Foto Master

Getting Started with DMBot

Updated 5 days ago · 3 min readBeginner

This guide walks you through setting up DMBot software and running your first robotic drawing session.

Prerequisites

  • Mac computer running macOS 13.5 (Ventura) or later
  • DexArm robotic arm connected via USB
  • Pen holder installed on the DexArm with a drawing pen loaded
  • Paper loaded on the drawing tray (4x6, 6x8, or A4)
  • Foto Master Cloud account with a DMBot license
  • Internet connection for Cloud features

Step 1: Install DMBot

  1. Download the DMBot installer from your Foto Master Cloud dashboard
  2. Open the DMBot file and drag the app to your Applications folder
  3. Launch DMBot -- you may need to approve the app in System Preferences > Security & Privacy
  4. Grant USB access permissions when prompted

Step 2: Sign In

  1. On the login screen, enter your Foto Master Cloud email and password
  2. Select your DMBot license from the available licenses
  3. DMBot connects to the Cloud and loads your events

Step 3: Connect Your DexArm

  1. Connect the DexArm to your Mac via USB cable
  2. In DMBot, go to the robot list -- your DexArm should appear as an available port
  3. Click to connect -- the robot will home automatically (M1112 command)
  4. The connection status indicator shows green when connected

Tip: If the DexArm doesn't appear, check your USB cable, try a different port, and ensure no other application is using the serial port.

Step 4: Calibrate

Calibration ensures the pen touches the paper at the correct height and position:

Z-Height Calibration

  1. Place paper on the drawing tray
  2. Enter calibration mode in DMBot
  3. Use the controls to lower the pen until it just touches the paper surface
  4. Confirm the Z-height -- this is saved as your work height

XY Offset Calibration

  1. Run the XY calibration wizard
  2. The robot draws reference marks
  3. Verify alignment and adjust offsets if needed

Tip: Always recalibrate when you change paper size, move the robot, or replace the pen. Even small changes affect drawing quality.

Step 5: Select Your Event

  1. Go to the event list in DMBot
  2. Choose from your Cloud events or create a local event
  3. The event determines where drawings are saved and which photos to process

Step 6: Configure Drawing Settings

Art Style

  • Portrait -- Realistic line-art (Monet style)
  • Caricature -- Expressive, playful sketches (Davinci style)

Paper Size

  • Select 4x6, 6x8, or A4 to match your loaded paper
  • Optionally enable custom drawing dimensions

Drawing Details

  • Detailed hair -- More intricate hair lines (on/off)
  • Detailed beard -- Finer beard rendering (on/off)

Step 7: Run Your First Drawing

  1. Set at least one robot to Available status
  2. Send a photo to DMBot (from FMX on iPad, or via Cloud sync)
  3. The photo appears in the drawing queue
  4. DMBot processes the photo into an SVG sketch
  5. The SVG is converted to G-code
  6. The DexArm begins drawing -- watch the live progress!
  7. When complete, hand the drawing to the guest

Photo Sources

  • FMX on iPad -- Set processing type to "FMX" mode. The iPad captures the guest photo and sends it to DMBot over the network.
  • Cloud sync -- Enable cloud media monitoring. DMBot polls for new approved photos from your selected Cloud event.
  • PNG sync -- Enable "Sync PNG Files" to receive processed sketch images from the Cloud.

Step 8: Set Up External Display (Optional)

  1. Connect a second monitor or TV to your Mac
  2. Enable External Display in settings
  3. Select the display screen index
  4. Configure what to show:
    • Drawing progress -- Live feed of the robot drawing
    • Slideshow -- Grid of completed drawings
    • Ads -- Branded content during idle time

What's Next

Was this helpful?

Related articles