+Build Your

Own Robotic Arm

+Learning Objectives

Learn about technological design

Use mathematical calculations for design

Learn about motion and force

Practice communication skills through written and oral exercises

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European Robotic Arm

+

Europe, through ESA, is one of the five partners (NASA, Russian Federal Space Agency, ESA, JAXA, CSA) contributing to the development of the International Space Station. The European Robot Arm (ERA) is one such contribution.

ERA acts as a tool for: Installation, deployment and replacement of

elements of the Russian Segment of the International Space Station,

Inspection of the Russian Segment, Support/transfer of EVA cosmonauts, Transfer of Orbital Replacement Units and other

assembly tasks.

Robot ArmInternational Space Station

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+

Large symmetrical robotic arm with 7 degrees of freedom

The arm consists of 2 End Effectors, 2 Wrists, 2 Limbs and 1 Elbow joint together with electronics and cameras. Both ends act as either a “hand” for the robot or the base from which it can operate.

Robot ArmThe European Robot Arm

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+Robot Arm

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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Building the European Robotic Arm

+Robot Arm

You cannot get too close…

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

CupStudent

Robot Arm

45cm

+Robot Arm

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Available Materials

+Robot Arm

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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Outline and Procedures

+Robot Arm

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

previous design

Answer reflection questions as a team

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Redesign after testing

+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

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Design requirements

+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 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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Reflection Questions