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How to make a cardboard robotic arm

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Abstract

The first step to humanoid robots and to understand their complexity is to make a simple cardboard robotics arm. This reflects the complexity of human arm and how it operates in a sense of robotics.
This activity can be developed individually by learners or as a pair activity (2 learners) that shall be focused on the positive use of recycling materials that can be found at home.

A simple cardboard robotic arm (Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/tigersouvannakoumane/make-your-own-robotic-hand-with-this-geeky-diy?utm_term=.qtKJeXgQ5)

Learning Outcomes

The learners will learn how to use daily materials to make a robotic arm.

Skills and competences

The learners can develop following skills and competences:

  • Handicraft, mechanics
  • Problem solving
  • Motivation
  • Do-it-yourself (DIY)
  • Analysation and Initiation
  • Creativity
  • Planning and organising

Knowledge

The following knowledge can be gathered by the learners:

  • How to be creative
  • How to work with hands
  • How to understand simple simulation and mechanics

Other Instructions

  • Cut out cardboard pieces for arm, back support, and hand support.
                 
  • Use a ruler and fold the joints in the cardboard hand.
               
  • Cut the straws into 3 different pieces: 20 small pieces (approx. 1,5cm) 4 longer pieces (approx. 4cm) 4 spring pieces (approx. 4cm)
                                           
  • Hot glue the straws: Small ones for giner joints, longer ones for arm and spring ones for thumb. Note: First spring star goes through the arm.
           
  • Cut the hand support as shown.
                 
  • Fold it and glue it to the rest of the arm.
             
  • Use the other spring straw pieces as shown on the picture and glue them to guide the string for the thumb.
             
  • Put the strings inside the corresponding straws for each cardboard finger. Tie the string on top of the cardboard finger and into the other end a loop over your finger.
 
  • Apply it for all fingers.
                           
  • Last step is to glue the back support strips with each other and the rack initially to the back of the cardboard arm. This supports the arm for not folding and breaking.

URL

RESOURCES

Author

Martin Maidla
Martin Maidla

Language

English

Main Topics

Arts, Science

Keywords

diy robotics simulation