Aloha John,

It's been quite a while since we last corresponded, which means that the robot arms you made for me that I used at the Bishop Museum, 9 years ago and that were subsequently transferred to Mokupapapa Coral Reef Visitor Center have been at it a long time; http://papahanaumokuakea.gov/education/center.html

Given that fact alone, I'd say that the arms have been a tremendous success, both in terms of their function and reliability. They have been working in a less than optimal environment, too: soft, dusty coral sand from the far northwestern Hawaiian islands. They have been very robust.

But they are showing their age a bit now and need some refurbishment. I'm thinking that I can do this myself with a little consultation and the purchase of parts from you instead of packing them up and shipping them back and forth. I was quite intimate with the units a while back and feel confident that I can troubleshoot and repair them outside of fabricating new parts.

It is always a comfort to work with people and companies that have a personal interest in their product. It tends to engender the same response from clients.  I thought from the moment we spoke some years ago, that we spoke the same language. It is not often enough that one can contact a supplier and get answers, much less personal support. The robot arms have proven themselves again and again.

While I'm at it, the Mars explorer you made was another fantastic interactive exhibit device. I would, without hesitation, recommend either one to any science center thinking of exploring those types of exhibits. They are especially perfect for middle-school children as well as adults to explore and understand science.

I feel very lucky to work with such creative and dedicated people as you and your staff evidently are.

Sincerely,

Richard Duggan, Dare Design, Hawaii