Hydraulic Robotic Arm

Build a working, moving hydraulic arm - powered by water!

Robotic articulated arms are widely used in factories all over the world. This is your opportunity to see how levers work and are applied in a cool machine.

Pathfinders robotic arm uses a first and third class lever, and has a fun linkage for the grabber. It can grip, lift items horizontally, and can turn very close to 90 degrees! A great first project to gain experience using levers and hydraulics.

Precisely cut and ready to assemble with timber slot construction. Easy to make in about an hour or two (no need to rush!) This quality 66-piece kit includes die-cut plywood parts, tubing, three syringes, glue and a 12-page manual.Designed to be used alone (with a nice syringe holder), or in a group - each person using one syringe. It makes a wonderful team building activity. Give yourself some challenges once the build is complete.

An engaging way to learn about robotics, levers and simple machines, fluid dynamics, engineering, invention, and design and technology - or just to move things around the house (small things, mind you - no dogs or cats, thanks!)

Age: 8 +

What you get

Hydraulic Robotic Arm by Pathfinders. Pieces made from natural untreated wood from sustainable forests. The arm stretches 49 cm out, swings 18 cm around, and stands 37 cm high. No batteries required!

How does it work?

This model uses a battery of independent hydraulic circuits to provide absolute control over the arm pincers - grip, lift, twist, lower and release.

Lifting materials horizontally is important in some places, where an item has to stay level, so with a parallel linkage the gripper stays horizontal.

Usually robotic arms grab and move things from one place to another, so this moves about 90 degrees, (along with the up and down movement).

Integrate the arm into other construction sets while learning the basics of hydraulics and robotics.