Hydraulic Robot Arm [Allen Jiang]

Hydraulic Robotic Arm

One can control four pairs of syringes to make this arm move in all directions and grab tiny objects. Completely controllable by a single kid over the age of five.

Materials and Principles: A large number of laser-cut wood components and four pairs of syringes make up most of this structure. Each syringe pair is made up of one controller syringe and one working syringe, connected by a long transparent tube containing a limited amount of colored liquid. Each pair will use a different color to tell who is who from another. While the kid controls the controller syringe, the liquid will be transferred to the working syringe and make it longer or shorter, which accordingly moves the specific component that specific working syringe is controlling. The first syringe controls the wheel which the arm is mounted upon. The second pair controls the ascending and descending of the lower arm. The third pair for the moving of the upper arm, and the fourth pair for the opening and closing of the hand, which is ultimately responsible for the grabbing and releasing of the desired object.

Safety and Durability: Extremely naughty kids are subject to two major potential hazards. He (I’m pretty sure that’s a boy) may drink the potentially poisonous colored liquid, or the hand may stab his eyes. Besides, the delicate nature of the arm makes it very vulnerable to squashing and hitting. Whenever the kid fails to grab the object and gets pissed, he may well beat the arm, which will definitely break and can never be repaired.