The Arm v3.0

Version 3 — The Current Setup

Version 3.0 was a series of mild but meaningful refinements — internal tweaks, external changes, and a slight update to the hand profile. I already liked the overall look of the arm from version 2.5, but I wanted to hide all the fasteners that held the outer shell to the chassis. Doing that let me give the arm more visual “weight” without adding any actual physical weight. The arm became wider, cleaner, and more intentional.

The helmet clip also changed in this version. For context, the helmet clip is a small hook that extends so I can carry my helmet while walking around. Back in version 2.0, I had a set of threaded inserts that allowed me to swap out different mounts — phone mounts, camera mounts, helmet hooks — but by version 2.5, the only attachment that was genuinely safe and useful was the helmet hook. It worked, but I wanted a cleaner profile for version 3.0, so it was redesigned.

The hand profile changed slightly as well, mainly to improve the range of movement in the wrist’s yaw and to tidy up the cosmetics. I also made some minor adjustments to the internal working components to refine the arm’s “resting” position. Nothing dramatic — the arm feels and operates essentially the same as version 2.5 — but visually, version 3.0 is the one I’m happiest with.

I experimented with changing the outer shell to give it a more organic look, not because I wanted an organic style, but to show what the removable-shell concept was capable of. I never followed through on that idea, but I’d like to revisit it when I have the time.

I’ve put a lot of kilometres on version 3.0 now, and many of the components carried over from version 2.5 are still holding up with no obvious signs of wear or damage. With some investigation, I think there’s room to reduce weight again by changing materials or material types, but for now, the current setup is reliable, predictable, and proven.