Thames & Kosmos Mechanical Engineering: Robotic Arms

• Thames & Kosmos Mechanical Engineering: Robotic Arms
• Build six mechanical models of the types of arms, grabber claws, and legs found on robotic machines
• Explore mechanical engineering principles
• Pump up the air reservoir with the hand pump
• Make a compact grabber claw

The Thames & Kosmos Mechanical Engineering: Robotic Arms uses a pneumatic system which uses air pressure to activate the models. Pump up the air reservoir with the hand pump, then flick the switch to operate the model: A pneumatic piston enables the grabber claws to open and close rapidly and to grip objects with enough force to lift them. The piston can also move the arms and legs on models back and forth, demonstrating how robotic limbs move.

Construct a pivoting robotic laboratory arm with gripper claw. Assemble an extra-long grabber claw to pick up things that are just out of reach. Build a vertical three-fingered claw that can lift a cup up off the table keeping it level. Experiment with models of robotic exoskeleton arms and legs. Make a compact grabber claw that you can slip into your shirt sleeve to pretend you have a robotic hand.