Introduction: A Simple Robotic Arm Controlled Over Actual Hand Movement

By brainergiser

This is a very simple one DOF robotic arm for beginners . The arm is Arduino controlled. It is connected with a sensor which is attached on operator's hand. Therefore the operator can control the arm's elbow by bending his own elbow movement.At the end you can watch complete step by step video instruction.

Step 1: Block Diagram/Scematic

To make the electronics part you need:

1>Arduino UNO board

2> Micro SErvo Motor

3> 10 K POT

4> 1uf , 16V capacitor.

The Servo pin connected to port-9 and the POT is connect at Port-A0 of the Arduino board.

Step 2: Build the Sensor

We used two ice-cream sticks and one half PVC tube to make the sensor part for our arm. One stick was attached between pot and the PVC tube using hot glue. Other stick was attached with POT only.

The half PVC tube was attached with the arm like a clamp. The POT was at the elbow and other side of the sensor stick need to have a free movement so attached with forearm using a rubber band.

Step 3: Build the Arm

We used PVC tube and Electrical wire casing to make one degree of freedom (DOF) robot arm.For elbow joint we used one servo motor. The servo was connected to the Arduino board at Pin-9.

Step 4: Arduino Code

It very easy. It reads the analog value of Port-A0 where the POT is connected and based on that value its generates a value from a map array. That its send to the pwm port-9. Basically it is the example file in Arduino IDE. Go to file->example- Servo->knob.You just adjust the value of map() function.

Step 5: Final Assembly and Test

Connect the servo and pot wires to the Arduino as per schematic. Load the sketch. Power up the Arduino UNO using external 6V power supply.Fine tune the map function. Now enjoy playing with this robot.

Step 6: Step by Step Video Tutorial.

Check this YouTube video. You can understand better about its performance. Its easy to make. So build your own arm and enjoy.

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