Simple project: robotic arm or just a wrist+gripper?

Community General Discussions
1

Hi folks,
I need a small help in designing a simple arm that has just to rotate and grip the convector (heater & a/c) knob in my office.

I attach a photo of the knobs. I want to control the Warm/Cool know.

I cannot add a regular thermostat to the convector, so I have to control it remotely with a ā€œrobotic armā€, a thermostat, and a controller. Something like: ā€œturn left for reducing the temperature, turn right for increasing the temperatureā€. I think the main issues are not the robotic components, but the calibration of the wrist and the remote control.

Can you give me an idea of what I really need?

Thanks!

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2

A simpler and cheaper way would be to just have control board or rc receiver and a single servo connected to the knob wheel.
I like this idea very much, and wouldnā€™t be very hard to get it working.

Or does it have to be an arm?

3

I do not need an arm, indeed. Can you give me an idea of which components I really have to buy? Thanks!

4

Iā€™ve connected servo horns to knob faces using velcro so the servo can be easily removed when necessary.

5

Velcro should be a good solution, but in this case I have to put the servo on top of the knob. Iā€™d prefer to put it on the side and use a belt for connecting the knob with the servo. Which component do you suggest?

6

Lynxmotion offer a few belts that will attach to servos.
lynxmotion.com/c-75-accessories.aspx

7

Which controller / rc do you suggest?

8

I think really it just depends on your experience.

You could control the servo manually using an rc transmitter.
Or you could buy a BAP 28 and program the servo to move at certain times. It could come on before you arrive in the office etc.
lynxmotion.com/c-66-bot-board-ii.aspx

9

None because that is way complex. :wink: