Mobile Controlled 3D Printed Robotic Arm with Structural Analysis

What is it about?

Robotics has experienced exponential growth due to developments in multiple domains. Technological innovation such as robotics assisted with artificial intelligence has taken industry to its fourth revolution. Robotic systems integrated/ assisted with internet of things are making systems smarter and performance wise more effective, leading to increased productivity. The aim of the project described in the paper is to use this as a boon and take a step-forward towards advancement. The objective of this project is to design and create a pick and place mobile robot with 5 degrees of freedom. The robotic arm is 3D printed with ecofriendly and biocompatible PLA (Polylactic Acid) material. The robot is controlled by a microcontroller which receives input signals from a mobile application, demonstrating the effective use of wireless connectivity.

Featured Image

Photo by Eyosias G on Unsplash

Photo by Eyosias G on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Robots and mobile manipulators are the backbones of industrial automation required to build smart factories. Introduction of cutting-edge technology into robotics, such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Big Data has led the expansion of robotics into various applications domains with capabilities of sensing, monitoring and analyzing the acquired data. Integration of Robot, IoT and AI will make centralized remote monitoring and operation feasible. Use of wireless connectivity technologies extends the utilization of robots in production, exploration and assistance in both industrial and service areas. Remote control of robots via a controller unit opens the possibility of deploying robots to tasks that require human sensations, which had been considered difficult in the past. This paper presents two aspects: systematic approach of design and development of a robotic arm with 5 degrees of freedom (DOFs), made entirely of PLA material using 3D printing technology, and controlled through Wi-Fi. The control of the robot is achieved by using Arduino UNO microcontroller, which is interfaced with, 1) Wi-Fi module for android control, 2) motor driver for movement of the car and 3) servo motors for movement of the arm. The paper also discusses the performance of PLA material-based 3D printed robotic arm and investigates its potential applications in various fields.

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