Client: CubeMars (Robotic Actuator Manufacturer)

Challenge:
CubeMars needed to demonstrate the capabilities of their high-performance robotic actuators (AK80-64 and AK60-6) to Western makers and engineers. Their products offered professional-grade precision and power, but CubeMars struggled to gain attention from buyers. The company needed compelling content that would showcase their actuators’ capabilities and build credibility with technical audiences skeptical of unfamiliar brands.

What I Delivered:
I designed and built CamRo, a two-axis robotic camera operator from scratch, specifically to showcase CubeMars actuators in an impressive, practical application that makers could appreciate.

Deliverables:

• Complete custom robot design (full CAD assembly in Fusion 360)
• Fabricated prototype using multiple manufacturing methods (3D printing, CNC milling, welding, manual machining)
• Custom electronics (Arduino shield designed in KiCAD)
• Comprehensive written tutorial (3,500+ words, 50+ detailed photos)
• Professional demonstration video
• Published on Hackster.io with complete open-source documentation

Measurable Results:

• Grand Prize Winner in Hackster.io’s Machine Builder Competition
• 1,800+ views on Hackster and 5,000+ views on YouTube within first 6 months
• Featured on official Arduino Blog (May 2025)
• Featured in dedicated article on CubeMars’ website for marketing purposes
• CubeMars publicly recognized the project’s impact on their brand awareness
• 20+ “respects” (favorites) from the maker community

Why It Worked:

• Authentic and useful maker project—not promotional content—built genuine trust with the audience
• Demonstrated actuators handling real loads (heavy mirrorless cameras) with smooth, precise motion
• Complete open-source documentation allowed the community to see exactly how the hardware performed
• Winning a major contest added third-party validation of both the project quality and the hardware
• Multiple mentions by other media outlets amplified reach beyond the original platform

Client Impact:
CubeMars used the project as a centerpiece for their Western marketing, creating a dedicated webpage that describes it as exemplifying “how compact, high-torque motors can unlock professional-grade camera motion.” The project successfully demonstrated their actuators’ capabilities to the exact technical audience they needed to reach.

View Project on Hackster | Read Arduino Blog Feature | See CubeMars Feature