Automotive Education & Innovation Hub: DIY Project- 02

 

DIY Project 02: Simple Robotic Arm

Project Objective:

This project will guide you through creating a basic robotic arm. It will provide a foundation in electronic circuit design, microcontroller programming, and servo motor control.

Materials:

• Arduino Uno microcontroller
• Servo motors (3 or more)
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires
• Battery or power supply
• Robotic arm structure (can be 3D printed or constructed using wood or other materials)

Procedure:

1. Connect Servo Motors:

   • Connect the servo motors to the Arduino Uno using appropriate pins. Refer to the servo motor's datasheet for specific pin connections.

2. Assemble Robotic Arm Structure:

   • Build the robotic arm structure using your chosen materials. Ensure the servo motors are securely attached to the structure.

3. Write Arduino Code:

• Use the Arduino IDE to write code that controls the servo motors. Here's a basic example

#include <Servo.h>

Servo servo1;

Servo servo2;

Servo servo3;

void setup() {

  servo1.attach(9); // Replace with your servo motor pin numbers

  servo2.attach(10);

  servo3.attach(11);

}

void loop() {

  servo1.write(90); // Move servo 1 to 90 degrees

  delay(1000);

  servo1.write(0); // Move servo 1 to 0 degrees

  delay(1000);

  // Add code to control other servo motors as needed

}

1. Upload Code:

   • Upload the code to the Arduino Uno using the Arduino IDE.

2. Test Robotic Arm:

   • Connect the power supply and observe the robotic arm's movements. You can adjust the servo motor positions in the code to control the arm's movements.

Additional Features:

• Add more servo motors: To increase the complexity and functionality of your robotic arm.
• Implement sensors: Use sensors like ultrasonic or infrared sensors to enable the robotic arm to interact with its environment.
• Create a user interface: Design a user interface (e.g., a mobile app or remote control) to control the robotic arm.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding of servo motor control
• Experience with electronic circuit design and prototyping
• Programming skills using Arduino
• Knowledge of mechanical structures and mechanisms

Safety Precautions:

• Handle servo motors carefully, as they can have strong forces.
• Avoid connecting the power supply while the Arduino is not connected to ensure safety.

By completing this project, you will gain valuable experience in robotics and learn about the fundamentals of electronic control systems.