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Robotic Hand |
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Robotic Hand |
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Can I make a robotic hand that moves with the similar smooth motions and force of a human hand? When the operator moves his or her hand, the robotic hand will perform the same motions.
There has been some work in the field of robotic hands. Robotic hands are made for different causes such as humanoid robots and amputees. This robotic technology could be of great use in dangerous environments such as in outer space, for example helping to construct space stations like the ISS (International Space Station), or for cleaning up radioactive waste and other dangerous substances. Recently a huge underwater pipeline for moving oil and natural gas was built completely by robots being controlled by humans on the surface. The robotic hand could be fitted with sensors so that when the robot touches something, the human operator could feel the object. These robotic hands could be fitted to almost any platform such as a ROV (remotely operated vehicle). There is a lot of potential for this technology.
I chose my project because I wanted to do something cool and I like robotics. However, I am not so good at computer programming so I made a glove that controls the robotic hand. I was trying to see if I could actually make and control the robotic hand. I also wanted to find out if this technology had promise for future uses. I built the robotic hand and the operator's glove using the following materials: plexiglass, 6 Futaba S3004 servos (small electric motors), 14 small hobby hinges, 5/8? hardwood rod, 12 pound test fishing line, plywood, wood, aluminum sheeting, over 100 small screws, 4cm long wood screws, a pair of small size gardening gloves, 6 small sliding potentiometers (small sensors that measure how much a small pin moves in relation to the sensor), a basic stamp (a small computer chip which can be programmed on a computer) and electric wires and connectors.
The Robotic Hand project involved research, designing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer programming and testing.
My robotic hand was very dexterous. However, the operator's glove could be made more precise by improving the way the potentiometers are hooked up to the tips of the operator's fingers.
My project proves that this technology is possible and I think that it should be worked on further. The next time somebody builds a robotic hand they should spend more time and money than me. I think that the glove could more comfortable and effective and I believe that the robotic hand could be improved with machined plastic parts, enabling stronger more precise movements. My project was quite minimal. It was still a very good proof of concept.