05.7 - Conclusions & Future Work
Conclusions
Our project successfully demonstrated how classical mechanism design can be combined with simple electronics to create an engaging, physically interactive game. Through the use of a six-bar slider-crank punching mechanism and a coupled four-bar system with a Reuleaux triangle cam for dodging, we achieved repeatable and expressive robotic motion within a compact tabletop form factor.
Overall, our final system met the original project objectives of reintroducing hands-on mechanical interaction through a modernized version of a nostalgic game. The project highlighted the importance of iterative prototyping, kinematic simulation, and careful fabrication when translating theoretical mechanisms into reliable physical systems.
Tips for Future Project Groups
Groups should focus on ensuring that they perform all calculations available to them before prototyping! Sometimes you may want to jump right into creating a 4-bar or even 6-bar prototype, but checking the grashof condition would tell you whether or not it could actually complete a full rotation, before, you already spent time on the TIW 3D printer waitlist.
They should prototype early and often! Simulations are essential, but you’ll quickly see more issues pop up with tolerancing, alignment, and friction that are not apparent in CAD or kinematic analysis alone. Teams should also plan for assembly and maintenance. Designing subassemblies that can be easily removed or adjusted helps with debugging and iteration, especially when electronics are hidden in tight spaces. One final tip we had to learn the hard way was to ensure you label and organize electronics neatly and early. Make sure you have clear wiring layouts and consistent pin labeling so that you don’t accidentally burn an Arduino.
Lessons Learned
Throughout this project, we gained valuable insight into the challenges of designing and manufacturing linkage-based mechanisms. Small tolerancing errors and misalignment between parts had significant effects on motion quality, particularly in the cam-based dodging mechanism. This reinforced the importance of iterative testing and adapting designs to the limitations of available manufacturing processes.
We also learned that integrating mechanical systems with electronics requires thoughtful constraints on control inputs. Limiting motor speeds and forces through software proved essential to protecting physical components and ensuring consistent behavior. Additionally, designing with assembly and maintenance in mind,such as increasing link thicknesses and improving fastening methods, greatly improved system robustness in later iterations.
Future Work
While the current prototype demonstrates the core mechanical functionality of the Dino Boxing game, future work could focus on expanding the system into a more complete and competitive gameplay experience. One improvement would be the addition of a round-based timing system, allowing matches to occur within defined time limits rather than continuous play.
Another potential enhancement would be implementing punch detection and tracking. This could be achieved through the use of limit switches, force sensors, or encoder-based motion thresholds to count successful punches and determine round outcomes. Integrating these features would allow for scorekeeping, win conditions, and more structured gameplay, bringing the system closer to a fully realized tabletop game.
Additional future work could also explore improved enclosure design, more refined user controllers, and higher-precision manufacturing methods to further enhance durability, repeatability, and user experience.
Acknowledgements
Shoutout Ben!
TIW Staff!