Introduce
Summarize the importance of robotics education
Robotics education is quickly becoming trendy, and not without reason! It’s not simply about robots; it is about equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the technology-led world of tomorrow.
Robotics seamlessly combines Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) into an engaging experience. Problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity for success in the 21st century. Robotics education nurtures these skills as students face challenges, think of solutions and work together to make their robotic creations a reality. Equipping students with robotics knowledge and skills opens doors to future career paths.
Explain the purpose of the article
The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the importance of robotics education. This article will focus on the design and implementation of a 4-degree-of-freedom robot arm for educational purposes and the benefits it brings.
Introduction to 4 degrees of freedom robots
Definition and explanation of 4 degrees of freedom robot
A 4 DOF (Degrees of Freedom) robot arm, also known as a 4 degrees of freedom robot, is a type of robot capable of moving in 4 independent directions. Most of these robotic arms are controlled by joints attached to servo motors, allowing them to rotate and fold along different axes of rotation. Giving them more flexibility than robots with fewer degrees of freedom.
Common degrees of freedom found in 4-degree-of-freedom robots include:
- Base rotation: Allows the entire robot arm to rotate, expanding its reach.
- Shoulders: Controls the angle between the upper and lower arms, adding height and reach.
- Elbow: Bend the lower part of the arm to bring objects closer or perform more precise operations.
- Wrist: Wrist rotation allows objects to be oriented at different angles, similar to the movement of a human wrist.
The meaning of 4-degree-of-freedom robots in education
4-degree-of-freedom robots are an excellent teaching tool in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. They can help students understand concepts of robotics, mechanics, control, and programming.
Additionally, using robots in the classroom can: Stimulate students’ curiosity and interest in STEM. Develop problem solving, creative thinking and teamwork skills. As well as providing hands-on experience of real-world applications of robotics.
Subject used a 4-degree-of-freedom robot
4-degree-of-freedom robotics is a powerful, exciting, and widely applicable research and educational tool that can be used by a variety of audiences to explore the world of robotics and open up endless possibilities. in the field of modern technology.
The 4-degree-of-freedom robot is suitable for many different audiences, including: the smallest are students to expose them to modern technology. Lon are undergraduates that provide students with hands-on experience with robotic systems. Robotics enthusiasts can use 4-degree-of-freedom robots to build custom robots for entertainment or educational purposes. Finally, there are robot developers: 4-degree-of-freedom robots provide a flexible platform for developing and testing control algorithms and new robotic technologies.
Design of a 4 degree of freedom robot
Overview of structural components of the robot arm
Robots with 4 degrees of freedom are usually composed of the following main components:
- Base: A fixed part, usually attached to a table or rack, that is the fulcrum for the entire arm.
- Column (Link): The parts that connect the joints together, forming the frame of the robot arm.
- Joint: Allows different parts of the arm to rotate or flex, creating movement. Common types of joints include: swivel joints, sliding joints.
- Actuator: Provides force to control the movement of joints. Common types of motors include servo motors, stepper motors and DC motors.
- Controller: Receives control signals and transmits signals to the motors to control the robot’s movements.
- Wrist and gripper (End effector): Is the final part of the robot arm, performing tasks such as picking up, holding or manipulating objects.
Materials used
The materials used to make 4-degree-of-freedom robots depend on factors such as weight, durability, cost and specific requirements of the application. We can name commonly used materials such as metal, plastic, composite.
The choice of suitable materials depends on the intended use of the robot. Robots for educational purposes can use cheap and lightweight plastic, while industrial robots need durable materials such as metal or composites.
Explain applicable mechanical design principles
Designing a 4-degree-of-freedom robot needs to follow some basic principles to ensure operability and efficiency:
- Stability: Robots must be designed with a low center of gravity and sturdy mechanisms to avoid toppling over during operation.
- Accuracy: The drive and control system must be precise so that the robot can move to the desired positions with low deviation.
- Range of motion: It is necessary to consider the wide range of motion and accessibility of the robot depending on the intended use.
- Speed and acceleration: Choose a motor and transmission mechanism that matches the speed and acceleration requirements of the robot.
- Load-bearing capacity: The robot must be strong enough to support and manipulate objects of appropriate weight.
Control system
Overview of the control system of a 4-degree-of-freedom robot
The control system of a 4-degree-of-freedom robot usually includes three main components:
Controller: This is the “brain” of the robot, responsible for processing input data, calculating control commands and sending signals to the transmission parts. The controller can be a simple microprocessor for small robots or a powerful computer for complex industrial robots.
Sensors: Robots use sensors to collect information about their surroundings and their own status.
Actuators: Actuators such as servo motors respond to position and combine special gear reduction boxes such as planetary gear reduction boxes and Harmonic reduction boxes. They receive signals from the controller and convert them into forces that act on the robot’s mechanical structures.
Hardware and software components:
Hardware components include:
- Controller: Usually uses platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi or specialized controllers depending on needs.
- Sensors: Angular encoder, force sensor, camera, acceleration sensor,…
- Actuator: Servo motor, stepper motor, solenoid, mechatronics,…
- Power source: Battery, adapter, power supply system,…
- Control interface: Joystick, keyboard, computer interface,…
The software has the following components:
- Programming languages: C++, Python, Java, LabVIEW, Arduino IDE,…
- Robot control framework: ROS, Robot Operating System (ROS), V-REP, MATLAB,…
- Control algorithm: PID control, reverse motion control, automatic control,…
Robot control programming language
The choice of programming language depends on the hardware platform and specific needs. Some popular languages:
- C++: Powerful, efficient language, requiring high level of programming skills.
- Python: Easy to learn, flexible language, with many robotics libraries.
- Java: Popular language, many powerful robot frameworks.
- Arduino IDE: Simple language, suitable for Arduino controllers.
- LabVIEW: Graphical language, easy to use for beginners.
No matter which language you choose as your programming language, the most important thing is to understand the basic concepts of robot control, inverse kinematics, and control algorithms.
Deployment: Assemble and operate the 4-degree-of-freedom robot
Step-by-step explanation of the assembly process
Prepare components: Prepare robot parts. Usually includes robot frame, motors, sensors, controllers, wires and necessary tools.
Assembling the robot frame: Assemble the frame parts together, ensuring sturdy joints and accurate screw holes.
Connect the motor and sensor: Install the motor to the corresponding joints, connect the motor leads to the controller. Similarly, attach the sensor to the appropriate location and connect the sensor wires.
Software installation: Install the appropriate control software (eg Arduino IDE) onto the controller. Configure parameter settings, engine parameters and sensors.
Check and calibrate: Turn on the robot power, check each joint operates stably, run basic control programs to confirm the robot responds correctly.
Overview of calibration and testing procedures
To ensure 4-degree-of-freedom robots operate accurately and safely, regular calibration and testing procedures are vital. These processes may include the following:
Position Calibration: Ensures joints move to the correct required positions.
Force calibration: Ensure the robot’s impact force is within a safe range.
Speed Test: Check if the robot moves at the desired speed.
Repeatability test: Check whether the robot can move to the same position many times with high precision.
Safety check: Check whether the control system detects and handles errors or unusual incidents.
Common difficulties
Common difficulties encountered in the process of assembling and operating 4-degree-of-freedom robots include:
Incorrect assembly: Incorrect assembly of parts can lead to erroneous operation or damage of the robot.
Complex testing and calibration: The process of calibrating and testing a robot can be time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge.
Complex control programming: Programming robots to perform complex tasks requires good programming skills.
Error and problem handling: Detecting and handling errors or unusual problems of the robot will be very difficult.
To overcome these difficulties, clear instructions, basic technical knowledge, meticulousness and patience are needed. Consult educational resources, online robotics communities, and robotics experts if necessary.
Benefits of 4 degrees of freedom robots in education
Educational goals are achieved using robotic arms
4-degree-of-freedom robots bring many benefits to education, contributing to the comprehensive development of students’ skills. The application of robots in teaching has achieved the following goals:
Develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills: Students must program the robot to move, operate accurately, and perform assigned tasks, thereby training computational thinking, analysis, and ability. Logical reasoning and finding the optimal solution.
Improve STEM knowledge (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math): Students can apply knowledge of mathematics, physics, and programming in practice, building connections between theory and practice, Promote interest in learning STEM subjects.
Stimulate creativity and develop design skills: Students can create exercises, experiment with different control methods, and design simple robot models.
Improve communication and collaboration skills: Robot programming and control activities are often performed in groups, requiring cooperation, task assignment, discussion, presentation, helping students practice skills. communication, presentation and teamwork skills.
User knowledge and skills are acquired when interacting with the robotic arm
After learning and practicing with the robot arm, the user will acquire the following skills:
After a lot of practice, students will learn simple programming skills. In addition, the process of assembling and using robots helps users better understand the operating mechanisms of joints, motors, sensors, and electronic circuits, thereby forming a basic knowledge base about robot.
During the training process, students will learn operating and control skills as well as problem-solving skills to be able to handle errors and incidents when they occur.
Experience and feedback from teachers and students about educational benefits
Teachers find that 4-degree-of-freedom robots are effective teaching support tools, making lessons intuitive and lively, stimulating students’ interest in learning. Activities with robots help diversify teaching methods, enhance hands-on experience, and meet the requirements of educational innovation.
However, teachers also shared some difficulties such as the high cost of investing in robots, and teachers need to be trained in knowledge and skills to operate and program robots.
Conclude
The above article is about the design and implementation of a 4-degree-of-freedom robot arm for educational purposes. The article talks in detail about robot design, assembly process, control system and robot operation in education. as well as the benefits it brings to Vietnamese education, training promising future engineers to contribute and develop the country.
The 4 degrees of freedom robot arm is an effective educational tool that can help students develop STEM skills, logical thinking, problem solving, creativity, communication and collaboration. To maximize the effectiveness of 4-degree-of-freedom robotic arms in education, further improvement or development is needed.
