Model 9: Claw machine

Im going to get you!

Grade

7 - 10

Time required

3 double hours

Difficulty level

Model: hard, Programming: hard

Model type

mobile device, can be positioned individually and used flexibly

Download didactic material

MODEL DESCRIPTION / TASK

The pupils (SuS) plan and realize an automatic gripper that moves two axes via a hand gesture control and picks up a metal object with a magnet attached to it. After the playing time has elapsed, the object must be transported to the starting position.

The playing time can be changed to differentiate the game.

EVERYDAY RELEVANCE

The automatic triggering of a process has a strong motivational effect on pupils. Understanding the physical quantity “movement” is quick and comprehensible for everyone. The topic could be integrated into pre-vocational orientation with regard to information technology professions. Automated switching through the detection of physical variables is used in many areas here. The detection of movements in particular is becoming increasingly important in many areas of information technology (e.g. gesture control).

Key questions:

Where can an automatic gripper be used in everyday life? (Communication)
What functions does the system need to fulfill? (Collaboration)
Under what conditions should the system enable play? (critical thinking)
What needs to be considered so that the system can be used in different locations and is as robust as possible? (creativity)

Subject reference

Computer sience

Basics of programming, time loops

Technology

Stable contruction, construction technology, component arrangement

Physics

Force, movement

Lesson progression

Information and notes

Methodical and didactic tips

Differentiation options

Faster pupils can be given the task of extending or shortening the playing time.

Motivational aspects

Pupils are familiar with grab machines from various locations in everyday life. Perhaps they have already operated such a gripper machine. Being on the “production side” instead of the “operator side” may fill them with pride.

Additional material

If available, pictures of free machines can be presented for the introduction to the topic.
If necessary, drawing media (paper, whiteboard or projection screen).

Building instructions

Circuit diagram

Functions of the model and their technical solutions

Functions of the Sensors/Actuators

Technical solution

Recording gestures

Evaluating the signals on the gesture sensor

Light output

Illumination of the red LED

Material list

Sensors

Function

1 RGB gesture sensor

Gesture recognition right/left and forwards/backwards

2 buttons

Limit switches x- and y-axis

2 pulse buttons

Rotation counter per axis (x/y) in 90° steps

Actuators