This robot finger is as easy
as cutting and taping. If you make 5 of these fingers and tape them, you can
make a hand. It's less messy to make than the advanced robot hand project.This robot finger is as easy
as cutting and taping. If you make 5 of these fingers and tape them, you can
make a hand. It's less messy to make than the advanced robot hand project.
I first thought about a working models of a fingers and hands when I became literally unable to lift a finger. I was paralyzed below my shoulders. I recovered over a period of about three years, but I never took my fingers for granted anymore.
I learned that fingers get their amazing strength from strings (called tendons) connected to big, powerful muscles in our forearms. If those big muscles were actually in our hands, we'd never be a able to type, play a musical instrument requiring more dexterity than a kazoo, or tie our shoelaces.
The project really comes alive with excitement when you combine it with activities that allow you to actually see and feel the tendons going through your wrist, going to your own fingers.
If this project seems like too much work, take a look at a very simple version my friend David Willamson has invented.
INSTRUCTIONS
For illustrated instruction on making
a robot finger click here or on the picture. |
MORE ABOUT HANDS AND FINGERS
For explanations, activities and cool links related to hands
and fingers click here or on the picture. |
Back to the science toymaker home page. |