Material, Torque, and Structural Study of a Foldable Robotic Arm for Aerial Drones
Kyler C. Bingham, Christopher Zakrevski, Taher Deemyad · 2024
Abstract The paper discusses the integration of foldable robotic arms into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly focusing on their application in precision agriculture for fruit picking. The design process, from conceptualization to 3D modeling, ensures the arm’s functionality while minimizing interference with the drone’s flight dynamics. Material selection, emphasizing the balance between strength and weight, favors Onyx, a nylon blend reinforced with carbon fiber, and the honeycomb infill pattern for its exceptional mechanical properties. Torque analysis confirms the arm’s manageable impact on UAV stability. The research underscores the potential of foldable robotic arms to enhance UAV capabilities in various tasks, offering insights into their broader applicability beyond agriculture. It contributes to UAV design and robotics by addressing challenges in integrating functional accessories, emphasizing the importance of material selection and structural design in optimizing UAV performance.