Week 16: Applications and Implications
What will it do?
Being a soft robot with shape memory wire attached to its simple mechanical structure with four arms, it will bend its limbs whenever the wire is actuated digitally by its circuit.
Who's done what beforehand?
Soft robotics and shape memory wire are two things that have been explored much the past few years. Their applications range from aeronautics to arts and crafts, and there are several examples of what has been done.
What materials and components will be required
Roofmate (blue foam)
Silicone and Hardener
Comping card or MDF
Copper sheet
Electronic components
Solder wire
ABS or PLA
Silver crimp beads
Shape memory wire
3x 3V battery C2032
Tape
Where will they come from?
Most of the components are available at the Lab, unless the silicone and hardener, that I bought at Dinis dos Santos, a portuguese store for chemical industrial products, and the shape memory wire that I ordered from RobotShop. Also the 3V battery that I bought in a chinese vendor store.
How much will they cost?
If we take in consideration the global cost of all of the materials listed above, I would tell you that this project would cost something rounding the 105€, but since I will just use a tiny part of each material, the price would have to be recalculated and it that calculation will be much lower.
What parts and systems will be made?
The body of the soft robot made out of silicone, the simple mechanical structure that will hold the shape memory wire it will be made out of comping card or MDF, the button cell (battery) holder, and last but not least the circuit that will provide the project with all the electronics needed to work.
What processes will be used?
Computer-aided design, electronics design, computer-controlled machining, electronics design, molding and casting, embedded programming and 3D printing.
What tasks need to be completed
Right now and since the final presentations have already ended, my focus will be on solving the circuit that I designed because there was something wrong with it. There is the button cell holder to be printed as well.
What questions need to be answered?
Will the wire work properly and have the necessary pull strength to move the robot arm? What will be the appearance of the silicone illuminated by the RGB LED?
What is the schedule?
May 28th - getting the materials and organizing ideas
May 29th - 2D and 3D designs
May 30th - SMW arduino tests
May 31th - computer-controlled machining and circuit milling
June 1st - components soldering and circuit debugging
June 2nd - more tests
June 3rd - assembling parts and casting silicone
June 4th - final presentation
How will it be evaluated?
Most important of all, the project's concept and finally the proper shape memory wire actuation and the overall aesthetics.
Thank you for watching everyone!