1. Build Your Own Robot Arm
Supavadee Aramvith Sohaib Qamer Sheikh
IEEE TISP Workshop Bangkok, Thailand 6 & 7 August 2016

2. Build Your Own Robot Arm Lesson
Lesson Synopsis
Working in teams, the students explore effective teamwork skills while learning simple robot mechanics using common materials.
Learning Objectives
Learn about technological design
Use mathematical calculations for design
Learn about motion and force
Practice communication skills through written and oral exercises

3. Challenge 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
Beware, other objects may be introduced

4. You cannot get any closer than 45cm to the cup at any time
Point of Operation
You cannot get too close…
Robot Arm
Student X
Cup
45cm
You cannot get any closer than 45cm to the cup at any time

5. Materials Craft Sticks Binder Clips Bendable Wire Fishing Line
Paper Fasteners
String
Paperclips
Rubber bands
Tape
Clothespins
Short Pencils
Cardboard

6. Outline and Procedures
Divide into teams of two participants.
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
Redesign and retest
Answer reflection questions
Material bags for teams to build…

7. Challenge 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
Beware, other objects may be introduced

8. Reflection Which item was most critical to your robot arm design?
How did working as a team help in the design process?
What did you learn from the designs developed by other teams?
How could this activity be used in the classroom?