Day 11: (Wed Feb 18, Week 6) Research Study (part 1)

Notes for 2026-02-18.

Assignments

Due Monday: Part B: Means and Methods, second part of Exercise: Research Study (in multiple parts). Please post your result in Exercise 9 Shared Folder. You are welcome to start by duplicating your part A document so the new result is self-contained.

Due Monday: fabricated silicone components for Exercise: 3D Printed Mold Design Workshop. I.e. please get your molds printed and also cast silicone using them. We’ll bond the components with Sil-Poxy and should be able to test them by the end of class.

Administrative

Related talk this Friday: Victoria Webster-Wood, Robots as Models for Biology and Biology and Materials for Robots, Friday, February 20, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, 1403 Tepper School Building.

Vickie Webster-Wood the director of the Biohybrid and Organic Robotics Group (BORG) and has a long-term research goal to develop completely organic, biodegradable, autonomous robots.

I have updated the Mosaic Array 3D Printer submission link for the class: Mosaic Array 3D print submissions. Cody requested we use a faster profile and white PLA.

If you still need fire extinguisher training for laser access, IDeATe has arranged a special session this Friday at 10AM: Friday Feb. 20th, 10am, EHS Conference Room 307, FMS Building 3rd floor.

IDeATe requirements: IDeATe Laser Cutters. Otherwise: IDeATe Open Fabrication Hours.

Agenda

  1. Review project ideas (Exercise 8 Shared Folder).

    • look at each idea

    • collectively brainstorm implementation strategies

    • assess technical requirements

  2. Discuss next stage of the assignment.

  3. Looking ahead: the next exercise will be designing a part to 3D print using flexible TPU.

  4. DC motor pneumatic actuation (DC Motor Pump Guide) vs servo tendon actuation.

  5. Individual consultations on 3D-print mold exercise.