Source Robotics provides open‑source robotic hardware and software that lowers the cost and technical barriers for developers, educators, and small manufacturers. Their product line includes the Spectral Micro brushless motor controller and the PAROL6 6‑DOF robotic arm, both offered as fully documented kits or ready‑to‑use units with Python, ROS2, and Arduino integration. By releasing all CAD, firmware, and libraries under open licenses, they enable rapid prototyping, research, and low‑volume automation without vendor lock‑in.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Robotics developers, educators, and small‑scale manufacturers often face high entry costs and proprietary lock‑in when acquiring motor controllers, robot arms, and end‑effectors, limiting experimentation and rapid prototyping.
Solution
Source Robotics offers a portfolio of open‑source hardware and software that lowers the financial and technical barriers to building functional robots. Their Spectral Micro BLDC controller provides affordable brushless motor control with built‑in 14‑bit encoder feedback, CAN/UART interfaces, and support for position, velocity, torque, and impedance loops, all backed by open firmware and Python/ROS2/Arduino libraries. The PAROL6 robotic arm is released as a fully documented 6‑DOF platform with open mechanical designs, a Python‑based GUI, and interchangeable gripper options, allowing users to assemble, program, and customize the robot from kits or raw parts. Complementary products such as the MSG compliant AI stepper gripper extend precise force control to standard stepper motors using FOC, with all CAD, firmware, and integration code openly available. Together, these components enable rapid development, research, and education without reliance on closed ecosystems.
Target Audience
Primary customers are university labs, hobbyist makers, and small‑to‑medium enterprises that need cost‑effective, customizable robotic hardware for education, research, and low‑volume automation.
Features
- Spectral Micro BLDC controller: 3‑phase FOC, 12‑28 V input, 2.8 A continuous current, 80 W max, 14‑bit magnetic encoder, CAN/UART, daisy‑chain wiring, and EEPROM storage
- Open‑source firmware and GUI with Python, ROS2, Arduino, and SimpleFOC bindings for easy integration and customization
- PAROL6 6‑DOF arm: 1 kg payload, 400 mm reach, 0.2 mm repeatability, lightweight 5.5 kg design, and modular gripper interfaces (electric, pneumatic, vacuum, glue)
- Cross‑platform Python GUI (Windows, macOS, Linux) for jogging, scripting, error logging, and telemetry, all released under an open license
- MSG AI stepper gripper: FOC‑based force control on standard stepper motors, modular rail lengths (100‑200 mm) and stepper sizes, with full CAD, firmware, and documentation openly hosted
- Comprehensive documentation, GitHub repositories, and starter kits that include cables, adapters, and programming tools for plug‑and‑play deployment
- Compatibility with major simulation formats (URDF, MJCF, USD) and support for ROS2 and other robotics middleware