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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 simplematerials
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 designIt relates to the studies ofmotion andforce
It requires communication
through writing (design) andorally (explaining the design principles)
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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 mathematicalarguments 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, alsoknown as ShuttleRemote Manipulator
System Used on the space
shuttle to maneuverloads of up to 29tons
Developed by SPARAerospace Ltd., outof Edmonton
Robot ArmThe Canadarm
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Canadas primarycontribution to theInternational SpaceStation
Mobile Servicing Station Space Station Remote
Manipulator
Mobile RemoteServicer Base System
Special PurposeDexterous Manipulator
17 meters fully extended
Robot ArmThe Canadarm 2
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Dextre
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Robot Arm
We will build a robot arm from simplematerials
The arm must pick up a plastic cupfrom a distance of 45cm
Lift the cup to a height ofat 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
CupStudentRobotArm
45cm
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Robot Arm
Hanger
Cardboard
Clothespins Popsicles sticks
Rubber bands
Binder clips Paper clips
Golf pencils
Tape
Paper fasteners
Plastic bag
Available Materials
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Divide into teams of two (2)
Review the requirements
Discuss a solution and create a sketchof your design
Build a model of your design with givenmaterials
Test 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 arm
Retest your model
Answer reflection questions as a team
Redesign after testing
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Robot Arm
1. The arm must pick up aplastic cup from a distanceof 45cm
Lift the cup to a height ofat least 15cm
Bring the cup back to restand release it
2. Lift and release the cupwhen 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 bottleUse materials on yourtable to fill cup(candy, pencils)
Robot Arm
UPDATE FROM SPACE AGENCY
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Robot Arm
1. The arm must pick up aplastic cup from a distanceof 45cm
Lift the cup to a height ofat least 15cm
Bring the cup back to restand release it
2. Lift and release the cupwhen it is upside down3. 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 two different endmanipulators
Robot Arm
UPDATE FROM SPACE AGENCY
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Robot Arm
1. The arm must pick up a plastic cup from a distanceof 45cm
Lift the cup to a height ofat least 15cm
Bring the cup back to restand 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 aboutyour design? What is its main weakness?What is one thing you would change
about your design based on yourexperienceAre there algebraic and physicalprinciples that can be applied to this
activity?How would you modify the instructionsto create a better experience for theparticipants?
Reflection Questions
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