Get a Grip: Robotic Arm

Challenge:
For this project, my team was split into modelling and computing subteams with the challenge being to design a system that can securely transport a surgical tool to an autoclave for sterilization using a robotic arm. The modelling team was required to build a container that could securely hold a surgical tool while not impeding the sterilization process. I was a part of the computing team where I needed to write Python code that would take input from Electromyography (EMG) sensors placed on someone's arm and use those stimuli to operate the robotic arm.

Solution: 

We began by working through this project with preliminary brainstorming as a whole team, so there was no disconnect between what each subteam was doing. Together with my computing subteam, we fleshed out our plans more using pseudocode and concept workflow charts. Once all of the preparation work had been completed, I began coding. I first designed the program to be run in a simulation software that would allow us to mimic real-world physics and object interactions. This allowed us to fine-tune the robot's movements and efficiently predict real-world performance. From there, it only took slight modification to the input section of the code to make it ready for real-world testing. 

Tools:
Python, Jupyter Notebook