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10 Assembly

Assembly & Joints

Fix one part as the assembly's base, add joints so other parts can move against it, check that nothing collides, and animate the whole robot through its motion.

Intermediate ~14 min

Assembly Fundamentals

An assembly combines multiple parts into one model -- insert parts, then define how they connect. Always ground exactly one part (usually the chassis) as the fixed anchor; multiple grounded parts break motion simulation.

1 Experience
2 Reflect
3 Theorize
4 Apply

Joints & Constraints

Joints define how parts move relative to each other; constraints lock parts that should stay fixed.

Key Joint Types

Each joint type controls which directions of motion are allowed. The two most common in robotics:

Revolute Joint - Rotates around a single axis. Use for wheels, hinges, and motor shafts.
Slider (Prismatic) Joint - Slides along a single axis. Use for linear actuators and telescoping arms.

Assembly Workflow

1
Ground the Chassis

Insert and lock your base component first.

2
Insert & Constrain Parts

Add parts one at a time and constrain each immediately.

3
Test Motion & Check Interference

Drag parts to verify joints, then run interference detection.

Ball Bearing -- assembled with concentric and revolute constraints.

Robot Chassis - the grounded base component that anchors every assembly.

Pause and Reflect
✓ Your reflections are saved automatically
Apply What You Learned

You have a two-wheel differential drive robot. Plan the assembly constraints needed.

  • Identify which component should be grounded (the chassis)
  • List the joint types needed for each wheel (revolute? cylindrical?)
  • Plan how to attach the caster wheel with the right DOF
  • Determine how the motor would be rigidly fixed to the chassis
  • Check: does your planned assembly have any unintended DOF?
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