How to build a simple robotic arm from Lego Mindstorms NXT?

Today, I will tell you how I built my robotic arm from Lego Mindstorms NXT.

In fact, I wanted to build a robotic tripod for my camera. I found out, that it's more difficult then it looks. After some experimenting I build this simple robotic arm.

I you want to build it too, you need:
- Lego Mindstorms NXT kit
- a computer
- time...?

There are only two rules you have to follow while building ANY robot:
1. rule: KISS (Keep it simple, stupid!);
2. rule: "The triple-F" rule a.k.a. FFF (Form following function!)

Step 1: Constructing the base

The base is probably the simplest part of the robot to build. It's just a platform from the robot to stand on. You have to make sure, that it's long and wide enough. The center of gravity must be somewhere on top of the base, if possible, in the middle. Else wise, the robot will fall.

The base (in our case) are just a few beams that support the robot. More advanced robotic arms have motors in the base. These motors than move the arm, without moving themselves. Usually, the base has a motor that rotates the arm, but my arm rotates itself.

You can be much more creative with the construction of the robot then I was.

Comments

[cerebender]

Did you use an education set to build this? Because this can't be built with a 2.0 set without a ton of modifications or by trying to use some Technic parts. Also, the link you provided is now invalid, so there is no way to follow those instructions. It would help if you put a disclaimer at the beginning of the instructable to let people know this is old and not complete, and what kind of Mindstorms set is needed (or added-on parts) in order to build it. That way, no one will start building this and then realize they can't complete it (like I just did).

[cerebender]

Did you use an education set to build this? Because this can't be built with a 2.0 set without a ton of modifications or by trying to use some Technic parts. Also, the link you provided is now invalid, so there is no way to follow those instructions. It would help if you put a disclaimer at the beginning of the instructable to let people know this is old and not complete, and what kind of Mindstorms set is needed (or added-on parts) in order to build it. That way, no one will start building this and then realize they can't complete it (like I just did).

[klarsen3]

where do you get that little thing that powers it and has the controls on it

[GEORGE41708]

its the mindstorms ntx brick, its the "brain" for the whole robot, it comes with the nxt kit

[FrodoandSam]

I feel like this would probably be more fitting for the NXT Builder's Log, but it is definitely AAAWWWEEESSSOOOMMMEEE!!!

[jwoo2023]

man! I have a NXT 2.0 not a 1.0
ㅠ_ㅠ

[zmxninja]

me 2 :(
u can still do just change programming

[zmxninja]

pretty simple to correct all u have to do is use the weird longshortturnlittlepiecethingymaajigy for claws if u gmd lol u probally wont understand what im sayig. just basically make a few subs for pieces

[jwoo2023]

no its just that the parts used are different, sound sensor, gears, claws...
well not claws because we have the angle thing.

[electro centaur]

There are no detailed instructions

[TheKnerd]

Good job! Although you could change your code to allow the arm to move when you press the touch sensor, instead of having to "tap" it.

[jwoo2023]

he doing taps to make it precise so he doesn't knock the ball off the stand.

[jwoo2023]

Is this a 1.0 or 2.0? becoz i have 2.0

[jwoo2023]

just noticed the sound sensor! its 1.0! T.T

[lowe]

This is very nice, good job

[axeman911]

how did u program the nxt so whenever u tapped the push button the arm moved i can never get that?

[roksraka]

you need a loop. inside the loop, you set two conditions: if the button is pressed, move the arm down (time is not specified); when it is released, the arm stops. if this is too hard for you, what you could do is, to program it so the arm moves some number of degrees every time you press the button... :) hope that helps...

[FuzzyBearGeek]

I was going to buy one with the money I saved to buy one but I decided to save more money to buy one.

[masterchief1257]

was it hard to program

[roksraka]

not really... simple program and no variables etc. :) i like building more than programming...

[masterchief1257]

same here

[butterfly grower]

this is cool!

[the_artificer]

how can you make this thing, theres no instructions on the mods

[roksraka]

it's exactly the same, just flipped around, and I added the support for those large gears (which I think you can figure out how it's done)... but again, i built this two and a half years ago, so I don't know the details... :/

[hakemsaeed]

nice tutorial 

my robot

http://www.instructables.com/id/Nxt-telefreak/

thanks 

[wasimnisar]

Please can anyone send me code for this robotic arm i am working on this from 4 years.on( [e-mail]).plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[phoenixgrace1]

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[roksraka]

 thank you! :)

(now I have to say thank you to everybody 'cuz I reactivated my account after one year...) XD

[roksraka]

 good god! :D i never thought I'd get that many (mostly positive) comments! ˆˆ

[farzaan_123]

wow Cooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool

[the_burrito_master]

I want the lego nxts *sob so bad *cry

[444fox]

It will cost $325 with taxes and shiping

[tanmanknex]

My school has 8 Lego mindstorms kits! We can make stuff for our tech class!

[dombeef]

 What school do you go to?

[mettaurlover]

on the up side, the old mindstorms was MUCH nicer to work with... i know because i've used the old one and have an NXT. they're just a pain to work with because you can't chain the wires to make them longer and the wires are stiff. also, the motors are much larger than the old sets.

[Jimmacle]

If you know what you're doing (like me :P), NXT is very easy to work with. Also, if a website called mindsensors.com sells really cool stuff for RCX and NXT, including more flexible cables.

[mettaurlover]

1)You necro'd this comment
2)Thanks for the link, but my problem was more that the wires were brand new and I didn't know that they were exactly the same size as a large phone cable.

[roksraka]

yes, I have both of them too! We need RIS with NXT programming :D

[mettaurlover]

i only have the NXT, but have used the old kits.

[raykholo]

same here i had the ris in school and i liked so i bought the nxt they re both good in their own way