This is a question for Revolution owners. I'm in China right now checking up on our factories. Boy is it ever a great experience! I've been here a few times throughout the last year, researching available products and manufacturing abilities of factories. There are quite a few factories and companies involved in the manufacturing of the product that you're using - this week was the first time we were able to demonstrate the completed product that they had been working on. This is because each factory works on a small part of the robot, so they have never seen the robot completely assembled and running... And they love it! I wish you could see the smiles on their faces
One of the companies manufacturers our servo. To keep the cost low and the strength high, we had to practically design a servo of our own. Yesterday I sat down with the owner and some of their engineers. We came up with a stronger servo with smart Digital Programming. The new experimental servo that we designed this week is very quite and only emits a quiet hum, which sounds very science fiction-like. Today we assembled a JD with the new servos to see how it performed. The strength is increased a little, but the audible noise is decreased dramatically. These new servos are very very quiet!
The only drawback to these servos is the manufacturing cost. Because they use higher precision gears, quieter motor, smoother bearings, and a highspeed microcontroller... the cost is much higher.
So the question I have for you existing users, is this.. Now that you have experienced Revolution, would you have paid more if the product included quieter volume digital servos over the current servos? Even if they operated functionally the same as the current EZR Servos?
Estimated MSRP of the products would be...
- JD would cost $599
- Six would cost $549
- Roli would cost $499
I would like to see them offered as an "upgrade" kit. I have been known to buy in low and then upgrade a few parts over time as my budget allows or as things break. If the only issue is noise, then I don't think I would pay $100 more just for it to be a little quieter when I use it. If it was an issue of precision, speed, and strength, then maybe I might buy the upgraded kit. Those things would have to put out some serious db's before I'd do it just for noise.
Us Roomba hackers are used to a bit of noise. The servo noise with the Revolution robots would not stop me from getting one but if there was a quieter servo in a higher grade model I would also consider upgrading.
Awesome feedback guys! Keep in mind that to even include these servos as accessories is a HUUUGE initial invesement for the hope that it's returned.
@Alan, keep in mind that we are not a "limited time only" company ;-) you would have been able to purchase a ROLI or a Developer Kit from us in the future easily.
You guys are obviously very crucial to us as our early adopters and specifically you have the time and talent and know-how to maximize these robots, quiet servos or not, but when you consider ezrobot as a company you know our aspirations in education and retail, we do need to appeal to mass markets. This growth will enable us to invest further into the development and expansion of our platform to keep being leaders! Taking that into consideration, do you think that this price and performance change would make our product more appealing in comparison to the current model?
As time and inventory pass, accessories may be an area of opportunity that could very well gain popularity with Revolution bot owners as well as robotic hackers.
Personally, I do, but I dont know that others will think the same way. In comparing EZ-Robots to other robots from other companies, these are a huge bargain. I dont think that a $100 increase in price would put you out of the market. It would bring you closer to the price point of your competition.
I like having a choice... You guys have made it clear that carrying 2 types of servos maybe too costly. Totally understand and get that... I also do understand in order to grow you have to be very price conscious and keep EZ Robot "easy to use" so the noobs will adopt... I know you guys want to capitalize on this huge un tapped market... However, from where I sit I want more advanced features and materials (which includes the servos DJ mentioned)... and I am willing to pay for them... So I am hoping we can have the best of both worlds... I agree with @d.cochran EZ Robot is a real bargain compared to other robotic platforms....
I would prefer the quiet stronger servos. JD's torso servos are very noisy, pretty much the only flaw of the robot.
While you are there, light a fire under the Roil assembly crew.