Step 0: Preparation

  1. Measure the size of your bookshelf
  2. Decide the setting (In our case, we use three cut corner file cases and two books)
  3. Prepare all materials

Hardware Materials

Arduino Uno x1
DC 5V 2.0A Converter Power Supply Adapter x1
Servo Motor (Tower Pro SG5010) x5
Battery holder x1 
Breadboard x1
Jumpwires (multiple)
10kΩresistors x5
Push button switch x5
Tape and super glue


Step 1: Design the Arms

  1. Measure the size of the connector to the motor
  2. Draw on illustrator: arm1 arm2 (In our case, we combined 3 layers of 4mm MDF, having the first layer cut with shape of the connector to the motor.)
  3. Cut with laser cutter and resemble
  4. Make sure the arm won't hit the shelf when moving, if so, remake it!

Step 2: Soldering the switches

See reference video for details

Step 3: Make a Container

  1. Measure the size of the button
  2. Draw the box on illustrator (make sure there's enough space to place on the shelf and space for breadboard, arduino and batteries.  )
  3. Cut with laser cutter

Step 4: Build Up

  1. Write the codes and set the angle of the arm movement
  2. Upload it to Arduino
  3. Build up according to this set-up graph, see the video for more details

Step 5: Final check up

Make sure that
  1. all buttons work, 
  2. everything fits in the box,
  3. wires are long enough, and
  4. cable can reach the plug.

Step 6: Final Set Up

  1. Set up the motors according do your bookshelf's setting
  2. Use tape to set to the position first
  3. Make sure each arm and motor work
  4. Use super glue to stable the motors!