"Pneumatics in Robotics" Video for Nuts and Volts Personal Robotics Column, February 2009

I made this video to show the workings of a simple Pneumatically operated Robot gripper I created as part of an article on incorporating air-powered devices into robot projects. This project was feature in Nuts and Volts magazine, Personal Robotics column, February 2009.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Pneumatic
• Robot
• arm
• gripper
• Nuts
• Volts
• Vern
• Graner
• The
• Group
• Austin
• Texas

[timothy51886]

does doing it slower effect it's power capability? in other words, can you make is slow but really powerful?

[VernGraner]

@timothy51886

Having it move more slowly does not diminish the "power" of the cylinder. It simply adjust how quickly it delivers the power. By using those small pin valves, i can control how fast the air is let in or out of the cylinder, but the net result is the same amount of pressure ends up in the cylinder deliver the same amount of power to the end effector.

[Erhaloxx]

I am going to use this for the melvindale robotics thanks man

[VernGraner]

Glad you enjoyed it. Let me know if you have any questions. :)

[profefraguas]

Good video!

If you don't mind I'm going show it to my students in Spain.

[VernGraner]

Feel free to display or embed as you like. I'm glad you find the video useful. :)

[dieylah]

thanks for info. i think i got idea for my project. this make you tube very useful for learning.

[gardogg65]

FANTASTIC video.... It was a very clear idea of what pneumatics can do. I agree, however, that you should have shown the air compressor that is providing the air..

[VernGraner]

@FlyingSquigal Thanks! :)

[VernGraner]

Each technology has it's place. Hydraulics is normally used when you need strength. Pneumatics is sometimes better suited to lower strength but higher speed. In the above demo I was simply showing how pneumatics can be used to operate a gripper. :)

[VernGraner]

The video does show how the arm was made. It shows still images of each component and the shows them in their assembled state. If you like, drop me an email and I'll get you a copy of the accompanying article from Nuts and Volts Magazine. :)

[VernGraner]

The air is provided by a small utility compressor such as those offered for sale at Sears or Harbor Freight. The compressor I used to provide air for that video was a Craftsman 1.5 gal. 150 PSI Air Compressor Sears Item#  00915309000 | Model# 15309. Let me know if you have any other questions. :)