RESOUCES:

Pitch Presentation

BOM

We seek $280 to fund the design and development of TorqBot: an autonomous, modular, edge-manufacturing device.

The Vision

In a world where small-scale, agile manufacturing is revolutionizing industries - from medical devices to defense systems - our team is building TorqBot: an open-source, high-precision, automated delta robot designed to bring industrial-grade assembly capabilities to the edge. Essentially, it's a "factory in a box," capable of assembling electronics, delicate hardware, medical devices, and more with sub-millimeter precision. Traditional machines often cost >$5,000. TorqBot can be assembled for just $400.

Why This Matters

Edge manufacturing is booming, but existing systems are often prohibitively expensive for small businesses or labs. TorqBot’s prototype - built for under $400 - proves that affordable, adaptable automation is possible. Imagine hospitals prototyping custom prosthetics overnight or startups iterating hardware without outsourcing.

The Roadblock

Despite its lean budget, TorqBot exceeds our university’s funding cap of $150. Due to recent budget cuts by the Trump Administration, they are unable to provide more support.

How TorqBot Works

Delta Robot Core: Three stepper motors drive synchronized "bicep" and "forearm" linkages, enabling extremely fast 3D movement of the end-effector.

Precision Engineering: Achieves <0.5mm accuracy - critical for assembling tiny screws in devices like hearing aids or microelectronics.

Standalone Operation: Integrated computer vision allows TorqBot to "see" its workspace, adapt to errors, and execute complex tasks autonomously.

How You Can Help

We’re three scrappy students pouring tens of hours into this project - not for a grade, but to prove that innovation thrives even on a shoestring budget. For less than the cost of a textbook, you’ll help build a machine that could redefine how small-scale manufacturing works, while helping us learn the fundamentals of robotics, electrical engineering, and control theory.

Your donation will go directly towards buying parts on our Bill of Materials (BOM)