Enabling Robotic Support for Novice Creators

Abstract

Designing and building a 3D model requires experience with CAD applications, knowledge on the build process and the skill to assemble it. This makes it harder for novice users to create something personalised. The goal of this thesis is to use a robotic arm to assist a novice user during the assembly of an object. The robotic arm holds the next part of the model in the required position, allowing the user to attach it using both hands. The robotic arm functions as a third hand for the user. To facilitate this, a construction kit is designed with which the user can build the model. It consists of plates that can be attached to each other using corner pieces, and bolts and nuts. The construction kit makes it easier to assemble the model and is optimised to be used with a robotic arm. The novice user can design a model with the CAD design tool created for this project. It consists of a simple user interface, with which the user can place the construction kit parts into the tool to create a 3D model. When the user wants to build his model, the tool is used to calculate the position in which the robotic arm should hold each part. These positions are used to control the robotic arm during the build process with the user. The design tool is implemented and tested with two robotic arms: the Arduino Braccio and the Commonplace Robotics Mover6. Both are used to aid a novice user during the build process. The three hand fabrication is achieved, which empowers a novice user to design and build a 3D model.