Syringe Robot Arm (SRA) Lockview High School Tech Ed 9 Mr. Saunders Syringe Robot Arm (SRA)

Introduction: A robot is a machine that can be programmed to perform a task. The word robot comes from the word robota in the Czechoslovakian language, which means slave-like work or forced work. Today, robots are primarily used in industry. Typically, robots are used to perform tasks that are dull, dirty, and/or dangerous. Robots increase production capability; improve product quality, and lower production costs. It is likely that very soon there will be almost totally ‘human-free’ factories. Perhaps just one or two people will program or monitor the computers and carry out routine maintenance to robots and other machines.

The robots used in industry usually consist of a mechanical arm controlled by a computer. The arm is jointed in one or more places and there is a "hand" at the end of the arm. The 'hand" is called an end effector. Each end effector is designed specifically for a particular job. Among the simplest jobs is "pick and place" where a robot may take something from one place and move it to another. Robots can do many different kinds of tasks but they still need humans to control them and give instructions. A robot is not intelligent by itself and can perform only those tasks for which it is given a set of instructions or program. Computers act as the robot's brain.

Robot Power The power for a robotic arm can either be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic. Hydraulics is putting liquids under pressure Pneumatics is putting gases under pressure. The power supply acts like the robot's heart and muscles. It provides the energy for pushing, pulling, turning and lifting.

Types of robot arms (Configurations)

*In this activity, you will design, build, and program a simple pick and place robot that will solve a materials handling problem. Problem:  You are a designer at Acme Robotics, Ltd. Your firm has been asked to design a material-handling system for Wedoital, Inc., Wedoital Incorporated makes “doits”. During the manufacturing process, “doits” need to be moved from one conveyor system (Point A) to another conveyor system (Point B) by hand. Moving the“doits” by hand is boring and dangerous. The company has had to pay a lot of medical bills due to injuries caused by moving“doits”. Management feels that using a robot to move“doits” will free personnel for more important work, reduce accidents, and improve productivity. Your department head has decided to put together several design teams. Each design team (3 people) will develop and present a proposal for solving Wedoital’s material-handling problem. Each proposal will be in the form of a working model robot and a program documenting the steps required to perform the task. The design team that presents the best proposal will receive the contract.

Specifications: 1. The robot arm can be no larger than 30 x 30 cm at the base, with an overall height of 30 cm. 2. You must use recycled wood, metal, and plastic as part of your robot. 3. The robot should include hydraulic (syringes and vinyl tubing filled with water) and mechanical systems (simple machines). 4. Point A and Point B must be at least 10 cm apart and on different planes (levels) 10 cm high. Syringes & Tubing can’t be glued on If “end-effector’s” are magnetic, an electromagnet must be constructed The completed arm must contain a DC Circuit that is activated.

Procedure: 1. Within your design team decide how your robot will move the table tennis ball (“doits”). Research the Internet, textbooks, etc. for ideas 2. Discuss with your team all of the possible ways to "move" your “doits”. 3. Decide where point A (the place where the“doits” starts) and point B (the place where the “doits”will end up) will be in relation to each other. Does the “doits” have to move horizontally, vertically, both, etc.? 4. Begin sketching robot ideas. These sketches can be quick and simple ways of communicating your plan or design. 5. After selecting and refining your best design, draw it neatly and accurately. Be sure to include enough detail to build the robot as planned. 6. Have Mr. Saunders sign-off on your design.

7. Construct your robot in the Production Lab 7. Construct your robot in the Production Lab. (Take pictures during construction) It is best to start with the base of your robot and locate points A and B and then build accordingly. Be sure that safety rules are followed while using tools and equipment in the lab. 8. After the robot is constructed, fill the syringes with water of different colours. 9. Write a program for your robot that will move the object from point A to point B. When the program is completed, test it and make any necessary revisions. 10. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation of your proposal. The presentation should include: pictures, a demonstration of your robot, Lab Safety and program along with a description of any hydraulic, mechanical systems. *All design team members must participate in the presentation.

Evaluation: - Robot Design Sketches/Drawing 20 pts - Robot Creativity/Originality 20 pts - Robot Workmanship 20 pts Robot Program 20 pts - Proposal Presentation 20 pts Total = 100 pts

Technology Challenge Plus Syringe Robot Arm DC (Direct Current) Circuit

Your Challenge Plus: *You will need to custom design and build a DC Circuit for your Robotic Arm. *The circuit must operate a battery-operated device while the Syringe Robot Arm is working. *Things like fans, lights, buzzers, horns, lazers, and any battery-powered device may be used. You design it and bring it in to be used on your robot. *Switches, batteries, wires, connectors and dc-powered devices are you and your team’s responsibility to get and use.