Bionic Arm Design Process

First Semester ExaminationPanayotis Manganaris

Creating a Bionic Arm

● Objective: Create a bionic arm which will succeed in two, or more, out of four utility tests

– Discover the different components of robotic arms

● Budget– $26,000

Choosing materialsMotors:

Electric actuators are inexpensive but inefficient

● Pneumatic actuators are light, but provide limited torque

● Miniature rocket motors provide heavy torque, but are very expensive

– Strength and the capacity to lift a weight is a limiting factor in daily activity. Cost $15,000

Choosing materialsEnd Effectors:

A few different grippers were available as hands

● Electric hands are inexpensive but have limited dexterity.

● Bionic hands are life-like but limited in power.

– The lack of dexterity in other hands would be a persistent issue in daily activity. Cost $10,000

● Miniature rocket motor hand is very strong, but limited in dexterity.

Choosing materialsBody/skin:

There were various materials suited to forming and protecting the electric arm.

● Plastic is cost-effective but lacks durability.

– Lightweight plastic suits the arm. Fits in the budget: $1000

● Titanium is highly durable but expensive

● Carbon fiber is light-weight but could fatigue through constant usage.

Bionic Arm Final

Envelope Test

● Envelop Test failed due to short actuator, limited range

Dexterity Test

Success

Weight Test

Success

Brick Wall Test

Success

Test Results Overview