Rapidly Manufacturable Robot

Abstract

Using robots in academic settings provides great research and learning opportunities for both students and faculty. However, available robots generally fall into one of two categories; small robots that have low versatility (reducing their usefulness) or large, expensive robots that are not financially practical. A previous design tried to bridge this cost-benefit gap by using available manufacturing methods and relatively inexpensive materials, which greatly reduced the cost. However, mechanical problems, specifically with the robot’s drive train, needed to be improved, as did the dynamics of the robot. This project addressed these concerns, and designed and built a robot that is an improvement over the current model. This new robot design is still easily manufacturable, and maintains its low cost with improved versatility. This new robot design will allow for improved student research and classroom learning at the University of Michigan and elsewhere in the field of robotics.