts on the roadmap
3-axis armsPrototype
6-axis armsV1 shipped as prototype
Servo-driven systemsIn Development
Interchangeable end effectorsFuture Product
Automated stationsFuture Product
Classroom robotics systemsFuture Product
Status: V1 prototype running — kits, curriculum, and attachments to be announced
The Electrical Side
Control, automation, and mechatronics
K-Smitty Labs isn't only mechanical. The V1 arm is driven by an Arduino Uno R3, and the same hands behind the CAD teach PLCs, motor control, and circuit analysis professionally. Pair the mechanical build with the electrical side and you get true mechatronics training.
Arduino & microcontrollers
Wiring, I/O, and code — the same Arduino Uno R3 platform that drives the K-Smitty Labs V1 robotic arm.
PLC programming & industrial controls
Ladder logic, I/O mapping, and machine sequencing taught the way it's actually used on a plant floor.
Circuit analysis fundamentals
Ohm's law through series/parallel networks, AC/DC behavior, and reading real schematics with confidence.
Mechatronics — mechanical + electrical
Pair printed and CAD-designed hardware with control wiring and code for a complete build-and-run course.
Motors & Control Wiring
Industrial control, hands on
Reading and building real control circuits, then wiring them on a bench — not just theory on a slide.
Motor & control wiring
- Contactors and control relays — coils, auxiliary contacts, seal-in and interlock circuits
- Motor starters, overloads, and timer contactors (on-delay / off-delay)
- Single-phase and three-phase motors — connections, rotation, and protection
- VFDs — parameters, start/stop and speed control, motor drive basics
Field devices & I/O
- Sensors — inductive/capacitive proximity, photoelectric, limit switches
- Pushbuttons, selector switches, pilot lights, and E-stop circuits
- Discrete and analog I/O wiring into PLCs and microcontrollers
- Troubleshooting with a meter — continuity, voltage drop, and fault isolation
Custom Work
Need a custom robotics or electronics build?
From automation demos to custom control panels and one-off electromechanical prototypes — bring the project and let's scope it.
Interest Survey
Would you be interested in this?
Two minutes of feedback helps decide which products get built, at what price point, and for which grade levels — including whether to add electronics and controls training.