Rotating or Retracting Rod

[samuel.front]

Hi,

I'm looking to build a rod for my robot that can either be (1) retracted about an inch or (2) rotated 90° on command. Either would suit my purpose, but this is my first robot, so I have no idea how to do this. Can anyone provide any advice?

Thanks
Samuel

[Gertlex]

Good advice is contingent upon more details, so a couple of questions:

What size rod are you working with?

In case (1), can the rod rotate while it is being retracted?

[samuel.front]

In diameter—about 1 to 1.5 centimeters, but that's somewhat flexible. In length, perhaps about 6 centimeters long.

I don't mind if it rotates while it's being retracted.

[jwatte]

Buy a linear actuator.

[newInRobotics]

In diameter—about 1 to 1.5 centimeters, but that's somewhat flexible. In length, perhaps about 6 centimeters long.

I don't mind if it rotates while it's being retracted.

You can have screw and nut setup. By having one of the two clamped and rotating the other will give You the desired effect.