Build Your Own Robot Arm

Douglas Gorham

April 2011

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Build Your Own Robot Arm

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 designIt requires mathematical calculations for design It relates to the studies of motion and forceIt 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 StationMobile Servicing Station– Space Station Remote

Manipulator– Mobile Remote

Servicer Base System– Special Purpose

Dexterous Manipulator17 meters fully extended

Robot ArmThe Canadarm 2

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Dextre

Robot Arm

We will build a robot arm from simple materialsThe 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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Robot Arm

Divide into teams of two (2)Review the requirementsDiscuss a solution and create a sketch of your design Build a model of your design with given materialsTest your model

Outline and Procedures

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Robot Arm

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

Rebuild your robot armRetest your modelAnswer reflection questions as a team

Redesign after testing

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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

Design requirements

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NEW DESIGN REQUIREMENTLift and release the cup when it is full with weight, or water bottleUse materials on yourtable to fill cup(candy, pencils…)

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

Design requirements

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NEW DESIGN REQUIREMENTNeed a single device that can manipulate a cup as well as a pen.Device can use two different 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 down3. Lift and release water bottle4. Use the same design (possibly with a modified end

manipulator) to lift a pen

Design requirements

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Robot Arm

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 experienceAre 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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