Build or improve your
Electronic / Robotic Product
For your electronic / robotics product you'll need
01
Mechanical Designer
A Mechanical Designer creates the physical parts and systems in your product. They figure out how things move, fit together, and endure usage, ensuring your product is sturdy and functional.
02
Industrial Designer (optional)
A UX researcher is like a detective who finds out what your users really want. They study how people use your app or website, what they like and don't like about it. They use this information to help make your product better and more user-friendly.
03
Electronic Designer
An Electronic Designer focuses on the 'brain' of your product, creating the circuits and electronics that make it work. They choose the right components to ensure your product functions effectively.
04
Systems Designer (optional)
A Systems Designer is like the orchestra conductor for your product. They make sure all the different parts (mechanical, electronic, software) work well together, providing a seamless user experience.
Top Electronic
Javier
Mechanical Designer
Consumer Electronics
14 years experience
Krzysztof
Industrial Designer
Automotive, Aerospace
11 years experience
Byran
Electronic Designer
Home Appliances
10 years experience
Building Superior
Electronics and Robotics Products
Electronics and robotics products have revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. They span across industries, from healthcare to entertainment, providing solutions that automate tasks, enhance efficiencies, and offer exciting new capabilities. Building an electronics or robotics product is a multifaceted process that requires expertise in various domains, ranging from mechanical and electrical engineering to software development and industrial design. The idea that fuels the creation of such a product is often born from recognizing a problem that could be solved through automation or enhanced through digital intervention.
Creating a superior electronics or robotics product calls for more than just technical knowledge. It requires a deep understanding of the end-user and the environment in which the product will function. Understanding the end-user, their needs, and their interaction with the product helps in designing a product that is not just functionally brilliant but also user-friendly. The principles of design thinking—empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing—are crucial to ensuring the product will meet its intended purpose and will be well-received by its users.
Innovative Electronics Projects
LaserPecker 2
Nearly all the laser engravers on the market are either too bulky to take on-the-go or too pricey to be a good value. The first generation of LaserPecker Pro was a game-changer, combining versatility and affordability. The second generation? A solid disruptive innovation, again! Personal DIY, bulk or offline shop commercial customization, production marking and far more.
Twine
Twine is the simplest possible way to get the objects in your life texting, tweeting or emailing. A durable 2.5" square provides WiFi connectivity, internal and external sensors, and two AAA batteries that keep it running for months. A simple web app allows to you quickly set up your Twine with human-friendly rules — no programming needed. And if you're more adventurous, you can connect your own sensors and use HTTP to have Twine send data to your own app.
Enhancing Your Electronics/Robotics Product: Collaborating with Specialists
Improving your electronics or robotics product can significantly benefit from collaboration with specialists in different fields. Mechanical designers can refine the physical parts and systems in your product, ensuring durability and functionality . Electronic designers work on the 'brain' of your product, creating the circuits and electronics that make it work. Industrial designers enhance the manufacturability and aesthetics of your product. Systems designers ensure all components function together seamlessly, providing a superior user experience.
Common questions from founders
What are the key components of a robotics system?
A robotics system typically consists of several key components: sensors, actuators, controllers, and software. Sensors gather data from the environment, such as temperature, light, distance, and motion. Actuators, including motors and servos, are responsible for movement and physical interactions. Controllers process sensor data and send commands to actuators, often using embedded systems or microcontrollers. The software serves as the brain of the robot, managing everything from basic functions to advanced artificial intelligence, enabling the robot to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously.
How do electronics play a role in robotics?
Electronics are fundamental to robotics as they enable the control and operation of a robot. They encompass everything from the power supply and circuit boards to the sensors and communication modules. Microcontrollers or microprocessors execute the programmed instructions, while sensors provide real-time data input. The electronic components are responsible for controlling motors, processing sensor data, and enabling communication between different parts of the robotic system, ensuring that the robot can perform its tasks effectively and respond to its environment.
What should I consider when designing a robotics project?
When designing a robotics project, you should consider factors such as the robot's purpose, environment, and power requirements. Defining the robot's primary function (e.g., navigation, manipulation, surveillance) will guide your choice of sensors, actuators, and software. The environment in which the robot will operate (indoors, outdoors, underwater) influences the design of its chassis, sensor types, and durability. Additionally, power management is crucial—consider whether the robot will be battery-powered, tethered, or solar-powered, and ensure the power supply meets the needs of all components without adding excessive weight.
How do I choose the right microcontroller for my robotics project?
Choosing the right microcontroller depends on your project's complexity, required processing power, and available inputs/outputs. For simple projects, an 8-bit microcontroller like the Arduino Uno might suffice. However, for more complex tasks involving real-time data processing, image recognition, or AI, a more powerful 32-bit microcontroller or single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi might be necessary. Consider the number of I/O pins, memory capacity, processing speed, and compatibility with sensors and actuators. It's also important to factor in community support and available libraries to streamline development.
What are the challenges in integrating robotics with IoT (Internet of Things)?
Integrating robotics with IoT involves several challenges, including ensuring seamless communication between devices, managing data security, and handling the increased complexity of system design. Reliable communication protocols must be established to allow robots to exchange data with IoT devices, often over wireless networks. Data security becomes a significant concern, particularly when sensitive information is transmitted between devices, requiring robust encryption and authentication methods. Additionally, the complexity of integrating robotics with IoT can increase power consumption, demand more processing power, and require advanced software development skills to manage and interpret the vast amount of data generated.
Boosting Your Team's Capabilities with Design Match
When developing an electronics or robotics product, you may sometimes need additional expertise to meet your design goals. Design Match is a flexible platform designed to connect businesses with skilled specialists on demand.
Design Match provides you with access to a range of specialists, from mechanical designers to systems designers. This allows you to add the necessary resources to your team as and when needed, ensuring you have the right talent for your project at all times. By incorporating Design Match into your hiring process, you can deliver high-quality work and foster a culture of creativity and innovation within your team.
What founders love about Design Match.
Why hire your next product designer with Design Match
Risk Management
We take care of international compliance, vetting, legal and financial components of hiring a designer. We provide a foundation for sustainable growth.
Flexibility
Our weekly billing model allows your designs to work alongside the growth of your startup. There are no long-term contracts at Design Match.
Support
Design Match is run by designers who not only help you find the perfect match, but can provide suggestions, tools and support along the way.