First Semester Exam: Building a Bionic Arm
- 1. Bionic Arm Design Process First Semester Examination Panayotis Manganaris
- 2. Creating a Bionic Arm ● Objective: Create a bionic arm which will succeed in two, or more, out of four utility tests – Discover the different components of robotic arms ● Budget – $26,000
- 3. Choosing materials Motors: Electric actuators are inexpensive but inefficient ● Pneumatic actuators are light, but provide limited torque ● Miniature rocket motors provide heavy torque, but are very expensive – Strength and the capacity to lift a weight is a limiting factor in daily activity. Cost $15,000
- 4. Choosing materials End Effectors: A few different grippers were available as hands ● Electric hands are inexpensive but have limited dexterity. ● Bionic hands are life-like but limited in power. – The lack of dexterity in other hands would be a persistent issue in daily activity. Cost $10,000 ● Miniature rocket motor hand is very strong, but limited in dexterity.
- 5. Choosing materials Body/skin: There were various materials suited to forming and protecting the electric arm. ● Plastic is cost-effective but lacks durability. – Lightweight plastic suits the arm. Fits in the budget: $1000 ● Titanium is highly durable but expensive ● Carbon fiber is light-weight but could fatigue through constant usage.
- 7. Envelope Test ● Envelop Test failed due to short actuator, limited range
- 10. Brick Wall Test Success