MaracaBot

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This simple robot will soon shake its maracas with flair! A cylindrical base topped by a rotating tray will hold dried beans and more, creating an irresistible beat. The tray spins in both directions, generating MaracaBot's music magic. Inside the base and tray lies a powerful planetary gear set that multiplies torque and a robust 3D printed stepper motor. I successfully got the plastic 3D printed stepper motor working with some tweaks but it was a close call! To give it an extra boost, I added wood screw cores to focus the magnetic field, strengthening the motor slightly. Although still somewhat weak, this design's beauty lies in its simplicity and affordability - you can print hundreds of them at just $10 each. MaracaBot is on its way! I'm already printing mine and eagerly awaiting the results. Stay tuned for more updates! P.S. A new, improved version is in the works and will be worth the wait! P.S. Since then, I've been experimenting with Gear Toys (check out my page for Gear Toy 1 and Gear Toy 2). This experience has given me valuable insights into planetary gear systems, which might just make MaracaBot a reality with some modifications. The core idea remains the same: a custom electronics-driven stepper motor paired with planetary gears to amplify torque, rotating a maracas chamber. If I were to revamp the motor, I'd opt for a larger rotor diameter to increase raw motor torque - it's all about maximizing that MaracaBot energy!