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Feb 19, 2025

Robotic Arm Challenge – Engineering Lesson | NASA JPL Education

Lesson . Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities

Lesson .

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

In this challenge, students will use a model robotic arm to move items from one location to another. They will engage in the engineering design process to design, build and operate the arm.

Setup

NASA uses robotic arms to accomplish tasks that are potentially too dangerous, too difficult or simply impossible for astronauts to do. The robotic arm on the International Space Station can capture approaching cargo ships for docking or be used to assist astronauts on spacewalks. The Mars rovers Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity were each designed with robotic arms that would help scientists on Earth conduct scientific experiments on Mars. While all of these arms look different, they are similar in that each robotic arm was designed to help it accomplish a given task.

Students should discuss among themselves in small groups, and be prepared to share with the class as a whole, some of the following questions:

Effectiveness of the student design can be assessed by observing whether students are able to accomplish the objective of moving objects from one container to the other. Benchmarks of a certain number of objects moved in a set period of time -- say, 30 or 60 seconds -- may be set by the instructor. This activity may also be used in a competitive environment to see which team can transfer the most objects most efficiently in a set period of time.

Challenge students to follow the links under "Explore More" to create more sophisticated end effectors for their robotic arms.

Lesson Last Updated: Oct. 11, 2024