FreeCAD – Part 6: Upper Shelf & Top Shelf

In this lesson, we continue building the Millie Mini AI robot by designing and positioning the upper shelf and top shelf, extending the robot’s vertical structure above the middle assembly.

This lesson focuses on establishing vertical reference height, positioning components relative to the model origin, and using binders to derive new geometry from existing parts without duplicating sketches.

Upper Shelf & Top Shelf Overview

We begin by introducing the upper shelf and its role as the next major structural layer in the robot.

This lesson demonstrates how vertical structure is built by anchoring components to a known reference height and then deriving additional parts from existing geometry instead of redesigning from scratch.

Positioning the Upper Shelf from the Origin

Before creating the top shelf, we first establish the position of the upper shelf.

In this lesson, we:

• Reference the model origin point

• Position the upper shelf 200 millimeters above the origin

• Use this height as a fixed vertical reference

• Confirm alignment within the assembly

This ensures consistent spacing and predictable structure as the design grows.

Creating the Top Shelf Using a Binder

Once the upper shelf is in place, we use it as the reference for the top shelf.

In this lesson, we:

• Create a binder from the upper shelf

• Use existing geometry instead of recreating sketches

• Derive the top shelf from that binder

• Maintain clean alignment and proportional accuracy

This keeps the design parametric and easy to update.

Result So Far

By the end of this lesson, you will have:

• Positioned the upper shelf 200 mm above the origin

• Established a clear vertical structure

• Created a binder from the upper shelf

• Used that binder to generate the top shelf

• Maintained clean, reference-driven geometry

At this stage, the robot’s frame now has a defined upper and top structure ready for future components.

What’s Next

In the next lesson, we’ll continue building upward by adding additional structural or functional components that connect to the top section.

We’ll:

• Add new parts to the upper structure

• Continue using reference-based workflows

• Refine how stacked components interact

This is where the Millie Mini AI robot continues transitioning from structure to system.