I am brand new to robotics. I have never built a robot before. I own a private machine shop making our own products. Out of boredom and something to do, I want to build a robot much like Johnny 5 from Short Circuit. Maybe not as big, but fairly big, like at least 3 feet tall.
I want 2 arms, with hands.
Tracks like Johnny 5 for mobility.
I want a waste that can rotate 360 degrees.
A head with 2 eyes.
I want to build this out of mainly aluminum, maybe some titanium, and possibly some stainless steel if required for structural integrity.
Machining the parts is not a problem. My only problem is figuring out what kind of step motors to use, micro-controller, motor controllers etc.
Ok… I think I’m looking for two DC 1/4 HP Gear Motors? One to power the left track and the other for the right track. Is this too big, too small? Does robotshop have anything like this and would they have a micro controller for them?
[FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]Hi =ego=[/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. For reference, Lynxmotion has a production 15” tall version of Johnny 5. This version of Johnny uses two GHM-0212VDC gear motors capable of 123oz-in (8.8.Kg-cm). You will need something roughly double this. Keep in mind, the Lynxmotion brackets are very lightweight and are made from bent sheet metal. [/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]Consider the following components:[/size][/FONT]
][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]3” tank tracks[/size][/FONT]/:m] ][FONT=Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]9-tooth sprockets[/size][/FONT]/:m] ][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]6mm universal hubs (can be drilled out)[/size][/FONT]/:m] ][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]Idler hubs[/size][/FONT][/FONT]/:m][FONT=Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]Use the RobotShop Drive Motor Sizing tool to determine which DC gear motorswould work best. 1/4 hp may be too big or too small for your needs - you will need to check. [/size][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]For the frame, you would need to calculate the required torque at each joint and choose the appropriate motors (use the Robotic Arm Torque tool) . We recommend servo motors as they are easy to control. The Lynxmotion erector set would save you significant machining time, and they have recently come out with a more powerful set, perfect for your application.[/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]You would need the following electronics to control your creation:[/size][/FONT]
][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]Servo motor controller (the the arms, head and hands)[/size][/FONT]/:m] ][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]DC Motor controller (for the tracks and waist)[/size][/FONT]/:m] ][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]Microcontroller (if it does not already come with one of the above)[/size][/FONT]/:m][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3]Since you are new to robotics, take a look through the RobotShop Learning Center “Where to Start” page (custom robot section) section to[/size][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][size=3] get you on the right track. You should also look at the “big picture” before designing sub-sections; try a CAD model first if you have one at your disposal (if not, use Google Sketchup). [/size][/FONT]
*note that all links are to the .ca (please change to .us if you are in America)[/FONT]
