Computer Assisted Router

[Bob Hammond]

Good Morning. Here's link to a page by some MIT students, that is named "Position-Correcting Tools for 2D Digital Fabrication".

It explains in text and video about a system that they're developing as an alternative to conventional CNC machines. The operator moves the router-tracker assembly into an approximate position, and the computer precisely adjusts the router to the correct cutting path.

http://www.alecrivers.com/positioncorrectingtools/

[Bob Francis]

Wowee!
Thanks for the post Bob

[Mario Proulx]

That video's been around for at least a couple years now, if not quite a few more. Wonder what's taking so long with the "consumer release" of it?

[Clay Schaeffer]

I think someone should make (and perhaps someone has) a router that could be guided by something similar to the way GPS systems work. The "satellites" would be positioned around the shop, and the router made mobile and heavy enough the not be deflected by the cutting action of the bit. Obviously a lot of bugs to be worked out , and doing 3d work might be a programing nightmare.

[Ron Belanger]

Rube Goldberg, where are you when we need you?

[Bob Francis]

That video's been around for at least a couple years now, if not quite a few more. Wonder what's taking so long with the "consumer release" of it?

Ummmm could it be a troll?

[Mario Proulx]

I don't think so. The technology is here, right now. I'm thinking that they must have decided that the market for such isn't large enough to warrant the cost of refining and developing a commercial version.

I'm a pretty open minded person, and even I can't really think of many uses for it, for what I do, and for around $1,000 today, a small CNC and router can do what was done in the video, all day long without a human hanging onto it. In other words, it would have to be a LOT cheaper than a CNC for most folks to even look at it.

[Jamie Unden]

I think they should design tools that are guided by mind control. Wait... those are hand tools...