Vision-Based Robotic Arm (ViBRA)

ViBRA

In household settings, seniors and people with disabilities may face challenges with everyday tasks that most people take for granted, such as lifting and moving objects or performing various activities of daily living. To help with these tasks, a robotic arm such as the Vision-Based Robotic Arm (ViBRA) can aid in improving their quality of life. The ViBRA is a research-based project that will be equipped with a camera and is capable of recognizing hand motions, allowing the user to control the arm without having to manipulate buttons or controls physically. The ViBRA will use vision-based input to detect and interpret the user's hand motions, which will then be relayed to the device for control. This is designed to perform mimicking functions that can later be developed to potentially move light objects around. ViBRA will be equipped with a rechargeable battery that can provide up to 4-5 hours of use on a single charge. 

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The ViBRA robotic arm is designed to have movement and control, which is achieved through a series of DC motors. The fingers and thumb of the robotic arm are each controlled by individual motors that allow for the mimicking functions. In addition to that, there is one motor dedicated to controlling the wrist of the arm, which enables twisting and turning motions. To provide up and down motion and left and right motion, the ViBRA arm typically uses two more motors responsible for controlling the movement of the entire arm (from the elbow joint). By working together, these motors provide the ViBRA arm with a wide range of movements.

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In the future, the ViBRA can be placed on a moveable base that can increase the range of potential applications. It can also be enhanced to be able to pick objects up and move them around. One potential future application can be a lab environment to help handle dangerous materials. The sky is the limit for the user when working with ViBRA.