Robotic Arm

Often there are concepts that are difficult for students to imagine and comprehend as their implementation involves high technology and expertise dependence. Thus, using basic models to capture the essence and basics of the concept helps students visualize and understand them. This also breaks the block of approaching new concepts with fear and makes students comfortable to building models on their own.

This activity was conducted to engage the students in the process of building and operating a robotic arm made by using basic, reusable resources. A basic design was used for the model for explaining the concept.

Resource needed (For a group of 3-4):

Cardboard sheet (1-2, depending on size)

Scissors: 1

Glue Gun: 1

Straw: 1-2

Thread (preferably thicker) / wool

Time required:

45 minutes

Instruction for students:

Step 1-

Cut 5 cut-outs from your cardboard sheet.

1. A hand (as shown). Make sure to cut between the fingers as well.

2. Two large rectangles (of any size, a little bigger than the arm) (let’s say, length l and breadth b)

3. Two smaller rectangles (length around l/3 and breadth b)

Step 2-

Draw the 3 sections in the fingers of the hand (as shown in the figure) and fold the cardboard on each of these lines.

Step 3-

Cut the straw(s) into 18 (approx) small pieces (such that they fit in each section of the finger

Your input materials are now ready. Next, we’ll put them together to form the model.

Step 4-

Stick the pieces of straws on each section of the fingers and palm as shown.

Step 5-

Lay down one big rectangular piece and stick the two small rectangular pieces on it by length. In the space left after sticking these pieces, stick the arm. Cover this arrangement by sticking the other big rectangular piece on top. You now have the hand ready.

Step 6-

Cut 4 pieces of thread/wool and pierce them through the straw pieces on the fingers as shown. Stick the top end of it to the top edge of the fingers.

Step 7-

Tie small knots at the end of the threads, making a hole just enough to fit your fingers.

Your robotic arm is now ready!

Put your four fingers through he thread/wool holes and close and open them to see the arm moving and working. Try lifting a plastic bottle (preferably light-weighted) with the robotic arm.

Instruction for teachers:

Distribution

The activity requires an accurate distribution of resources. It is also an activity best performed in a team. Thus, it would be better to do this activity in groups of 3-4 so that they can also manage their resources better.

Resources like scissors and glue/glue guns can be shared across various groups.

Instruction

The instruction process of this activity is complicated and involves numerous steps. Thus, after each step, you need to ensure that the kids have understood the instructions. You can do this by asking them to repeat the instructions. Go to each group individually to see whether they are facing problem in any step. The final step gets a little messy, make sure the students do it in a structured setting to avoid creating a mess in the classroom.

Explanation

This activity arises many questions like:

• Why 4 fingers in the robotic arm when we actually have 5?

• Where and how can this technology be used?

• How is this done on a larger scale?

Probe the students to think and come up with answers to some of these questions. This will give an insight into the cognitive development of the child and out-of-box thinking limits.

So go, get building!