Hexapod

After testing the platform with the universal joints, we decided to revert to using the magnetic joints again as the universal joints had too much play within the joint connections, causing the platform to wobble about even while stationary. The best solution would have been to buy better universal joints but as we are days away from the presentation we can only fall back on the magnetic joints.

The application of the 6-DOF platform we intend to present is using the platform to do a 360-degree microscope inspection of a component on a PCB. Current microscope inspection can only scan from a top-down view, our platform would allow the user to inspect the sides of the component for damage such as broken solder joints. The demonstration shows the high accuracy, precision, and range of motion of the platform in order for it to be able to perform such an inspection.

We also managed to adapt our 6-DOF software and hardware to show a 3-DOF system even though it is very buggy as it is in its early stages of development.

3-DOF proof of concept

6-DOF platform V2 with universal joint rods

Microscope inspection (6-DOF application)

Sleep deprivation claims another victim