At the Right Angle

What is Torque?

Torque is a force that tends to rotate objects. Any rotating body has three parts:

1. Origin of axis: The point around which the body rotates.

2. Distance of arm : The origin and the point at which force is applied

3. Angle of force: The angle between the arm and force applied.

The angle of force is very crucial. Any force directed parallel to the particle’s position vector does not produce torque.

Torque is applied in various parts of the robot:

1. The robot base:

If you require the robot base to move, we need to turn the robot. The torque at the base depends on the force applied by the motor. Force is a function of mass and acceleration. Hence both speed of the motor and weight of the robot matter in the robot base.

2. The robot arm:

The concept of torque is important in a robot arm. Here torque is generally applied on the shaft of the motor. We can increase the torque in the arm using Gear Systems. The application of gear systems is given in another document.

So next time you design a robot, remember to keep the angle right!!