Context Automaton

It is the year 3022 and robots

have taken over. You need one
on your side and you will need
to build one yourself.

Outcomes
Describe the motions and usage
of cams and followers.
Identify 5 simple machines and
their uses.
Practice 3D modeling and 3D
printing.
Challenge Troubleshoot 3D printed parts
and simple machines.

You will create a simple autom-

aton that uses a cam and
follower to explore simple
machines. You will 3D model
and print a fully functional
machine.

Materials
3D Printer
Filament (ABS)
Sandpaper
Dowels
Supplies as needed

Resources
https://www.britanni-
ca.com/technology/simple-ma-
chine

https://www.britanni-
ca.com/technology/automaton

https://www.you-
tube.com/watch?v=HsX-
WewecMLE&ab_channel=Con-
cerningReality Design Brief
Automaton

STEM PROJECT RUBRIC Student Name:__________________

Student arrived
Student arrived 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
late to class, was
on �me to class,
not prepared to
was prepared to
work, and did
work, and used /10
not use �me
�me wisely.
wisely.

4 3 2 1
Student
cooperated well
with classmates, Student
gave feedback cooperated with Student expected Student did not
Coopera�on and help to classmates and others to do their do any work with
others in need, gave/accepted work. others.
or accepted help feedback.
and feedback
from others.
Student showed
ini�a�ve to
troubleshoot Student Student did not
parts that were troubleshooted troubleshoot Student did not
Troubleshoo�ng
not working, parts that were parts, but rather work on project.
and/or helped not working. ignored them.
others
troubleshoot.
Student is able
to operate the Student is able to Student is able to Student is not
3D Prin�ng 3D printer and operate the 3D operate the able to operate
troubleshoot printer. printer with help. the 3D printer.
prints.
Student Student
successfully successfully Student is able to Student is not
3D Modeling modeled all modeled most create a sketch in able to operate
parts of their parts of their fusion360. fusion360.
automaton. automaton.
Student supplied Student supplied Student supplied Student did not
exceptional well-formed adequate supply adequate
Research
responses to the responses to the responses to the responses to the
Assignment
background background background background
ques�ons. ques�ons. ques�ons. ques�ons.
Total Score /16

Evaluation
Automaton

1. What is an automaton?
2. What is a cam?
3. What is a cam follower?
4. Draw 3 types of cams and describe their movement.
5. Name 5 simple machines and their func�ons.
6. Describe how an automaton works, using your knowledge of
simple machines.
7. Draw a rough sketch of your automaton and describe its intended
mo�on.
8. Draw an orthographic sketch of your automaton.
9. Follow the linked tutorials to introduce yourself to fusion prior to
modeling your design.

Research Assignment
Automaton
I would begin by introducing some automaton videos on the internet
and bringing in a cool model. They sell really intricate automatons online that
you can build from a kit. I would then give the students the research assign-
ment and have them complete it - this would give them a background into the
subject and get them interested in the project.
The research assignment contains a few questions on drawing cams, fol-
lowers, and sketches of the intended automaton. This would allow them to
put their ideas on paper first, before being overwhelmed in an online model-
ing environment. I would link them the same fusion tutorials that Ken linked
us (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/about/outreach/resources/-
fusion_tutorials/) as they are super helpful for learning basic shapes and extru-
sion capabilities.
Once the sketch was done on paper, and the tutorials had been followed,
the students could then model them in fusion360. The students must model,
then check all measurements, slice, and begin a 3D test print.
Some troubleshooting:
-resizing parts that do not fit together (tolerance)
-print lifting from bed
-print looking like spaghetti
-not joining shapes in fusion
-using incorrect raft/brim
-setting print temperature to correct setting
After print is completed, parts may need to be sanded/modified, or
remodeled in fusion360.
I would allow modifications to this project if needed; e.g., allowing stu-
dents to use the laser printer if 3D printing/modeling is mastered, allowing
students to physically measure and recreate a pre-made model, allowing stu-
dents to build a piece-kit from an online retailer once modeling was complete,
or allowing students to futher challenge themselves by adding an electrical
component.

Design/Troubleshooting
Automaton
1. What did you find to be the most challenging part(s) of this assign-
ment? Were you able to overcome the challenge(s)?
2. What could you do to challenge yourself further?
3. Describe how your automaton works (or should work, if it doesn’t).
4. What was the most exciting part of this assignment? Would you create
an automaton again?
5. Describe how you could add an electrical component to make your
model a true automaton.
6. Describe your perfect robot.

Reflection Assignment