1. 1 Build Your Own Robot Arm Cordoba, 6 September 2008 Moshe Kam and Douglas Gorham IEEE Educational Activities

2. 2 What will we do today? (1) l We will build a robot arm from simple materials l The arm would pick up a plastic cup from a distance of 45cm l Lift the cup to a height of at least 15cm l Bring the cup back to rest and release it

3. 3 You cannot get too close… Cup Student Robot Arm 45cm You cannot get any closer than 45cm to the cup at any time

4. 4 What will we do today? (2) l Lift and release the cup when it is upside down l Lift and release the cup when it is full of candy l Do not spill l Use the same design (possibly with a modified end effector) to lift a pen

5. 5 Why is this experiment useful to teachers and students? l It teaches technological design l It requires mathematical calculations for design l It relates to the studies of motion and force l It requires communication in writing (design) and orally (explaining the design principles)

6. 6 Principles & Standards for School Mathematics l Geometry: l Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems l Analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three- dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships l Problem Solving: l Recognize and apply geometric ideas in areas outside of the mathematics classroom l Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies l Communication: l Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others

7. 7 Outline and Procedures l Divide into teams of two (2) l Review the requirements l Discuss a solution and create a sketch of your design l Build a model of your design with given materials l Test your model

8. 8 Redesign after testing l Discuss and agree upon a redesign l If needed after testing, or l to enhance the previous design l Rebuild your robot arm l Retest your model l Answer reflection questions as a team

9. 9 Reflection Questions l What was one thing you liked about your design? What is its main weakness? l Are there algebraic and physical principles that can be applied to this activity? l What is one thing you would change about your design based on your experience? l How would you modify the instructions to create a better experience for the participants?

10. 10 Design requirements l The arm would pick up a plastic cup from a distance of 45cm l Lift the cup to a height of at least 15cm l Bring the cup back to rest and release it l Lift and release the cup when it is upside down l Lift and release the cup when it is full of candy l Use the same design (possibly with a modified end effector) to lift a pen