Hackaday · Creativity & design

Robot Creates Daisy Chains

A student project has developed a robot named Daisy that can create literal chains of daisies, demonstrating how mechanical constraints can replace complex sensing.

The robot utilizes two X-Y gantries with grippers that face each other, with daisies fed on a conveyor belt between them. A blade and a threading post are also part of the setup.

One gripper picks up a daisy, feeds its stem through a hole in the previously added daisy, and then positions it under a scalpel. The scalpel makes a small incision in the stem.

A threading post then guides the new stem, preparing it for the next daisy. The gantries alternate roles to build the chain link by link.

The reliability of the system is significantly influenced by the shape and diameter of the daisy stems. V-shaped profiles in the grippers help center stems of varying sizes, ensuring consistent operations.

A sheath around the scalpel blade also aids in constraining and supporting the stems during the piercing and slicing process. Adjusting these components was crucial for the system's functionality.

This mechanical design approach transforms the uncertain task of handling varied daisy sizes into a predictable process, a concept applicable to various automated systems.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.