What is the practical function of the design? (What must my robot do ?)
Main factors to consider:
Movement How will the robot move within its environment? If it were put in a different environment, would it still be able to move within this new space?
Manipulation How will the robot move or manipulate other objects within its environment ? Can a single robot move or manipulate more than one kind of object ?
Energy How is the robot powered ? Can it have more than one energy source ?
Intelligence How does the robot "think ?" What does it mean to say that a robot "thinks ?"
Sensing How will my robot "know" or figure out what's in its environment ? How will the robot react in a new environment ?
2.
What kind of role plays (shape, surface texture, colour, etc.) in the creative design value chain ?
What does the robot look like ? Is there a reason for it to look as it does ?
Shape and advanced materials are important to "Robotics's Aesthetic".
3 What materials are suitable for the design ?
The properties of a material will determine its suitability for a design.
However, there are many different types of materials that can be and are used in the construction of robots.
Strength, hardness, toughness, density, durability and the aesthetic qualities determined by colour, surface texture, pattern, etc.
The materials cost and availability are also important factors.
4. What construction methods are appropriate to the design ?
Construction techniques fall into the categories of:
3D printing , Laser Cutting and others. Assembly and fabrication process - the assembly of the parts using screws, bolts, glues, solder, etc Moulding - by the application of a force on the material Casting - using a mould to form the shape of a solidifying material
A particular material can only be worked in a limited number of ways. The method of construction therefore will be determined by the chosen material, the availability of manufacturing facilities, the skills of the work force and the production costs.
5. What are the likely social and environmental effects of the design ?
The manufacture, use and disposal of any product will have both beneficial and detrimental effects upon people, wildlife and the environment.
The designer team therefore, has an enormous responsibility to consider very carefully the potential effects of any new design.
This will include: health and safety factors, noise, smell, pollution, etc.
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