Kuka Kahlo
Background
Motivo turned an idle Kuka robotic arm into an interactive, full-stack demo that converts user-submitted sketches or photos into physical robot-drawn artwork.
Built as an internal exhibit for client tours, the system was adapted for STEAM Week to engage students and demonstrate Motivo’s capabilities across robotics, UX, embedded systems, and automation.
System Overview
The fully automated system lets users upload a photo or drawing through a Google Form. The image is then processed, translated into motion paths, and drawn by the robot in minutes.
A Flask server receives the submitted image and initiates processing, triggering a series of Python scripts that convert the image into contour paths. These paths are then translated into Kuka Robot Language (KRL) commands through custom scripting. The robotic arm, fitted with a compliant end effector holding a pen, follows these commands to recreate the image on paper. The final drawing is optionally watermarked with the Motivo logo.
Under the hood, the system integrates web interfaces, image processing, control scripting, and mechanical design. Key engineering innovations include a custom-built compliant end effector, automated file transfer over Ethernet, and motion tuning for optimized drawing speed and accuracy.
The system evolved through iterative development starting with feasibility tests and connectivity trials. We optimized the open source photo to path software for our machine, followed by prototype builds featuring drawing-to-path custom software and refined robot motion profiles.
Outcome
In its final phase, the pipeline was fully automated, drawing precision was improved, and the setup was adapted for safe, public-facing demonstrations.
The software stack is scalable. With additional robots and automated material handling, the system could support higher throughput or mobile deployments.
Capabilities Used:
Industrial Design: Human factors evaluation (for UX)
Systems Engineering: Complete system architectures; System level and component trade studies
Mechanical Design & Engineering: System level design; Kinematics design for mechanisms; Computer Aided Design (CAD) and analysis
Electrical Design & Engineering: Complex custom-designed control hardware
Software Design & Engineering: Web apps and backends; Custom mobile applications (for user input interface); Hardware and software integration
Prototyping, Fabrication & Assembly: Mechanical assembly; 3D Printing