SolidWorks Robot Arm Display

This graphic illustrates the various motions planned for the arm display, and the team members responsible for each aspect of the motion:

This project is the brainchild of Mark Biasotti at SolidWorks Corporation.  Some time ago, Mark designed this concept of an animatronic arm.

The goal of the project is to build this arm into an interactive display, which could be shown at the SolidWorks World User Conference.  Users could approach the display and, using some kind of controller, control the robotic arm themselves, perhaps to accomplish a simple task like lifting an object or operating a control.

To realize this goal, several things must be done:

• Detailed design and engineering of the hand and arm
• Selection of technology to control the movement (pneumatics, hydraulics, servos, etc.)
• Design of the display and activities for the user to do with the arm
• Prototype and construction of the arm and controller
• Design and construction of the display

This blog will chronicle the process of building the display.