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Building a Robot ArmMoshe KamYvonne Pelham

Douglas Gorham

TISP: ZambiaSeptember 2010

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Moshe KamIEEE Educational Activities

Build Your Own Robotic Arm

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We will build a robot arm from simple materials

What will we do today?

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+Robot ArmWhy is this experiment useful to teachers and students?

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It teaches technological design

It requires mathematical calculations for design

It relates to the studies of motion and force

It requires communication through writing (design) and orally (explaining the design principles)

+Robot Arm

Geometry: Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling

to solve problems Analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-

dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships

Problem Solving: Recognize and apply geometric ideas in areas outside of the

mathematics classroom Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies

Communication: Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to

peers, teachers, and others

Principles & Standards for School Mathematics

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Canadarm 1, also known as Shuttle Remote Manipulator System

Used on the space shuttle to maneuver loads of up to 29 tons

Developed by SPAR Aerospace Ltd., out of Edmonton

Robot ArmThe Canadarm

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Canada’s primary contribution to the International Space Station

Mobile Servicing Station Space Station Remote

Manipulator Mobile Remote

Servicer Base System Special Purpose

Dexterous Manipulator

17 meters fully extended

Robot ArmThe Canadarm 2

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Dextre

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We will build a robot arm from simple materials

The arm must pick up a plastic cup from a distance of 45cm Lift the cup to a height of at least 15cm Bring the cup back to rest and release it

Pick up cup upside down

Building the Canadarm 3

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+Robot ArmYou cannot get too close…

You cannot get any closer than 45cm to the cup at any time

CupStudent

Robot Arm

45cm

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+Robot ArmAvailable Materials

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Divide into teams of two (2)

Review the requirements

Discuss a solution and create a sketch of your design

Build a model of your design with given materials

Test your model

Outline and Procedures

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Discuss and agree upon a redesign If needed after testing, or to enhance the previous design

Rebuild your robot arm

Retest your model

Answer reflection questions as a team

Redesign after testing

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1. The arm must pick up a plastic cup from a distance of 45cm

Lift the cup to a height of at least 15cm

Bring the cup back to rest and release it

2. Lift and release the cup when it is upside down

Design requirements

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NEW DESIGN REQUIREMENT

Lift and release the cup when it is full with weight, or water bottle

Use materials on yourtable to fill cup(candy, pencils…)

Robot ArmUPDATE FROM SPACE AGENCY

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1. The arm must pick up a plastic cup from a distance of 45cm

Lift the cup to a height of at least 15cm

Bring the cup back to rest and release it

2. Lift and release the cup when it is upside down

3. Lift and release water bottle

Design requirements

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NEW DESIGN REQUIREMENT

Need a single device that can manipulate a cup as well as a pen.

Device can use twodifferent endmanipulators

Robot ArmUPDATE FROM SPACE AGENCY

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+Robot Arm

1. The arm must pick up a plastic cup from a distance of 45cm

Lift the cup to a height of at least 15cm

Bring the cup back to rest and release it

2. Lift and release the cup when it is upside down

3. Lift and release water bottle

4. Use the same design (possibly with a modified end manipulator) to lift a pen

Design requirements

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What was one thing you liked about your design? What is its main weakness?

What is one thing you would change about your design based on your experience

Are there algebraic and physical principles that can be applied to this activity?

How would you modify the instructions to create a better experience for the participants?

Reflection Questions

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