Actuators and Mechanisms

For this project, we used multiple components, including; 42STH33-0404AC stepper motor, L293D chip (H-bridge), Arduino UNO, (etc.)

 

The project’s main body was built out of cardboard via the templates provided to us. We translated the paper templates to cardboard and then cut them out. The pieces were then assembled with hot glue. 

 

Here is a video on how the mechanism works:

 We personalized the mechanism by drawing baby Groot at the top, as the mechanism moves up and down, so does Groot. 

Question 1:

For my art installation, I chose Louis – Phillipe Demers and Garry Stewart, Devolution, 2006. In this project, ten human dancers interact with thirty robots. The thirty robots will move in relation to how the dancers move. The robots in the art installation interact with the dancers and move just like humans do. Similarly, the project my partner and I used relates to human arm movements as it performs a back-and-forth motion through a motor. Both projects perform interaction, either with a computer or an acting person, to then output human-like motions. I think the artist chose those specific actuators for their project because they fit the best for what they were trying to accomplish. The actuators in the art installation work well with the entire circuit to complete its tasks. It was most likely the project’s most expensive and energy-efficient actuator, so I think this artist chose these actuators.

Question 2:

For my midterm project, I’m interested in creating a force sensor similar to a pressure plate that would play music for the user when pushed. This device would mostly be used in the gym and would provide the user with motivation when they pick up a weight since the weight would activate the force sensor. I plan to use a force-sensing resistor and mp3 player shield, Arduino Uno, and other basic components for my project. The user would wear the force sensor on their hand (maybe attached to a glove), and when they pick up a dumbbell to exercise, it will push on the sensor, and the sensor would read the force being applied to it and play music as a result.

Sketch: