Recycled Rubbish Robotic Arm

Reuse and recycle to create a hydraulic robotic arm!

Recycled Rubbish Robotic Arm: Gather Supplies

Recycled Cardboard Box

Various Cardboard Pieces

Wire Ties

Recycled Wire Hanger

Repurposed Plastic Syringes

Repurposed Plastic Tubing

Scissors

Wire Cutters

Used Pencil Pieces

Pieces of used straws

Pieces of used wooden skewers

Recycled AAA Battery

Water

Cut Pieces of Cardboard

Cut two pieces of each cardboard according to the measurements and shapes provided. Additional small pieces will be used for providing extra strength and bracing between either side of the robotic arm.

Assembling the Base

Make a hole in the bottom cardboard box that is used as the base. Insert a recycled AAA battery into the hole in order to allow the robotic arm to swivel. Attach extra cardboard pieces, using a hot glue gun, to provide extra strength and support around the battery. An extension piece of cardboard with a wooden dowel is used to counterbalance the robot arm. An arced opening in the cardboard base is needed to allow the arm to swivel on the base.

Attaching the Robot Arm

Create a hole in both base pieces of the arm as well as making holes in both of the 9in pieces of cardboard. Use a piece of used pencil to attach the robotic arm pieces since it will allow the hydraulic arm to extend and contract. Attach an upside-down 5mL syringe to allow the robotic arm to move up and down.

Attach the Next Segment of the Robotic Arm

Attach both of the 7 in. pieces of carboard to the robotic arm using recycled pieces of a wire hanger. The wire allows the arm to pivot. Attach a 10mL syringe to allow the arm to further extend and contract. Secure the tubing with a wire tie, and secure the syringe placement with hot glue and recycled wooden skewer pieces.

The Grasping Grabber!

Curve two 6 in. pieces of cardboard using wire from a recycled hanger. Secure each side to a center syringe which controls the opening and closing of the grabber. Wooden skewers and hot glue can reinforce holding the syringe in place.

Allowing the Robotic Arm to Pivot

A syringe attached to the base allows the entire robotic arm to pivot on the AAA battery upon which the arm is mounted.

Secure Tubing and Place Syringes for Controls

Use a twisty-tie to secure all tubing once they have been filled with water. Place syringes on one end of the carboard base to operate the robotic arm.

Watch the Action

Video of my robotic arm it action! Watch as I pick up a bottle and place it on a rubik's cube!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e-2PHi3cY4