Building a Robotic See-Saw: Combining Engineering and Fun

Designing robots that replicate human interactions is always an exciting challenge. Recently, I created a robotic see-saw model that mimics the classic playground activity. The project combines mechanical design, motors, a linkage mechanism, and a RoboKi controller to bring two figurines to life, pushing up and down as if they're enjoying a real see-saw ride. Here’s how I approached this project and what went into making it a reality.

1. See-Saw Frame:
2. The see-saw is constructed with a balanced frame to ensure smooth motion. I designed it with durable yet lightweight materials to reduce stress on the motors.
3. Motors:
4. Motors are positioned on each side of the see-saw, driving the linkage mechanism that controls the figurines' up-and-down movement.
5. Linkage Mechanism:
6. A carefully designed linkage mechanism translates rotational motion from the motors into a push-pull action. This mechanism ensures synchronized movement and mimics the natural motion of a see-saw.
7. RoboKi Controller:
8. At the heart of the system is the RoboKi controller, which orchestrates the movements of the motors. The controller is programmed to manage speed, direction, and timing to keep the see-saw moving smoothly and realistically.

Motion Control:

The RoboKi controller operates the motors on each side of the see-saw. It alternates between pushing one figurine up and allowing the other to come down, maintaining the balance and rhythm.

Synchronization:

Using programmed timing, the controller ensures that the figurines' movements are perfectly synchronized. This prevents abrupt stops and jerks, creating a seamless motion.

User Interaction:

While the see-saw is fully automated, you can experiment with the RoboKi controller settings to adjust the speed and frequency of the motion, making the system versatile and fun to observe.

The finished robotic see-saw is not only a functional model but also a fascinating demonstration of mechanical and electronic engineering. Watching the figurines go up and down in perfect harmony is mesmerizing and a testament to the power of simple mechanisms driven by advanced control systems.