Shopbot’s new Handibot is a portable CNC machine. Similar to the computer-guided router we posted about a few months ago, the Handibot requires a greater level of user interaction than traditional CNC machines, so it actually better described as a smart power tool.
With a traditional CNC, you bring your work to the machine. With the Handibot, you bring your machine to the work.
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The Handibot can cut, drill, and carve flat sheet materials, but it looks like the application side of things isn’t quite ready. Shopbot is using the Kickstarter funding platform to raise money that will go towards supporting an application and resource environment.
While I normally don’t approve of companies using Kickstarter as a preorder platform, I understand what Shopbot is looking to do. They’re looking for a big boost in initial sales that will give them the revenue and motivation to continue with “app” development.
Early backers will be able to send their own designs to the Handibot, which has a 6″ x 8″ x 4″ XYZ work envelope.
Shopbot Handibot Kickstarter Page
Handibot Home
To receive one of the first Handibot machines, you’ll need to pledge at least $2400, plus $75 shipping and tax where applicable.
Concerns
There’s no dust collection yet. All of the product photos I’ve seen show dust and chips all over the place.
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Small working volume.
Empowered by apps, but very few apps will be available for the first Handibots.
Windows PC required. Shopbot has plans for future controllers, but only the premium backers will receive the Handibot with a compatible Windows 8 tablet. I really like the idea of using a tablet to control the Handibot, but would rather see the machine come with an integrated controller that can speak to Android or iOS devices.
Despite these concerns, I do find the design to be highly appealing. I presently lack the space for a CNC router, and would love nothing more than to be able to plop a Handibot on top of plywood, plastic, or aluminum sheets and have it do its thing. But there is no way I would want to be an early adopter for this machine.
Shopbot is an established and reputable CNC router manufacturer, and I have no doubt that the Handibot is well designed. But right now, there are no apps, only “some initial ideas,” and there’s no concrete information about what attachments or accessories will be available.
You’re going to hear a lot about the Handibot in coming days and weeks. They’re already a third of the way towards their $125K funding goal, and this is just day 1 of the Kickstarter campaign. The design is novel and definitely has potential, but I can’t quite see it as being revolutionary or game-changing.
In one of the promo videos, you can see a Handibot gliding across a linear rail to create a very long cut-out. The designer goes on to say that with jigs or accessories you can work on longer work envelopes. That’s what I want to see! But until then, I question the versatility of the machine, especially for tradesmen.
Shopbot Handibot being used on a larger workpiece:
Shopbot Handibot Maker Faire Announcement:
Brandon
I cannot see this tool being widely used, especially with 3d printing on the horizon.
Stuart
How will a 3D printer carve a pocket or slot into a piece of plywood?
Brandon
It will make the component without the need for a joint, or carving or slotting (or any wasted materials). Plastics have successfully eroded the market-share of every single construction material and there is no reason to think it’s slowing down with wood, especially since the 3d companies are starting to develop printers that print in both metal and plastic.
Brandon
After looking at it again, I suppose 3D printing probably won’t affect this product as much as I had originally thought. I guess It’s just more that I’m not that impressed with the product. I did not mean to hijack the comments section – sorry.
Stuart
Hijacking is allowed. =) You only said what others might have been thinking.
There seems like there is the potential for the Handibot’s spindle to be swapped for an extruder to create a portable 3D printer. I’m sure it’s something the Shopbot folks are looking into.
Steven B
When will they get Linux support? 🙂 I am surprised folks aren’t more impressed with this. As Stuart pointed out, I like my lungs too much to use something like this without dust collection.
However, I love the notion of being able to make large carving with a tool that i could easily stow away. However, before I plunk down nearly 2.5k on a tool, I need to know:
1. Is it good at detecting position and edges? I need to ensure that my large carving doesn’t have horrible looking gaps because I didn’t move the tool precisely enough. It seems like a challenging problem to solve with great precision.
2. Is it mature enough to have software support, dust collection, and replacement parts.
I know 2.5k is cheap in the CNC market, but to me, as a hobbyist, that’s freaking expensive. I can’t plunk down that kind of cash casually. The worst case scenario (beyond the thing being a total dud from the beginning) is if they give me a machine that works great for 6 months, but then I can’t buy replacement parts or their software stops working with modern OSs.
Brian
Didn’t Sears make something similar a few years back? Buyer Beware Much?
I am not fond of people who have access to money using crowdfunding. Does Shopbot not believe in this tool enough to risk their own capital/take out a loan/ find some VC? Will they be less likely to stick with it through tough phases if none of their money is on the line? Inquiring minds want to know.
That said it looks like a cool tool. Soft registration would be nice but tricky; more straight forward (and needed) are dust/chip control and some form of work holding (vacuum feet perhaps?). Also, move out of Windows World- Mac, Linux, Android, and IOS should all be available on release. I do like the idea of turning the manufacturing over to the 10K garages network, if Shopbot is really committed to open/micro manufacturing this could have a big long term effect.
So, with Caveats, an overall thumbs up.