This past week, I primarily worked on the project proposal submission that was due on Sunday and the presentation slides due tomorrow with the team. I will be working on the linear actuation system (movement along the z-axis) and the claw grabbing system of the robot. The feedback we received during our week’s meeting (as mentioned in the team update) did not change my side of the project too much, but I have been continuing to do research on these parts.
Currently, I am planning on using linear slides with a motorized pulley system for the z-axis actuation. I have some concerns about the stability of this system, especially given that we will have to take snapshots at the extended unstable heights. There are many standardized servo-actuated claw systems to use for the claw that we can purchase online, but I also may consider 3D printing one. Most of my research has been on these 2 components while keeping these considerations in mind.
My progress is on schedule but I think my next step is to start writing CAD and to start seriously considering what the design of the grabbing system will look like.