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Build Your Own Robot Arm
Douglas Gorham
April 2011
Build Your Own Robot Arm
What will we do today?
We will build a robot arm from simple
materials
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Robot Arm
Why is this experiment useful to teachers
and students?
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)
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Robot Arm
Principles & Standards for School Mathematics
Geometry:
– Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric
modeling to solve problems
– Analyze characteristics and properties of two- and threedimensional 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
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Robot Arm
The Canadarm
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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 Arm
The Canadarm 2
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
Dextre
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Robot Arm
Building the Canadarm 3
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
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Robot Arm
You cannot get too close…
Student
Robot
Arm
45cm
Cup
You cannot get any closer than
45cm to the cup at any time
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Robot Arm
Available Materials
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Hanger
Cardboard
Clothespins
Popsicles sticks
Rubber bands
Binder clips
Paper clips
Golf pencils
Tape
 Paper fasteners
 Plastic bag
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Robot Arm
Outline and Procedures
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
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Robot Arm
Redesign after testing
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
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Robot Arm
Design requirements
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.
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Lift and release the cup
when it is upside down
Robot Arm
UPDATE FROM SPACE AGENCY
NEW DESIGN REQUIREMENT
Lift and release the cup when it is
full with weight, or water bottle
Use materials on your
table to fill cup
(candy, pencils…)
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Robot Arm
Design requirements
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
Lift and release the cup
when it is upside down
3. Lift and release water bottle
2.
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Robot Arm
UPDATE FROM SPACE AGENCY
NEW DESIGN REQUIREMENT
Need a single device that can
manipulate a cup as well as a pen.
Device can use two different end
manipulators
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Robot Arm
Design requirements
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
Lift and release the cup when it is upside down
Lift and release water bottle
Use the same design (possibly with a modified end
manipulator) to lift a pen
2.
3.
4.
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Robot Arm
Reflection Questions
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?
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