Mechanical Foundations provides participants with knowledge and hands-on experiences with a variety of tools and hardware components. By understanding the foundational mechanical principles that underpin robotics, participants develop the ability to design, construct, and maintain these systems with increased confidence and efficacy. The course covers topics such as structure, power transmission, motion, and mechanisms using hands-on activities with REV DUO kits. This version of the course features an Arduino-powered control system in place of the REV Control Hub.
Unit 1: Strength, Stability, and Balance with REV DUO
Mechanical Foundations provides participants with knowledge and hands-on experiences with a variety of tools and hardware components. This unit equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to assemble stable robotic structures using tools and hardware in the REV DUO building system.
Unit 2: Transmissions and Mechanical Advantage with REV DUO
An understanding of transmission of motion and mechanical advantage is fundamental to the design, operation, and maintenance of robotic systems. In this unit, participants will assemble several iterations of a motorized fan and observe the impacts on speed and torque.
Drivetrains are comprised of the components that enable a robot to move, including the chassis, motors, wheels, gears, and transmission systems. A drivetrain can take many different forms depending on factors such as the terrain, speed requirements, and payload capacity of the robot. In this unit, participants will build and evaluate several types of drivetrains as preparation to design a custom drivetrain that can climb over obstacles.
This unit introduces the core principles of object manipulation using robotic end effectors. By assembling and refining a servo-powered arm, participants gain practical experience with topics including balance, stability, and the effects of load placement on performance.
