Our last RoboTar arrived in Germany... We had a little trouble getting through customs and getting the package in Martin's hands. Martin is our first regular Mac user. We had a bump during install which was quickly addressed by Mirek (our star lead developer) with an updated install.

Martin has been patient and very helpful as we continue to refine and improve RoboTar. We learned our lesson that UPS or FedEx might be a better way to go for International deliveries over the USPS. Shipping is more expensive but I think duties will be better addressed through those companies but we will see.

Next up is Slava in Israel. Attached is a Video of Slava's RoboTar. I just received the and installed the 3d printed finger pads.  They were a little big for the brass fingers required some special fitting adjustments but we should be able to get Slava his RoboTar by mid January.


The manual build process is slow but is becoming more repeatable.  It is a great way to refine the product and continuously improve but I must admit it is difficult for me and for customers who would like to have their RoboTar in their hands sooner rather than later.  I appreciate everyone's patience and I look forward to the day when we have enough RoboTar's to warrant a manufacturing strategy.  Complex hardware projects like RoboTar are hard to fund.  We have a specialized market but I know once the word begins spreading there will be many other interested parties.  Can't sell without product, but can't manufacture a product without sales...  We'll figure this out... others have.

RoboTar App version 0.3.4 was just released helping some of our recent customers around the globe use RoboTar in their native language.  This version is now translated into German, Spanish and Czech.

Our last post included an update about RoboTar making a trip the the Philippines for Frances who lost her arm in a brave fight against tissue cancer that took her arm but not her sporty.  Frances has conquered the cancer, finished her last round of chemo and is recovering and enjoying her RoboTar while she rebuilds her strength.  Frances' first time playing her guitar was absolutely heart warming and I had the honor to witness this precious and intimate moment as Frances strummed her guitar and sang in her pristine voice.  I can't wait to hear and see more once she has her strength back.  I hope we will have something from Frances we can share with the rest of the RoboTar Community.

My Dad just bought a new guitar and is getting RoboTar up and running again.  He has also promised to share some videos and songs.

Our first lefty RoboTar is in the possession of Tim here in California.  Tim is an absolute inspiration driving through the challenges from his stroke with a laser focus on what he wants to do and accomplish.  When I visited Tim to help with his install, he was so positive and eager to get rolling, he looked great, felt strong and my father and I left his house inspired and ready to take on the world ourselves.  Tim says he is happy and strumming along!  Tim also bought a new left handed Sean Ashe acoustic guitar with beautiful wood grain body to play with RoboTar attached. 

Our most recent RoboTar inductee is waiting for his RoboTar to arrive in Darmstadt, Germany.  Martin also bought a new black Les Paul he likes to call "Paula" waiting to receive RoboTar.  We are learning a few lessons about international shipments on this one.  Let's hope Martin's makes it into his possession soon.

Next up..., there are 3 RoboTars taking shape now, the electronics are done, one is fully built and simply waiting for a front LED cover and "finger tips" from our 3D printer and the other two are awaiting their 3D printed parts.  They are heading to Israel, Denmark and the UK.  In the UK RoboTar will hopefully be enjoyed by a community supported by Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions (http://www.choiceandcontrol.co.uk) which is a community organization supported by those with disabilities.  Barrie Ellis, one of their organizers has trusted me as an early RoboTar adopter to give his community a chance to experience playing guitar with the help of RoboTar.  I can't wait to hear the feedback from that group and hopefully hear some music they churn out.


This is an amazing journey and we are plugging away slowly to get RoboTar to those that want to play but might think it is not possible.