VEX IQ - ClawBot Scoop

We all like to program robots that can collect different objects, solving different problems. Imagine the possibilities for your VEX IQ Clawbot if you could design, make and 3D print your own components to compliment the ones already available in the VEX IQ Kits.

In this project you will learn how to use Tinkercad to create a scoop of your own for your VEX IQ Clawbot. You will follow instructions on building specific components of a scoop, shown how to 3D print them and then will be set off on your own to continue building out the required modules.

In this lesson you will learn how to build a scoop for your VEX IQ Clawbot.

You will need to add your scoop to the VEX IQ Clawbot so it can provide different functions to the VEX IQ Clawbot, but feel free to be as creative as you wish once you understand how to build in Tinkercad.

We will begin by searching for a pre prepared TinkerCAD model of your VEX IQ ClawBot Kit. This will allow you to take measurements from the model and ensure your scoop fits correctly. You will also be able to visualise how your scoop will fit and make changes to suit.

Instructions

1. Continue to the next step.

Step 1: Inspect Your ClawBot

Using the Workplane tool will help you to measure distances accurately and allow you to work in the correct orientation of the model.

Instructions

1. Click on the Workplane tool and then select the end of the component at the rear of the robot.
2. Continue to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect Your ClawBot

Using the workplane tool will help you to measure distances accurately and allow you to work in the correct orientation of the model.

Instructions

1. Edit your grid from 0.5mm to 0.1mm to make it easier to manoeuver the ruler.
2. Click and highlight the rear component that you want to take a measurement from.
3. Change the view in the top left of your screen so that it is showing the right-hand side of the robot.
4. Now click on the ruler and carefully select the inside edge of back component and make a note of the dimension in green, In our case it measures 31.85mm. This will need multiplying by 2 to get the measurement for width of the scoop. (31.85 x 2 = 63.70mm)
5. Continue to the next step.

Step 3: Plan Your Build

Before you begin, take a moment to look at and identify the shapes in the model.

This will help you mentally create a plan of how the model should be created. The scoop is built from a range simple shapes, including a Cube, Cylinder, and Half Round Roof.

Instructions

1. Continue to the next step.

Step 4: Create the Main Body of the Scoop 1

We will start by creating the main scoop compartment as it is the base component to which everything else will attach.

Instructions

1. Place a Cylinder on the Workplane and size it to be 20mm in diameter and 63.70mm tall. Once you have done this rotate the shape 90° so it appears on your workplane like that in the screenshot above. This is the start of the scoop, where all other components will attach.
2. Continue to the next step.

Step 5: Create the Main Body of the Scoop 2

Now we will build the back of the scoop that will add depth to the excavator.

Instructions

1. Place a Box on the Workplane and size it to be 63.70mm in length, 11mm in depth and 20mm tall.
2. Continue to the next step.

Step 6: Create the Main Body of the Scoop 3

Now we will build the back of the scoop that will add depth to the excavator.

Instructions

1. Highlight both the Cube and the Cylinder and then align the Cube with to the back of the Cylinder
2. With the shapes still highlighted, align them in the centre along their length.
3. Continue to the next step.

Step 7: Create the Main Body of the Scoop 4

Now we will build the back of the scoop that will add depth to the excavator.

Instructions

1. Select the Cube and click and drag it up above the Workplane by 10mm
2. Select both shapes and group them together. Here we have the complete main body of the scoop.
3. Continue to the next step.

Step 8: Create the Side Panels of the Scoop 1

Now we will build the back of the scoop that will add depth to the excavator.

Instructions

1. Place a Round Roof shape onto the Workplane and size it to 11mm in length, 6mm in height and 1mm in depth. Rotate the side panel so that is as shown in the screen shot.
2. Duplicate the side panel, now you have one for each side of the scoop. This is where we will attach the scoop to the VEX IQ Clawbot.
3. Continue to the next step.

Step 9: Create the Side Panels of the Scoop 2

Place the sides of the excavator in the correct place to create an area to attach the part to your Clawbot.

Instructions

1. Select one side part at a time, drag the component above the work plane by 30mm. Then use the align tool to place the component into the correct place. Select both parts and group them together.
2. Duplicate step 1 to get both side parts attached to the model correctly.
3. Continue to the next step.

Step 10: Creating the Scoop’s Cavity 1

Create a hole in your excavator.

Instructions

1. Drag a rectangle onto your Workplane. Resize the shape to 61.70mm in length and any width/height.
2. Move the shape off the Workplane and above your excavator.
3. Continue to the next step.

Step 11: Creating the Scoop’s Cavity 2

Create a hole in your excavator.

Instructions

1. Pull down the rectangle over the top of your excavator. Make sure it is approximately 1mm away from the back of the shape. You can adjust your snap grid to 0.1mm to help place the shape in the correct place.
2. Free drag the height and width of the rectangle so you cover approx. half of the shape.
3. Change the rectangle from ‘shape’ to ‘hole’ – this will cut the shape out of your excavator.
4. Group the shape together.
5. Continue to the next step.

Step 12: Creating the Scoop’s Cavity 3

Create a hole in your excavator.

Instructions

1. Drag a cylinder onto your Workplane. Resize the shape to 61.70x18x18mm.
2. Move the shape off the Workplane and onto the bottom half of your excavator. Make sure you leave 1mm from the edge of the shape.
3. Change the rectangle from ‘shape’ to ‘hole’ – this will cut the shape out of your excavator.
4. Group the shapes together.
5. Continue to the next step.

Step 13: Creating the Scoop’s Forks 1

Create the forks at the front of your digger arm.

Instructions

1. Drag a rectangle onto the your Workplane.
2. Resize the shape to 18x7.5x20mm. Place it next to the side of your bucket. Use the ’snap grid’ to place it accurately.
3. Raise the shape above the Workplane by 7mm to ensure you only remove part of the material.
4. Continue to the next step.

Step 14: Creating the Scoop’s Forks 2

Create the forks at the front of your digger arm.

Instructions

1. Drag a rectangle onto the your Workplane.
2. Resize the shape to 18x7.5x20mm. Place it next to the side of your bucket. Use the ’snap grid’ to place it accurately.
3. Raise the shape above the Workplane by 7mm to ensure you only remove part of the material.
4. Copy and paste your shape 4 times and spread them evenly across the front of your bucket.
5. Continue to the next step.

Step 15: Creating the Holes to Locate Scoop With VEX IQ Clawbot

Create the forks at the front of your digger arm.

Instructions

1. Drag a cylinder shape onto your Workplane. Rotate the shape clockwise 90 degrees. Resize the shape to 3x3x75mm shape. It should look like a long thin tube.
2. Lift the shape with the black arrow off the Workplane by 30mm.
3. Using your arrow keys move the cylinder into the centre of the side panels.
4. Select both panels and group them together.
5. This is your completed scoop. Well Done.
6. Continue to the next step.

Step 16: Attach the Scoop to the Clawbot

Prepare your scoop to join it to your Clawbot.

Instructions

1. Drag your scoop into a place close to the pre-built Clawbot.
2. Rotate the scoop to the desired angle. For this example, I have rotated my scoop by 45 degrees.
3. Continue to the next step.

Step 17: Attach the Scoop to the Clawbot

Prepare your scoop to join it to your Clawbot.

Instructions

1. Select your scoop and the part of the Clawbot you wish to join the component too.
2. Select the align tool on the top right of your screen.
3. Align the components using the centre button across the width and height of the model as shown above.
4. Use your arrow keys to move and place the component into the correct place on your model. Change the ‘edit grid’ to smaller increments for a more accurate movement.
5. Once in the correct place, select both components and ‘lock’ them together so that they cannot be edited or moved out of position. Well done you have successfully attached your scoop.
6. Continue to the next step.

Step 18: 3D Printing Your Scoop

3D printing your scoop.

Instructions

1. Unlock your scoop and component.
2. Select the scoop and then click export over on the right-hand side on the screen.
3. Select the correct file type for 3D printing – usually .STL and click on it.
4. This will download the file. You can now upload your file onto the 3D printing software of your choice and begin 3D printing parts for your Clawbot.
5. Congratulations on completing this VEX robotics lesson.