In EGD306 Product Innovation and Rapid Prototyping module, i was tasekd to apply computer-aided design tools for the design and development of components and products.
Project Details
Design an innovative robot with build volume of 150 x 150 x 80 using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printer. After much research and planning, i decided to design a boxing robot.
Final Product
Design Inspiration
Upon hearing to design a robot, the first thing that came to my mind was the movie, Real Steel. It is one of few action robot movies that fascinates me. In the movie, my favourite Real Steel robot is "Atom" due to his never-die spirit in the boxing tournament.
Hence,I chose Atom to be my robot inspiration as I believe that there is still room for improvements on its aesthetics. Also, I believed that it will be a great idea if I fused both Atom and human boxer’s aesthetics together since Real Steel involves both man and machines working as one. I call my modified robot “OTIS THE ALPHA ANNIHILATOR”.
Design Description
Inspired by Real Steel Atom and men’s physique, OTIS THE ALPHA ANNIHILATOR is a boxing robot designed to remove barriers between man and machine. To exhibit robot uniqueness, the overall design of OTIS is blended with men and robot features. I have design tattoos on chest and legs to give a rough look.
Equipment and Tools Used
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
Otis is being produced through FDM due to its water soluble support which eases the post processing of the product.
NX10
I have used this CADCAM software to draft and aid my printing.
Product Features
Head, Torso, Arms and Legs
Each component is interconnected and able to rotate with the help of ball joints. As for the arms, the upper part and lower part are connected thru pin joints.
Single Product Build
The advancement of 3D printing enables OTIS to be built in a single build that cannot be done by conventional methods, meaning no assembly is required to finish end product.
Interactive fist movement for playing factor to users
The arms and fist were designed as an entertainment factor to the user. The outer and inner components are left with a tolerance of 0.5mm to enable movements when the user is pulling with the handle.
Long foot base for stability when standing
Due to the long foot base, OTIS is stable and well balanced. Hence, it is unable to collapse.
Internal fabrication design to accommodate post-processing
The design is done in a way which eases the process of flushing supports (post process) away from the product to reduce downtime. Otis is dipped in the washing bay for 4 days.
Reflection
It was a fruitful 14 weeks for me as I had to plan the whole process carefully to meet the deadlines and finding available time slots in school to do prototype prints so that the full build would be printed correctly. Among all the process, I spent most of my time on the design process. I made countless changes and correcting dimensions after mistakes were found in prototypes. Also, the ball joints design did not work effectively between torso and legs as the robot did not manage to stand firmly. I found out that using ratchet mechanism would be effective to this solution as it can lock the structure when force is not applied and this definitely helps when the robot is standing.
Going thru all this allows me to learn most of the CADCAM functions and how design and printing orientation affects the product. I am glad to choose my specialisation in Precision Tooling and Component Manufacturing and this aspires me to be a design engineer in the future.
“You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support.” ~ Sabrina Bryan
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