Syringe Robot
(Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
Introduction:
A robot is a machine that can be programmed to perform a task. The word robot comes from the word robota in the Czechoslovakian language which means slave-like work or forced work. Today, robots are primarily used in industry. Typically, robots are used to perform tasks that aredull, dirty, and/or dangerous. Robots increase productioncapability, improve productquality, and lower production costs. It is likely that very soon there will be almost totally unmanned factories. Perhaps just one or two people will program or monitor the computers and carry out routine maintenance to robots and other machines.
The robots used in industry usually consist of a mechanical arm controlled by a computer. The arm is jointed in one or more places and there is a “hand” at the end of the arm. The ‘hand” is called an end effector. Each end effector is designed specifically for a particular job. Among the simplest jobs is “pick and place” where a robot may take something from one place and move it to another. Robots can do many different kinds of tasks but they still need humans to control them and give instructions. A robot is not intelligent by itself and can perform only those tasks for which it is given a set of instructions or program. Computers act as the robot’s brain.
The power for a robotic arm can either be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic. Hydraulics is putting liquids under pressure while pneumatics is putting gases under pressure. The power supply acts like the robot’s heart and muscles. It provides the energy for pushing, pulling, turning and lifting.
There are five types of robot arms commonly used in industry. The cylindrical movement moves in and out, up and down, and swivels round a vertical axis. The jointed arm has a joint at the waist, shoulder and elbow. The polar (or spherical) movement is like the cylindrical movement, but uses a pivoting vertical motion. Scara-type movement is similar to the jointed arm, but has joints in the horizontal rather than the vertical plane. Finally, rectangular movement can go up and down, from side to side and in and out.
In this activity, you will design, build, and program a simple pick and place robot that will solve a materials handling problem.
Engineering Design Challenge:
You are a designer at Acme Robotics, Ltd. Your firm has been asked to design a material-handling system for Winkle Widget, Inc. Winkle Widget, Incorporated makes widgets. During the manufacturing process, widgets need to be moved from one conveyor system to another by hand. Moving the widgets by hand is boring and dangerous. The company has had to pay a lot of medical bills due to injuries caused by moving widgets. Management feels that using a robot to move widgets will free personnel for more important work, reduce accidents, and improve productivity.
Your department head has decided to put together several design teams. Each design team (2 people) will develop and present a proposal for solving Winkel Widget’s material-handling problem. Each proposal will be in the form of a working model robot and a program documenting the steps required to perform the task. The design team that presents the best proposal will receive the contract.
Specifications:
1. The robot base can be no larger than 10” x 10”.
2. The robot should include either hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and/or electrical systems.
3. Point A and Point B must be at least six inches apart and on different planes (levels).
Procedure:
1. Within your design team, decide what your “widget” is going to be. It can be anything that the team desires.
2. Discuss with your team all of the possible ways to “move” your widget.
3. Decide where point A (the place where the widget starts) and point B (the place where the widget will end up) will be in relation to each other. Does the widget have to move horizontally, vertically, both, etc.?
4. Begin sketching robot ideas. These sketches can be quick and simple ways of communicating your plan or design.
5. After selecting and refining your best design, draw it neatly and accurately. Be sure to include enough detail to build the robot as planned.
6. Have your teacher sign-off on your design. ______
7. Construct your robot. It is best to start with the base of your robot and locate points A and B and then build accordingly.
8. After the robot is constructed, fill the syringes with water. The teacher can assist you.
9. Write a program for your robot that will move the object from point A to point B. When the program is completed, test it and make any necessary revisions. Then switch programs and robots with another group and evaluate their program as they evaluate yours.
10. Have your teacher sign-off on your program. ______
11. Prepare a two to four minute class presentation of your proposal. The presentation should include a demonstration of your robot and program along with a description of any hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems. All design team members must participate in the presentation.
Evaluation:
1. The following are required:
- Robot Design Sketches/Drawing20 pts
- Robot Creativity/Originality20 pts
- Robot Workmanship20 pts
- Robot Program20 pts
- Proposal Presentation20 pts
Total = 100 pts
2. In addition, winners of each of the following will receive additional points:
- Most Creative (as voted by class)5 pts
- Best Built (as voted by class)5 pts