Exploring Hexbug Mechanics: Creating Mini Models to Understand Motion

2. Project Overview • Introduction & Product Analysis • Drawing & communication • Sensing abilities in robots • Programming Robots • Mechanisms and Systems • Designing new products & Packaging • Presentation and Rendering • Biomimicry • Concept Modelling • Concept presentations

3. LESSON 05

4. LESSON 5 STARTER Learning objective: Examine and test HEXBUG’s to identify and communicate how they work mechanically. Create small models which imitate and replicate Hexbug parts. LEARNING ABOUT MECHANISMS & SYSTEMS Movement can be different?Hexbugs need to move around, otherwise they would be pretty boring toys. But did you realise that they produce different forms of motion that relate to different applications and conversions of movement, from the same tiny motor? Look at these HEXBUG’s, can you explain how their legs work?

5. Motion Moving RobotsThere are lots of different types of movement. When engineers talk about movement they use the term motion. Motion can talk different forms, depending on what is being created.Task 1:What are the different motions? Can you describe these before you see the definition? ROTARY is turning round in a circle, such as a wheel turning LINEAR is moving in a straight line, such as on a paper trimmer. OSCILLATING is swinging from side to side, like a pendulum in a clock. RECIPROCATING is moving backwards and forwards in a straight line, as in cutting with a saw. New words: rotary, linear, oscillating, reciprocating.

6. Motion Moving RobotsEach Hexbug uses one or more different types of motion to create an insect like creature. When this is linked to the sensing capabilities, it creates a realistic product. Watch the video and think… is it: ROTARY LINEAR OSCILLATING RECIPROCATING

7. Motion Draw and Annotate MotionYou are now going to analyse a Hexbug to identify what types of motion it uses to get around.Task 2: Draw your Hexbug on a sheet, in a 2D view (looking a the side of the bug only). Task 3: Once you have drawn these in detail, your task is to use a large bright pen to label the direction of motion you can see. When you have done this, right next to each the name (s) of the motion you can see. New words: annotate, motion

8. Motion Task 4 Make a moving 2D Hexbug model.In pairs, your task is to use split pins to create moving 2D Hexbug legs. To do this well, you need to be accurate, and use your drawing as a plan.Features that make a Hexbug 2D model move:- neat holes (use a hole punch)- accurate pars well cut out- if parts are meant to be the same, they are- split pins are fitted slightly looseWhen you finish, test your Hexbug model, fixany issues, before adding colour. You will use split pins to create the “pivot points” New words: split pin

9. LESSON 5 PLENARY As a class, let us consider the following questions?A. What different types of motion are there?B. What do all types of motion rely on?C. What type of motion might a flying insect need?D. Why do we make 2D models to test simple ideas?

10. Summary Learning objective: Examine and test HEXBUG’s to identify and communicate how they work mechanically. Create small models which imitate and replicate Hexbug parts. • Today you have: • Examined and tested HEXBUG’s to identify and communicate how they work mechanically • Created a small model which imitate and replicate how HEXBUG’s move • Learnt new key words about Hexbugs and motion