Design a space aiding apparatus
Build a simple cardboard robotic arm using straws, string, and tape to pick up small objects and learn how astronauts operate tools in space.
Step-by-step guide to build a simple cardboard robotic arm using straws, string, and tape
Gravity for Kids - School Lesson Part 2 -makemegenius.com series of Education Videos
Step 1
Gather all the materials listed and set them on a clear workspace.
Step 2
Cut a rectangle about 20 cm by 10 cm from the cardboard to make the base.
Step 3
Measure and cut three straws into pieces roughly 10 cm 8 cm and 6 cm long for the arm segments.
Step 4
Make a small hole near one short edge of the cardboard for the hinge and another hole a little back for the string anchor.
Step 5
Push a paper fastener through the hinge hole and the 10 cm straw and spread the fastener ends to attach the first arm segment to the base so it can swivel.
Step 6
Connect the 8 cm straw to the end of the 10 cm straw with a paper fastener so the second segment can swing.
Step 7
Attach the 6 cm straw to the end of the 8 cm straw with a paper fastener to form the wrist segment.
Step 8
Tape the bottle cap or small paper cup to the end of the 6 cm straw to make a simple gripper.
Step 9
Feed the string through the three straw segments from the gripper end back toward the base so the string runs inside the arm.
Step 10
Tie the string firmly to the anchor hole on the base so pulling the string will bend the arm and close the gripper.
Step 11
Tie a secure loop at the free end of the string so you have a handle to pull the arm like an astronaut tool.
Step 12
Test the robotic arm by using the loop to pick up a small lightweight object and watch how the gripper moves.
Step 13
If the grip is weak adjust the knot or add a little tape to the gripper and test again.
Step 14
Share a photo or video of your finished robotic arm and explain how it works on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of plastic straws or paper fasteners if we can't find them?
If you don't have plastic straws, roll and tape thin cardboard into 10 cm, 8 cm, and 6 cm tubes for the arm segments and use a small bolt-and-nut or a split pin in the hinge and connection holes instead of paper fasteners to attach the segments to the cardboard base and each other.
The arm won't bend or the gripper is too weak — what should we check first?
First ensure the string is fed all the way through the three straw segments from the gripper back to the base and is tied firmly to the anchor hole, then tighten the knot, shorten slack, or add tape under the bottle cap gripper as indicated in the adjustments step to increase pull and friction.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For preschoolers have an adult pre-cut the 20 cm × 10 cm cardboard and the straw pieces and let the child attach the cap and tape, while older kids can cut their own parts, use wooden skewers or extra segments to add joints, and design more precise grips.
How can we make the robotic arm stronger or more interesting once it's working?
To enhance the arm, pad the bottle cap with tape for better hold, add a second string or pulley to separately control opening and closing, reinforce the base with extra cardboard, and decorate the finished arm before sharing a photo or video on DIY.org.
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Facts about simple robotics and astronaut tools
📦 Corrugated cardboard is extra strong because its fluted middle layer acts like a beam, so light boxes can hold surprisingly heavy items.
🧪 In microgravity, pushing a floating tool will push you too — every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
🧵 Many robotic arms use cables and pulleys — the same idea you can build with strings, straws, and tape to move joints and grip things.
🤖 The Canadarm used on the Space Shuttle was about 15 meters (50 ft) long — roughly the length of a school bus.
👩🚀 Astronauts use Velcro, tethers, and bungee cords to keep tools from floating away during spacewalks.
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