Design, implementation and analysis of 3D printed grasshopper robot for jumping mechanism

This scientific paper consists of the analysis of the grasshopper jumping mechanism through literature studies, manufacturing, analysis and experimentation to enhance the knowledge to the manufacturing and analyzing of the artificially developed grasshopper-like robots. The first step involved the understanding of the actual grasshopper mechanisms which was carried out by the dissection of actual grasshopper bodies to analyze the hind leg movements, actuating muscles and structured sizes of the involved organs. The next step involved the development structural of the prototype consisted of design of the grasshopper jumping robot and the durability of the structure was checked at the critical locations. The results indicated that the strains produced in the tibia (immediately before and immediately after the jump) and femur of the designed structure was 2.5.10-5, 3.2.10-5 and 634.10-5 respectively. Whereas, the maximum allowable strain of the material during elastic deformation is 660.10-5, so the design of the structure could satisfy the strength requirements. The structural strength of the tibia and femur with the vertical printing were also in line with the stress requirements. Fabrication and jumping test was carried out which indicated 5 times higher jumps for the designed and fabricated grasshopper like jumping robot. This result is very helpful in robotic industry for the smooth movements of the robots for carrying out the intended function on rough terrains. © 2016 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.