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A Robotic Arm

In this activity  children are challenged to design and make a robotic arm to grab things from a distance. The challenge is based on robotic arms on the International Space Station used to move heavy equipment or perform delicate tasks. Children will:

  • discover relationships between the length of a robotic arm and the level of difficulty to grab objects
  •  investigate importance of hinges in arm function
  •  collaborate with each other in designing an arm
  •  test various materials for grippers end effectors 
  • compare and modify designs based on how well they meet performance criteria and constraints

This resource has been provided by NASA and is part of the MIssion X: Train like an Astronaut programme.

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