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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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…

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

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

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…)

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

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

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

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?