Moving forward + Shipping date!
Hi everyone,
We've had a few intense months here at ZUtA continuing our work on getting the accuracy nailed with the robot's movements.
As we move forward with the development, our ability to print out different images develops too, and as you can see, we're getting closer to the desired outcome.
Since our mechanical design is mostly done, we've felt certain enough to start moving towards manufacturing.
We're happy to say that we've found a great partner for manufacturing our Robotic Printer, that believes in our product and vision as much as we do, and that will help us produce the best product possible.
With the manufacturing agreement in place, we also have a better view on the timing, and we hope to start shipping the product by December before the end of the year!
There's still more work to be done and results to reach, as you can see, but we are super excited about this and as we always say, want to thank you for being so patient with the development and allowing us to work on this incredible Robotic Printer!
Yvonne E Moore on December 14
Can you give us a realistic update please. I was super excited about this project when it posted, but over the months have become discouraged.
BTW your website is saying Q1 2017. Really!!! http://www.zutalabs.com/
Nancy Del Pizzo on December 11
What is the Status?
Darwin Gosal on December 10
December is here. Just saying...
Kerry Podolsky on December 8
Last update was in June saying shipping should start in December.
Well... it is NOW December and there hasn't been ANY communications about this KS project for 6 months.
WTF is going on with this project?
Instead of running around showing the printer off... you should have been spending that time and money to satisfy the people who went out on a limb to bankroll your little pipe dream.
I DEMAND you give us an update and a REALISTIC shipping schedule!
I am SO tired of investing in these KS pipedreams and just throwing my money away.
You and others like you have ruined the future of other KS projects that I MIGHT HAVE invested in.
THANKS!!!
Margo Rowder on December 7
Hi there, when is this shipping??
-Margo
SonarTech on December 5
Status update is now VERY long overdue, and I'm starting to not care about this project anymore, since it seems like it's going nowhere. You're getting dangerously close to getting Kickstarter complaints.
Give us an update, or give us our money back.
Scott McClure on November 18
We are approaching December, a status update is overdue...
David Cleal on November 10
It's 143 days since the last update. What's happening please?
Didier Arenzana on November 4
I'm starting to believe that when this product ships, everyone will have switched to holographic 3D printers that sits in your watch...
Any news ?
Yvonne E Moore on November 1
What is the latest update please? Is there a firm release date?
Paul F Sumner on September 27
Update please
Kimberly Walker on September 17
It is now September 2016, will I ever see this thing in production?
KIM SEUNGTAE on June 25, 2016
Thanks for your response. I want to get our Robotic printer.
Michael gilders on June 21, 2016
Thanks for your response, you managed to respond without answering one question.
If I can list this many questions surely these are not unexpected.
Do you have a production schedule in place to meet your hopeful date of December?
As backers we deserve more accurate information not simply hopes and good feelings.
Keep up the good work, just sounds like you could focus on the practicalities of fulfilment not just the algorithms.
Cheers.
Pauline Houlihan on June 21, 2016
Thank you for the update. I, for one, really appreciate it. I'm also glad that since so much time has passed without an update I didn't have to go searching for you in the Bahamas or any other tropical location. Lol. I'm glad progress is being made. Maybe I'll have a new printer before the New Year's Day. Keeping my fingers crossed that I do.
ZUtA Labs Ltd. Creator on June 21, 2016
Hey Travis, per your questions:
1. How did you solve, or at least partially address the alignment issue?
We developed a real-time algorithm which takes the sensor data and ensures alignment of the print lines.
2. There's been no real mention of the custom cartridge since it was first introduced. Any update on whether it will be refillable?
There's been no mention as we haven't really dealt with it. We're fully focused on the robot itself.
3. Is the issue of blank lines a backlash issue? The printers trouble traveling a straight line?
As in any mechanical system, backlash is an issue which must be considered and compensated.
We developed, and still improving, an advanced navigation algorithm which weighs the different factors and steers the robot according to the desired trajectory.
4. Does the friction of the ink-head on the paper cause an issue of alignment? Would heavier stock (like resume paper) with physical artifacts magnify the problem?
As in standard ink jet printers, there is no contact between the ink-head and the paper.
5. In terms of motion planing, I've noticed in all the demo videos, there seems to be a lot of jerk. As, in there is no smooth acceleration and smooth deceleration. Have you considered this as it relates to gradual misalignment?
We are constantly improving the navigation algorithm in order to minimize the jerk and smooth the line. And you're correct, the more jerky the movement, the higher the risk of misalignment.
C.D.
Superbacker
on June 21, 2016
ZUtA,
I will acknowledge and congratulate you on making some improvements on the printer. But, the idea that what was in the video is anywhere near being ready for production seems premature. The printed image has tons of alignment issues. I can't even imagine how bad an image with straight lines would look. Please do not produce and ship this product until you get it right. Answers to R Travis Brown's questions would be interesting to hear. In addition, I would be interested to know if you have added any sensors to aid alignment or are trying to accomplish it solely with mechanical control?
Jonathan Ireland on June 20, 2016
Great update- Is the end in sight!
R Travis Brown on June 20, 2016
Esssh Take a chill pill Mike. Even with answers to all your questions the ship date would still be speculative. As is the very meaning of the word "Hope"
I personally don't care about any of the questions Michael posed as the answers will provide no insight on the project and only serve as the petulant venting of an backer that has more knowledge in project management (maybe) than he has in patience.
Personally I'd like to know:
1. How did you solve, or at least partially address the alignment issue?
2. There's been no real mention of the custom cartridge since it was first introduced. Any update on whether it will be refillable?
3. Is the issue of blank lines a backlash issue? The printers trouble traveling a straight line?
4. Does the friction of the ink-head on the paper cause an issue of alignment? Would heavier stock (like resume paper) with physical artifacts magnify the problem?
5. In terms of motion planing, I've noticed in all the demo videos, there seems to be a lot of jerk. As, in there is no smooth acceleration and smooth deceleration. Have you considered this as it relates to gradual misalignment?
Cheers & Thanks!
Lisa on June 20, 2016
Congratulations on the progress! So excited for this :)
ZUtA Labs Ltd. Creator on June 20, 2016
Michael, as you noticed, and as we wrote - we still have work to do.
We thank you for all your questions and watching out for us, we had all those in mind when closing the manufacturing agreement.
And yet, even with all those in mind, as someone as experienced as yourself, you know that there's always unexpected issues that rise. The unexpected plus the fact that we still have some actual work on the product, is what has us say that we HOPE.
However, as we also wrote, we're feeling good about the results and direction and are confident enough to aim for December. You'll be getting your refund as soon as we can, like we've said before.
Michael gilders on June 20, 2016
Another pathetically vague update from ZUTA.
The title is misleading, What you have provided is not a "shipping date".
It is in your own words a HOPE for a shipping date.
You say you've found a manufacturing partner, nothing more specific than that.
Has this manufacturer ever produced a product this complex?
What is their schedule to produce samples and the turn around times for revisions?
Are they a 1 stop manufacturer?
Will they produce all the sub-assemblies I house or will there be further delays with finding outsource manufacturers?
IE. PCBs, injection mouldings, power supplies, batteries, motors RC boards??? etc....
What is their lead time to fit ZUTA into their production run?
What dates will it be manufactured?
How long is their component procurement schedule?
How long will packing, shipping, distribution take?
Without knowing all of these preceding details your "delivery date" is purely speculative and less than a "hope"
In addition, the print doesn't appear to have improved since the last sample you showed.
If this is the best quality print your product will provide please send my refund now.
Benjamin Grossmann on June 20, 2016
That's great news ! Will you use backerkit so we can manage our pledge and buy add-ons ? I was just a support, but now I'd really like to have one printer of my own :D
Thanks for your answer.
Shabaz Mohammad
Superbacker
on June 20, 2016
Awesome! Just set a reminder for December :)
DaliaMedini on June 20, 2016
Congratulation!
Would love to have one.