The "bionic tripod" manipulator arm was originally developed by FESTO in 2009. This is one of many novel actuator designs originated by FESTO. The bionic tripod is simple enough that a prototype can be constructed by first-year engineering students. The goal of this project is to build a manipulator and learn to control it, such that the arm is capable grasping an object and moving it to a different location.
Prototype from 2011, built by Howard CC students
Documentation of FESTO design iterations are found here:
As of spring 2014, students are actively working on the design phase of this project. Significant progress was made in prior years (see below for old documentation).
