Hydraulic Robotic Arm

This fully functional hydraulic arm is an excellent demonstration of a hydraulic power system for both kids and adults. The frame is made from die-cut plywood and uses six syringes and three pieces of rubber tubing to maneuver the claw and arm. A significant amount of assembling and gluing is required (1-2 hours), but the finished product is well worth the effort. This hydraulic robotic arm kit is a great product for anyone interested in STEM fields such as engineering or the manufacturing industry. This robot arm functions on some of the same principles that drive real world machines. Hydraulic robot arms like this one are used for mass manufacturing operations, such as auto assemblies.

STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and aims to remedy the lagging proficiency of US students in comparison to their industrialized global counterparts. While interpretations vary, most agree that STEM is about innovation, learning about the world, technical literacy, and problem solving. Ultimately, STEM is pushing limits, moving forward, and finding better ways to do things. STEM education is simply providing students and teachers with a stronger grasp of science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on learning that draws meaningful connections with real-world applications. HST provides many products that integrate two or more STEM disciplines, thereby helping to improve STEM literacy, inspire an interest in STEM careers, and equip today's students with the skills they need to be competitive and competent tomorrow. The Hydraulic Robot Arm incorporates STEM learning by combining problem solving with a real-world application of technology.

Use three pairs of syringes to control the arm: one pair to open and close the claws, one to raise and lower the arm, and one to rotate the arm 90°. The finished arm is approximately 13.5" tall with a 16" reach and mounted on an 8.5" x 7" base. A 12-page instruction manual with detailed drawings will walk you through the assembly step-by-step. Once assembled, just add water, and you're ready to go! A ruler or tape measure will be helpful, but is not required; glue is included in the kit.

Hydraulic Robotic Arm contents:

• 3 pieces of rubber tubing
• 6 syringes
• Die-cut plywood pieces
• Rubber o-rings
• Rubber bands
• Glue
• Sandpaper
• 66 pieces total
• 12-page instruction manual