Robot Design (12057.1)

This unit will focus on basic concepts of the mechanical design of robots. This includes the fundamental concepts related to the design of shafts, non-permanent joints and permanent joints. Introduction to the use of mechanical springs, rolling-contact bearings, and couplings in the design of robots will also be provided. Development of robotic systems consisting of gears, belts, pulleys, and chain drives will be discussed. During the later half of this unit the use of gyroscopes and cams in the development of robot designs will be introduced. Lastly, the balancing of rotating and reciprocating masses in the context of robots will be detailed. A final discussion aims to provide a clear understanding of how combining all these design elements leads to the completion of a robot mechanism.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Understand foundational technical knowledge, concepts, and mechanisms related to robot design including shafts, non-permanents joints and permanent joints, gyroscopes, and cams;
2. Apply broad technical and theoretical knowledge of gears, belts, pulleys, and chain drives to design and build a functional robot system;
3. Apply creative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to complete lab-based robotic design activities; and
4. Communicate and report on technical and mechanical aspects of robot design in both individual and collaborative group contexts.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

10087 Engineering Mathematics AND
12056 Foundations of Robotics

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.