I have finally gotten around to doing some robotics experimentation. Below
are the results.
Testbed Bot
This is my basic testbed robot. It's primarily just a prototype of various
designs I plan to use in future robots.
Robot parts. This is the result of a quick shopping trip, where I brought home
bearings, wheels, connector blocks, universal couplers, and a few other things.
Robot base, freshly cut and drilled. The curved part was cut using a circle
guide on a jigsaw. Most parts had been test-mounted at this stage.
Robot base with bearings test mounted.
The underbelly of the robot, nearing completion.
The underbelly of the robot, complete.
A closeup view of the motor assembly.
The robot base, right-side up.
The following are the interesting design features of the robot:
The base is constructed of 1/4" MDF. MDF is used because it is hard,
durable, and free of grain, but can be worked like wood.
Pillow block bearings are used to support the main 1/2" axle.
The wheels are attached to the axle via cotter pins through holes drilled
in the axle.
Universal couplers are used to connect from the shaft of the stepper motors
(which is under 1/4", probably 3/16") to the 1/2" main axle.
Casters are held off the base via 1/4" bolts.
Steppers are 12V things from a local surplus store.
All material on these pages is Copyright (c) Jennifer E. Elaan.
