1. Moshe Kam Yvonne Pelham Douglas Gorham
TISP: Zambia September 2010
Building a Robot Arm
Moshe Kam
Yvonne Pelham
Douglas Gorham

2. Moshe Kam IEEE Educational Activities
Build Your Own Robotic Arm
Moshe Kam IEEE Educational Activities

3. Robot Arm We will build a robot arm from simple materials
What will we do today?
We will build a robot arm from simple materials

4. Robot Arm It teaches technological design
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)

5. 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 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

6. Robot Arm
The Canadarm
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

7. 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

8. Robot Arm We will build a robot arm from simple materials
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

9. You cannot get any closer than 45cm to the cup at any time
Robot Arm
You cannot get too close…
Robot Arm
Student
Cup
45cm
You cannot get any closer than 45cm to the cup at any time

10. Robot Arm Available Materials Hanger Paper clips Cardboard
Golf pencils
Clothespins
Tape
Popsicles sticks
Paper fasteners
Rubber bands
Plastic bag
Binder clips
Material bags for teams to build…

11. 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
Material bags for teams to build…

12. 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

13. Robot Arm Design requirements
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

14. UPDATE FROM SPACE AGENCY
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…)

15. Robot Arm Design requirements
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

16. UPDATE FROM SPACE AGENCY
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

17. Robot Arm Design requirements
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

18. 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?