Rapid Fabrication of Non-Assembly Robotic Systems with Embedded Components

In this paper, the application of Rapid Prototyping in fabricating non-assembly robotic systems with inserts is presented. Previous work demonstrated the use of the Rapid Prototype Stereolithography and Selective Laser Sintering techniques to fabricate prototypes of mechanical mobile joints. As examples of their applicability, the joint designs were then used to fabricate complex multi-articulated, multi-link, multi-loop systems in one step, without requiring assembly while maintaining the joint desired mobility. Expanding upon this, current research explores methods of insertion of component parts during the rapid prototype process. The Rapidly Prototyped Mobile Observation Vehicle (RP MOVe), was fabricated to demonstrate this method and is presented here.