Society of Robots - Robot Forum
Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: High Hopes on March 01, 2011, 04:01:30 PM
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Hello, new to the forumns here!
I am a computer programmer and I write mostly in Basic and C.
I've been lurking here for awhile now and have read many many interesting things. Of particular interest to myself are the threads about humanoid android robots.
I plan to begin my own project. (waits for the laughter to finish).
Instead of explaining how much of a noob I am I am just going to ask a few questions.
#1. Is there a general parts list somewhere that might help me get started? (Think about Aiko and what she is made of) Where do most people begin with this type of endeavor?
#2. What are my best options for human-like skin? I notice many prefer silicone. What kinds of companies custom fabricate these "meat-suits"? Is there a guide or something that explains how one would make this on their own (DIY)? How is it done exactly?
#3. In the beginning stages of this type of project what are some general guidelines to follow as far as planning out the dimensions and size of the finished product? Can I take my own body's dimensions and scale everything around that???
Now, I fully understand that any reply I get is going to contain a lecture on how I'm biting off way more than I can chew. I realize this. We all need to start somewhere though and this is where I have chosen to start.
Thank you in advance for any and all advice.
High Hopes
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1. If your goal is to actually build something you will be infinitely better off starting small and simple and working from there. Divide your project into smaller sub projects, such as a finger then a hand, then an arm, then a head or leg joint and it will be more satisfying and less expensive. Plus the trial and error you go through making one joint work can be applied as your joints get bigger, more powerful and expensive. Since humans are symmetric you can also apply your successful designs to the other side of the body.
2. skin is kind of jumping the gun but castable silicone or urethane like that used for masks would be easiest to use. I have a friend who uses it in art and it looks straight forward.
3. Unless you have very deep pockets, you would be better off designing from the inside out not the outside in. In other words, start with stock items for joints such as servos, gear motors and brackets and design out from there, as opposed to starting with the finished exterior dimensions and then trying to fit everything inside.
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Good morning nickc and thank you for your reply!
This is exactly the type of response I was looking for (bottom line, no b.s.). Thank you. I will take your advice.
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hello since you are very good in programming did you programme a dancing humanoid biped robot before??? :) :)
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if you have super extra $_$ ,then buy a humanoid robot kit, such as:
http://robosavvy.com/store/product_info.php/products_id/554 (http://robosavvy.com/store/product_info.php/products_id/554)
http://www.robotshop.com/robophilo-humanoid-robot-kit.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=jos (http://www.robotshop.com/robophilo-humanoid-robot-kit.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=jos)
http://www.robotshop.com/kondo-khr-2hv-humanoid-robot.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=jos (http://www.robotshop.com/kondo-khr-2hv-humanoid-robot.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=jos)
and there are many more.... Even if you don't have that much, or you want to do something yourself, just have a look at them to give you an idea of the things you might need.
I would advise starting off with the mechanical design. For example lets start off with legs. Decide on the dimensions of your robot, like what hight would be, what number of degrees of freedom would you like them to be, and then think about how would you place servos to get that. decide on link dimensions between the servos, and then you can move on to the torque requirements of each servo.
so for starters , grab a paper and a pen, and let your imagination run wild. ;)