Examples of Urban Furniture Based on Arm-Z System

Abstract

Arm-Z is a conceptual hyperredundant robotic manipulator composed on linearly joined number of identical modules. Each of them has one-degree-of-freedom (1-DOF) – the relative twist. Since modules are congruent, Arm-Z presents potential economical advantages and enhanced robustness. The modules can be mass produced and easily replaceable. The control of Arm-Z, however, is difficult and not intuitive. Therefore it most often requires the use of computational intelligence techniques. This article presents selected concepts for kinetic street furniture based on Arm-Z: a helical column of adjustable height, a sun tracking shade or solar energy harvesting device, bio-mimicing sculpture, sprinkler or fountain. All these ideas are based on low-tech approach. For this purpose, the initial unit in the chain is fixed to the solid foundation. For simplicity, the drive is applied directly to the first unit and transferred by the means of internal gears to the following modules. All of them are equipped with a set of cylindrical and bevel gears with straight teeth with involute profile (for connecting the modules).