Introduction: Wearable Assistive Tech Gripper: Doraemon's Hand
This project is done by a group of students from Singapore Polytechnic. We are: Yan Jun Feng, Yeo Ling Zhi Kenny, Chan Keng-Yew Paul,Cheong Kai Xiang, and our supervisor is: Mr. Teo Shin Jen.
The Concept of our prototype:
A wearable assistive technology device to help human with fore-arm disabilities or limited dexterity to pick up objects.
Skill level:
Basic soldering and C++ programming skill.
Things you need:
Ultrasonic sensor SRF05
PIC18F4550
Vacuum pump from aliexpress
Copper stripboard
Copper wire
Rainbow ribbon cable
12v dc relay
NPN transistor(2N2222) for the relay
12v 2800mAH Li-Ion battery
Step 1: Building the Coffee Gripper
Inspired by a DIY how to video we saw on the Internet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVAHatP47lg
on the picking up mechanism, we have DIY the coffee gripper with the vacuum pump bought from aliexpress, hard tubing from local hardware store, balloon, and plastic bottle spout recycled from regular PET bottles. Used Coffee grounds courtesy of a local hotelier. Our version is extended with an ultrasonic sensor SRF05
Step 2: Wiring With the Pic18 Microcontroller
Input of micro controller: Ultrasonic sensor(2 data pins, vcc and gnd)
Output of micro controller: LED bar(8 data pins), vacuum pump(1 data pin)
Port B of micro controller connect to LED bar
Port D of micro controller connect to relay&transistor circuit that is used to switched 12v dc to the vacuum pump
Connection of ultrasonic sensor can be found here http://www.robot-electronics.co.uk/htm/srf05tech.h...
wiring of the vacuum pump requires a standard 12v DC relay + 2N2222 transistor circuit with the base connected to MCU data pin.
Step 3: Ultrasonic Sensor & LED Bar
Construction of the sensor is as follow. Tape down the ultrasonic sensor at the side of the gripper.
The LED bar serves as an indicator to the distance reported by ultrasonic sensor
Step 4: Putting Everything Together
Using the rainbow ribbon cables, connect the MCU to the input and output devices. We have used a relay&transistor circuit to switched between 12v supply to the vacuum pump and 5v MCU data pins.
The electronics sans the coffee gripper&SRF05 are put into a pouch follow by the coffee gripper & SRF05 are assembled into a glove that is fastened with velcro. Airline tubin, VCC and gnd wires, data wires are then secure using heat shrink tubing and secure along the arm to the pouch.
Step 5: How It Works
The SRF05 will detect the distance between the gripper and the surface. Once the coffee gripper is placed upon the object to be picked up and the distance is within the threshold, the vacuum pump will start removing air from the balloon filled with coffee to create a grip surrounding the object.
Releasing of the object follows similar methodology.
Please see attached for source code.
Attachments
Step 6: Demo Video

Participated in the
Tech Contest

Participated in the
Epilog Challenge VI
9 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
I agree with what someone said about using kinetic sand. I think you have just taken a first step to what this device could become! By specializing the electronics, rubber "balloon" and the material inside, you could make it even more effective and quick to use and respond to. It could pick things up then set them down just as quickly as a real hand.
9 years ago on Introduction
Take this and go help some people ! This is great!..... good job. I hope to see something like this avilable to the masses soon...
Why did you use coffee? Could a thicker vessel be used istead of a balloon? What precautions or fail-safes are inplace for torn balloons (coffee makes a big mess)?
Could Kinetic sand be used? http://www.amazon.com/Waba-Fun-Kinetic-Sand-Pounds/dp/B00CO5AQ12 - it may be eassier to clean if something were to burst.
this is great!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Coffee seems to be the most commonly used material for this application.
http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2010/10/25/balloon-filled-ground-coffee-makes-ideal-robotic-gripper-research-shows
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Well first thing first, the reason why we use coffee powder is because thats the first thing we thought of when trying to find something to fill in the balloon. Yes, you can even use a thicker vessels other than the balloon. We in fact want users to choose their own prefered material to make Doreamon's Hand provided it works the same or even better than the materials we used.
9 years ago on Introduction
My classmates once made this for a science fair. It was hilarious when the balloon popped and coffee powder got everywhere.
9 years ago on Introduction
Have you guys tested it to see how much weight it can lift?
9 years ago
Ima go climb up a building
9 years ago
Brilliant!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
thank you!