2 layers37 × 19 mm
Passive rpi hub75-adapter
hzeller/rpi-rgb-led-matrix
Controlling up to three chains of 64x64, 32x32, 16x32 or similar RGB LED displays using Raspberry Pi GPIO
2 parts4.4kGPL-2.0
2 layers21.5 × 26.5 mm
Heavy Core mk1 breakout bord
RoboticsUnion/Heavy-Core-MK12Repo for our Version 1 robot arm.
- Size
- 21.5 × 26.5 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 2
- Nets
- 4
- Pads
- 8
- Tracks, vias
- 8, 0
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 19 Jan 2026
- Updated
- 7 Nov 2026
Overview
Heavy Core mk1 breakout bord is an open-source printed circuit board by RoboticsUnion, from the RoboticsUnion/Heavy-Core-MK1 repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 21.5 × 26.5 mm with 2 parts on 4 nets, routed with 8 tracks and 0 vias.
It belongs with the robots and motor control and interfaces and adapters boards and the NXP (LPC, Kinetis, i.MX RT) boards of this library.
README
README.mdHeavy-Core-MK1
Heavy-Core-MK1 is the development of a modular robotic arm platform. The goal is to create a scalable, affordable robotics ecosystem where hardware and software are engineered together from the ground up.
The first two axes have already been designed, printed, assembled, and successfully tested. In parallel, we are developing our own control software for precise motion control.
Our Vision:
We aim to build a 6 DOF robitic arm that:
- Is upgradeable with interchangeable end-effectors
- Is structurally optimized for strength-to-weight efficiency
- Includes a custom-developed control software
- Allows future automation features
- Serves as a platform for robotics development
Custom Control Software
Our robotic arm will not rely solely on position control. We are developing a control application that will include:
- Real-Time position feedback
- Inverse kinematics calculations
- Intuitive controls
- Integrated arm simulation to prevent collisions or overload situations
- Expandable architecture for future features
Current Development Status
Completed:
- Torque calculations
- CAD design of Axis 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Stepper motor integration(Stepperonline)
- First tests of the custom designed Gearboxes
- Functional test of both Axis
In Progress:
- Development of remaining Axis
- Gearbox optimization
- Software development
- Control hardware integration
Preliminary Technical Specifications
- Target DOF: 6 DOF
- currently functional: 4 DOF
- Actuators: Stepper motors
- Structure: Aluminum & PETG (Stronger 3D-printed material planned)
- Control system: Arduino & ESP32 based
- Sofware: Custom standalone desktop or mobile application
Development Roadmap
| Phase | Description | Target |
| MK1 Alpha | 2 DOF mechanical validation, first project showcase | Completed |
| MK1 Beta | 4-6 DOF mechanical prototype | Q4 2026 (estimated) |
| MK1 Software Alpha | Basic motion control & UI | Q4 2026 |
| MK1 Integrated Demo | Hardware + software functional for demonstration | Q1 2027 (January, HTL Open house) |
| MK1 Full Prototype | Fully functional 6 DOF with software improvements | Post Open House (future milestone) |
Why this project stands out
Heavy-Core is more than a 3D-printed robotic arm. It is the foundation for a modular robotics ecosystem that is mostly custom designed.
Mechanical engineering, electronics and software development are combined in one unified system, driven by the abition and passion of young engineers.
This complete robotic arm system is fully open source and available on GitHub, providing unrestricted access to all hardware designs, electronics, and software, enabling developers worldwide to customize, improve, and extend the platform.
Parts
2| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Screw_Terminal_01x04 | TerminalBlock:TerminalBlock_MaiXu_MX126-5.0-04P_1x04_P5.00mm | Input-Controler1, Output-Motor1 |
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Questions
How big is the Heavy Core mk1 breakout bord PCB?
It measures 21.5 × 26.5 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Heavy Core mk1 breakout bord use?
2 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Heavy Core mk1 breakout bord KiCad files?
From the RoboticsUnion/Heavy-Core-MK1 repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is electronic _engineering/Mainboard_engineering/Heavy_Core_mk1_breakout_bord/Heavy_Core_mk1_breakout_bord.kicad_pcb and its schematic electronic _engineering/Mainboard_engineering/Heavy_Core_mk1_breakout_bord/Heavy_Core_mk1_breakout_bord.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Heavy Core mk1 breakout bord design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask RoboticsUnion before reusing the design.