Workshop 6: Making our Robots

This final makerspace workshop focused on making our robot or systems 'prototypes' followed by showcasing to the team and asking big questions.

This communication device or ‘messaging’ tool was created where coding was involved and an arrow directed to the options of ‘art’ and ‘maths’. The student showcasing explained how this could be integrated or developed into further communication such as on mobiles or apps, selling its potential to the rest of the group. 

The chattering teeth or ‘Chompy’ was showcased. This design progressed from a potential ‘therapy tool’ to being named ‘a potentially annoying device’. Our designer behind 'Chompy' was 'proud of this guy!' 

One student worked with one of the Greenacre staff and showcased their electrical fan. At the start of the day, we had gone on a search for a fan for our workshop room given the constraints of the room and the lack of ventilation. Our windows were open and a fan was found but students expressed it wasn’t very good and one student took it upon themselves to respond and build their own. They explored the electronic componenets in the Maker Emporium and tinkered with an electric motor and batteries. We discussed what happens if the polarity of the power is reversed and strategies for attaching new elements to the motor shaft. Some problem solving strategies were needed when they encountered problems with their early prototypes. Firstly, the large cardboard fins were causing issues for the limited power of the motor and secondly, the pilar supporting the fan was unstable. The student tinkered with various possibilities to see what would work and was able to overcome these issues. 

After showcasing the protoypes, we responded to the following questions: 

• What do you like about your robot?

• Why should people trust your prototype? 

• Why is it important that we get to make our own robots?

• Can you think of other systems or robots or certain features that you would like to see designed and made to help you? 

• In the future do you see youself as a user, a maker or both?