1. Shell Concepts

2. Overview The shell is defined as an external casing of the robot excluding the platform. The shell’s material will therefore define its ability to protect the internal components and add to the overall appearance. The shell is defined as an external casing of the robot excluding the platform. The shell’s material will therefore define its ability to protect the internal components and add to the overall appearance.

3. Needs Addressed  SAFETY (1)  Cost (5)  Easy to manufacture (11)  Robust (6)  Wow Factor (3), (8)

4. Issues  Must be designed to provide safety to the robot.  Should not reduce accessibility of components.

5. CONCEPTS  Aluminum A readily available material which can be obtained in various sizes that would accommodate our needs. As large as 1.22x1.22m (4x4’)A readily available material which can be obtained in various sizes that would accommodate our needs. As large as 1.22x1.22m (4x4’)  Steel A common and durable building material.A common and durable building material.  Acrylic Can be used in many industrial applications because of its lightweight and insulation properties.Can be used in many industrial applications because of its lightweight and insulation properties.

6. Preliminary Analysis  Aluminum ProsPros  Lightweight  Impressive finish (polished)  Easy to machine  Can be repaired ConsCons  Expensive  Lower strength  Conductor CostCost  48x24x1/16”: $62.84  Acrylic ProsPros  Easy to machine  Lightweight  High WOW factor  Insulator ConsCons  Weak  Brittle CostCost  48x24x1/16”: $57.18  Steel ProsPros  Very Strong  Tight tolerances  Inexpensive  Reparable  Easy to weld ConsCons  Heavy  Rust prone CostCost  48x24x1/16”: $57.18

7. Final Concept Steel / Acrylic The scoring matrices showed that, according to our criteria based upon the customers needs, a steel shell would be the most advantageous material. Steel is the strongest material that we considered it is also cheaper than aluminum and plastic. Steel can also be very visually appealing.