Living Watercolour Painting Automaton Variant 25 Kit with Arduino Mega
Living Watercolour Painting Automaton Kit with Arduino Mega: Create Algorithmic Art
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
This kit bridges software and physical media, translating gradient descent paths into actual brushstrokes on watercolour paper. Two NEMA 17 steppers move a brush-holding carriage along linear rails, while an SG90 servo lifts the brush. An Arduino Mega runs G-code generated from algorithmic paths, letting you watch mathematical optimisation become a tangible painting — perfect for exploring generative art, creative coding, or high-end maker portfolios.
What You'll Build
You'll assemble a two-axis CNC painting machine that holds a watercolour brush, dips it in pigment, and paints algorithmic compositions. Once built, you can load pre-coded gradient descent sequences or write your own path functions. The machine renders complex, flowing linework that no human hand could replicate, turning abstract algorithms into gallery-ready pieces.
What You'll Learn
- Programme Arduino Mega to interpret G-code and synchronise stepper motor movement
- Calibrate A4988 stepper drivers for smooth, accurate linear motion on rails
- Implement gradient descent logic to generate evolving brushstroke patterns
- Integrate a servo-controlled brush lift for dynamic line-weight and wet-in-wet blending
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| NEMA 17 Stepper | 2 |
| A4988 Driver | 2 |
| SG90 Servo | 1 |
| CNC Shield V3 | 1 |
| 12V 3A PSU | 1 |
| GT2 Belt 1m | 2 |
| GT2 Pulley | 2 |
| Linear Rail 400mm | 2 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| M3 Bolts+Nuts | 20 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Advanced B.Tech ECE/EEE/CSE students exploring physical computation, IIT/NIT/VIT/BITS project teams preparing for design or art-tech showcases, and Smart India Hackathon participants who need a creative edge. It also fits ATL Tinkering Lab mentors coaching high-level robotics-art fusion, or any maker wanting to add generative painting to their portfolio.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code to open the AI companion trained on this exact kit, or message us on WhatsApp for direct troubleshooting within hours.
Do I need to write gradient descent code myself?
No, pre-written Arduino sketches are included that generate stroke paths from a loss function; you can adjust learning rate, step count, and brush-up points to personalise the output.
Can I use custom brushes or different paper types?
The brush holder clamps most round brushes up to 8 mm diameter. The rail spacing accepts standard A4 watercolour pads; you can adapt for smaller sizes with a few extra clamps.
What if the stepper motors skip steps or overheat during a long painting?
A4988 current limiting prevents overheating; if skipping occurs, the AI companion will guide you through belt tensioning and driver trim-pot adjustment. Brief pauses are built into the gradient descent loop, naturally cooling the motors.
Stepper-driven brush on watercolour paper executes algorithmically generated strokes from gradient descent path.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items