Inspired by videos on YouTube, I decided to make a functional model of a spherical parallel actuator. The 3-axes are controlled by small SG90 servomotors, which should be locally available. The top stage has 3mm diameter holes placed radially outwards in 12 directions spaced 12mm apart, so that other "gadgets" can potentially be mounted.

Attached Arduino demo code will get the Manipulator up and running. It will demonstrate what kind of motions the Manipulator can make. It is only a demo so it will need some upgrade in order to meet specific needs.

I considered designing the Manipulator with bearings for smoother motion, but I preferred designing something with minimal purchased parts, with the hope that it will be accessible to a wider audience. I kept the locations of the screws to a minimum (only key locations such as the motor mount and the connection between the Links), and introduced using the 1.75mm Filament as a "locking Pin" to prevent things from falling apart.

To Print:

• Base
• Drive Gear : 3ea
• Gear Level 1
• Gear Level 2
• Gear Level 3
• 90deg Link : 3ea
• Link Level 1
• Link Level 2
• Link Level 3
• Motor Bracket : 6ea
• Link Pin : 3ea
• Stack Pin
• Stage Pin : 3ea
• Top Stage
• Washer : 6ea

Items to Purchase:

• SG90 Servo-motor, or equivalent : 3ea
• Servo-horns for servo-motor : 3ea
• M2 Screw (12mm or 15mm) : 3ea
• M2 Nut : 3ea : 12ea
• M3 Screw (12mm or 15mm) : 12ea
• M3 Screw (20mm) : 6ea
• M3 Nut : 18ea

You can also download extra stuff (F3D and STEP files) from Cults: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/helical-gear-kinetic-object Download from Cults include: all components in STL, F3D, and STEP formats; F3D and STEP of the assembly file so that the model can be played around in a CAD software.

Assembly and demo video is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj0oFC73A5c

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