Robotics Engineer Needed for Toy Cleaning Robot Kit Development

Project Description I’m looking for a technically strong robotics engineer to help me design and prototype a toy cleanup robot kit for kids. The core idea is simple and practical: A small, low speed mobile robot that can collect toys from the floor and deposit them into its own bin or a designated container. This is intended to become a build it yourself kit rather than a finished consumer robot. Think educational, safe, modular, and realistically manufacturable in Europe. I’m not looking for a science project. I’m looking for something that can actually ship. High Level Concept • 4 wheel mobile base (not self balancing) • Very slow movement speed • Simple pickup mechanism (soft gripper, scoop, or claw) • Integrated bin or dump tray • Robot drives around, picks up toys, stores them, then empties • Controlled initially via Bluetooth or app, autonomy can come later Safety is non negotiable. This is for homes with kids. Safety Requirements • Low speed only • Soft gripper materials • Torque limits on motors • No sharp edges • Large physical emergency stop button • Arm or pickup mechanism folds away when driving “Boringly safe” is the goal. What I’m Looking For You should be comfortable with: • Mobile robotics (wheeled platforms) • Basic robotic arms or pickup mechanisms • Microcontrollers or SBCs (Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano etc) • Motor drivers, torque limits, power management • Mechanical design that can realistically be assembled by non engineers Bonus if you’ve worked with: • Educational robotics kits • ROS (not required at first) • Low cost manufacturing constraints • EU sourcing or CE safety considerations Scope of Initial Work Phase 1: • Technical feasibility discussion • High level system architecture • Recommendation of off the shelf components • Rough mechanical concept for pickup mechanism • Safety analysis Phase 2 (if Phase 1 goes well): • Prototype design • BOM • Assembly approach suitable for a kit • Control logic This is intended to become a long term collaboration if it works. I’m not looking for someone to “just deliver files and disappear”. About Me I’m a founder with product and business experience, not a robotics engineer. I’ll handle product vision, funding, branding, and distribution. I want a technical partner who enjoys building real things and thinking pragmatically. How to Apply Please include: • Brief intro and relevant experience • Any robotics projects you’ve actually built (photos or links preferred) • Your thoughts on the biggest technical challenge in a toy cleanup robot • Whether you prefer microcontrollers or SBCs for this type of project If you’re excited by the idea of building a real, safe, shippable robot, I’d love to talk.