Steerable Mechanical Walker: Gonk Walker
Background
The steerable mechanical walker is a project led by Professor McCarthy with the intent of challenging engineers to build a robot that can walk and move using simplistic legs. Back in the summer of 2020, a student from SUSTech took the challenge and worked with Professor McCarthy. For winter 2023, we will use the documents and files provided to create a better version of the previous design. Adjustments to the previous model will be made in order to develop a more stable and independent robot. After our work is done, the next team of engineers will be able to dissect and further refine the robot that we have developed.
Goals and Objectives
Our goal is to design a four-legged mechanical walker that can move autonomously while using two motors. The walker should also be capable of turning autonomously. Beginning the quarter, we brainstormed and addressed our sponsor's requirements during weeks 1 and 2. We dissected previous designs and began developing our own design by week 3. By week 4, we began to work on a Solidworks model for our robot and performed motion analysis. By week 5, we ordered parts and are preparing to physically build "Prototype A". Prototype A is to be completed by the end of week 6. "Prototype B", an improved version where the flaws have been mitigated on the existing walker along with the final design/decorations, is to be completed by the end of week 10. Weeks 7 and 8 will focus on testing and iteration. By weeks 9 and 10, the robot is expected to be fully functional.
Our ultimate goal is to have a walker that can compete against and surpass the autonomous robots from MAE 106 during finals week.
Uniqueness and Innovation
The leg mechanism from previous designs will be redesigned to be lined up, centered, and condensed. This will cause the main body to be stable and will reduce the power necessary for the robot to move. The robot will adopt a unique personality and will function independently, making it seem living.
Motion Analysis of Digital Prototype
Team Contacts
Connor Linklater: clinklat@uci.edu
Jonathan Chavez: chavezro@uci.edu
Qiyuan Lu: qiyual1@uci.edu
Tom Nguyen: datln@uci.edu
Sponsor/Advisor
Professor John McCarthy: jmmccart@uci.edu
Jiaji Li - jiajil5@uci.edu
