The Universal Tool Mount (UTM) allows FarmBot Genesis to automatically switch which tool is on the z-axis depending on the operation needing to be completed. The UTM is necessary because it is not feasible to have all tools mounted on the z-axis at one time for several reasons:

  • This would be very heavy and create more stresses on all components, as well as necessitate a larger z-axis motor.
  • Most tools need to be the “lowest” thing on the z-axis in order to work. Having multiple tools competing for the lowest position (ex: a temperature probe and a seed injector) would not be ideal and may not work at all. The use of individual tool raising and lowering mechanisms, or a turret style mechanism would be complex, heavy, bulky, and limited in the number of tools it could support.
  • The Z-Axis’s size must be kept to a minimum in order for it to have minimal impact on the plants, especially when there is not very much space between them.

The UTM is a single 3D printed component that mounts to the Z-Axis aluminum extrusion using two M5 screws and tee nuts. It features:

  • 3 strong neodymium ring magnets to magnetically hold tools in place via other magnets placed in the same configuration on the tool.
  • Passage ways for water, liquid amendments (eg: fertilizer), and vacuum or compressed air to pass through from the UTM (and the rest of FarmBot) to the tool.
  • 12 spring loaded screws that make electrical connections with tools. (See: Pin Mapping)

Want to make your own UTM compatible tools?

Check out the tool spec to learn how to design and manufacture your own custom tools. We provide examples, CAD models, tech specs, and links to purchase parts.

Change Log

  • Switched from low-profile M5 socket head screws to M5 button-head style screws. The new screws still have 3mm hex drives, but have a lower profile (2.75mm instead of 3.5mm) that provides better clearance between lower gantry v-wheel screws and track plates. They also have larger diameter heads (9.5mm from 8.5mm) that distribute loads more evenly and provide more secure connections, especially for the plastic components.
  • Modified the UTM base so that the magnets lie closer to the tool for an increase in holding force. This modification was possible due to the switch to the lower-profile button head M5 screws.
  • Made the UTM base significantly shorter and shortened the M5 and M3 screws that pass through it accordingly.
  • Increased the height of the UTM cover to allow for the UTM wires to have more space.
  • Moved the FarmBot logo from the UTM base to the UTM cover.
  • Removed the o-ring groove on the UTM’s liquid/gas ports and re-designed the ports to be injection mold-able.
  • Switched from circular profile o-rings to square profile o-rings for more direct sealing of the liquid/gas ports and for compatibility with the new port design.

Room for Improvement

Nothing to see here!