I signed up for this course because I wanted to learn some basic concepts of 3d model design that I could apply to my interest in robotics. So naturally, I chose a robotics project for the final assignment. I plan to design and build a robotic arm using the techniques I have learned throughout this course.
Team members: Just me
Deliverable: Robotic arm
Timeline:
week 1 (Nov 18 – 22): Establish a pre-rhino design. This will include probably some sketch ups, an identification of parts, dimensions, and components used to connect 3d printed parts together.
week 2 (Nov 25 – 29): Design 3d printable parts in rhino and fabricate. I am expecting the printing process to take a decent amount of time since I will want moving parts to be particularly sturdy. Once the parts are printed I will assemble the arm.
week 3 (Dec 2 – 6): Electronics and software. Electronics should be easy since I already have all of the parts I would need from previous robotics projects I have worked on. An arm is also simple enough to where not many parts will be needed. I will also write some simple control software for the arm. Since I want the project to primarily be focused on fabrication and design, I will be making this part of the development process as simple as possible.
Related work I will be using for inspiration and guidance:
Links:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050920319049 this paper covers some physical design techniques and will provide inspiration for the parts I need.
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8014622 this paper offers a potential control scheme where I build a smaller replica of the arm and match the movements with the larger. This is a fairly simple and common control scheme.
There are also various youtube videos I plan on using for inspiration such as: https://youtu.be/5toNqaGsGYs?si=R-Q1iT3WV_gkZzq2 This person designed their controller similar to the above paper.
PDFs:
Hello Samuel! You have a very clear plan for your project. It is nice that you have found a way to tie the project into your interests in robotics. Since you have done robotics projects before it seems like you have a clear idea of what it will take to get this project completed. I am curious to see what the final product looks like!
I am hoping I am able to stick to my plan! If I can this project should be fairly easy to get up and running within the timeline.
Hey Samuel!
Your plan to design and build a robotic arm sounds awesome! Like Elektra said, it’s great that you’re applying what you’ve learned in this course to your interest in robotics. I like how you’ve outlined your timeline clearly; it gives you some reasonably time to get your tasks done.
From looking at the related work you’ve chosen, it looks really helpful for your project. I think using those papers and YouTube videos for inspiration will give you a solid foundation. What specific features are you hoping to implement in your robotic arm, if any?
I don’t have any specific features in mind. Probably just a double pincer claw and three points of movement. I am currently doing research to see what kind of designs I will want to implement.
Hello Samuel,
I like that you’re combining robotics and computational fabrication. Are you planning on using a specific type of movement (such as ball joints) or are you unsure at the moment? Is it going to be made up of smaller parts or a few larger portions?