CAD Assignment

For my CAD project, I decided to create a design of a robot arm in Onshape. As a beginner, I was new to the world of computer aided design, so I relied on AI tools such as Notebook LM and ChatGPT to guide me and help me learn the basic functions and techniques. By using these tools, I was able to explore sketching, extruding, and shaping 3D objects, gradually building my skills while completing the project. This experience not only introduced me to the fundamentals of CAD but also allowed me to see how AI can support learning and problem-solving in design.

As Thomas Edison once said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration,” and this project showed me how effort combined with guidance can lead to meaningful and powerful results.

Working on this CAD project in Onshape was a really awesome experience for me. At the start, I was a complete beginner and didn’t know where to begin, but by using AI and tutorials, it really helped me figure out the basics step by step. I learned not just how to use the tools, but also how to think like a designer, planning, testing ideas, and improving my work along the way. It was exciting to see my sketches turn into real 3D models, and even more satisfying to solve problems I didn’t know I could. Overall, this project taught me patience, creativity, and the value of learning through trial and error, and it definitely makes me feel more confident about exploring CAD in the future.

For my CAD project, I designed a robot arm using Onshape. I started by sketching the main parts of the arm, such as the base, joints, and segments, making sure all the dimensions were accurate. Then, I used the extrude tool to turn those sketches into 3D parts. Once all the pieces were finished, I assembled them using different mates such as the revolute mate (which makes the different pieces stick together) to make sure the arm could move realistically.

After completing the assembly, I created a detailed mechanical drawing that included important dimensions and a Bill of Materials listing all the parts. This project helped me understand how sketching, extruding, and assembling come together to create a working design, and it showed me how important precision and planning are in mechanical design.