Just throwing it out there. I am new here and new to robotics. I really have no experience what so ever in this area of expertise. I am however working on a prop. I am building an all aluminum War-Machine armour. Fully loaded with lights sound and servo motors. This will be a full scale wearable armour and will boast a full range of motion. Trouble I am havin is identifing parts that I would need. I am waiting on a few books that I have ordered on the subject but I thought that I would turn to you the masters. I really am looking for guidance to understand the reference names for parts. I am mechanically inclined and I have studied metal shaping and forming also studied metal casting…
Just a final thanks for your time and patience…GMurdoch
I geuss it depends on how interactive you want the electronics to be, want to control it from inside the suit or just static behaviour. Just remember aluminium is great conductor, so remember to make sure there are no shorts when placing the circuitboards and the likes, and the stress in a moving suit. How good is your understanding of ohm’s law?
Was watching this one the other day:
youtu.be/D8-w2qufSvs
You might want to start with a microcontroller kit - you’ll be exposed to buttons, LEDs, potentiometers, servos, microphones and more.
Ex: robotshop.com/en/ardublock-s … RB-Dfr-193 (plus some spare servos, a battery pack etc).
This will give you the confidence and experience to have programmed motions.
If this is interesting to you, we can suggest some kits and additional products.
This is great stuff guys, thank-you both. I was actually thinking about the parts in regards to mechanical movement rather than electronic. I do have 3 books on arduino, the cookbook and all that.
i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y396/gamurdoch/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-08/Screenshot_2015-08-28-17-21-45-1-1-1_zpshmd7by2p.png
The 3 pieces that look like shocks is an example of what I’m referring to…GM
Not entirely sure where that image goes on the armor. If you start including real actuators, they have the potential to impede your movement - you can always try though:
robotshop.com/en/firgelli-actuators.html
The more you can figure out about your setup (in terms of general design and appearance), the more we can help you determine what tech to use.
That’s great advice and thanks…GM
This is the full pic.
i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y396/gamurdoch/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-08/Screenshot_2015-08-28-17-21-45-1_zpsjfznv8eb.png
I plan to do a mockup using cards to call coated wit fiberglass resin
i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y396/gamurdoch/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-08/Screenshot_2015-08-28-17-21-45-1-1_zpstxgfgrsa.png
This is the image in full.
I have joined a few forums in relation to this area of expertise. Either folks don’t relate or they are just uninterested in the project, with exception to this forum. No one has really chimed in. I am currently learning as I go, as I have no experience with this. You mentioned limited mobility, that isounds a nono for this build lol. I am researching kenitic movement, robotics, animatronics and mechatronics. Functions of the armor will be triggered through the armor itself by me. Through sensors in the helmet and in specific movement of the armor. I have ordered some books, 2 of which won’t help in the area of mechanics itself but knowledge never hurts in any case. Looking for good reference material in relation to mechatronics itself. I will do a cardstock mockup coated in resin (for rigidity) I will start on the torso first then the arms and work my way down the line. Saving the helmet for last…George
That was a great video. Stan Winston is the man who brought Ironman to life. I am a huge fan of his work. I see they went with an M-134 gatling gun for the left arm nice work. Thank you for sharing that Brutus…George
That’s crazy cool! I would have to agree with Coleman - start small, with maybe a micro controller, to get a sense of how things communicate and move. This is a HUGE project and mistakes you make later on will be expensive - in time and money. Starting smaller on some key components will give you a better understanding of how things may come together and pave the way for your success on the project/build.
Cheers!
Nick.
Thanks Nick, I actually have an ad arduino that I have played with from a starters kit I had bought. I have read the starters kit manual, arduino for dummies and the arduino cookbook vol2. Right now I am reading ROBOTICS: Everything you need to know about robotics from beginner to expert, by Peter McKinnon. I have made a mockup ab’s that move with me. I have "in my head mockups of the hands that have full mobility and on paper boots that when I step into them they close and lock with a solenoid mechanism. I have no renderings, as this will be on the fly as it were. What I do know is the original War-Machine armor was badass and my redesign will emulate and even expand on that…George
Hey George - awesome!
Sounds you’re approaching this quite sensibly. Can’t wait to see some progress shots/vids! 
Best of luck with the build!
Nick.
Lol sensibility, oh that’s not me. Truth be told, I am constantly making mistakes. Buying the wrong tools ect. But I gave myself no time limit and I only wish to make one. That is why I went with the idea of an exoskeletal frame, then I can attach plates. In the future I can change damaged plates or even upgrade my armor. Plenty of mistakes ahead, don’t worry lmao…George
Haha… George… you may have noticed I include videos (below) of my ROVer project… it’s fraught with mistakes. I don’t think I got anything right the first go-around. It’s part of the process… just enjoy the journey! 
I’ve just stopped expecting anything to go right, it’s then a really great surprise when something works!
Nick.