Scissor Lift (Apitor E × Thymio) - Mind Mission Programming

User solution for: Scissor Lift (Lesson Plans)

Mind Mission Card 64

Submitted by: Jeremy (Teacher)

Solution video:

Codeless Mode:

Purple (Remote Control)

Programming Skills: 2 - VPL3 (block)

Lesson description:

This lesson combines robotics, creativity, and programming:

Build the Scissor Lift using the Apitor Robot E kit and explore how the mechanism raises and lowers objects.
Connect Thymio and use the remote control or purple mode to move the lift up and down.
Use VPL3 to program the lift, and observe how different payloads affect stopping points and movement.
Advanced: Use sensors and flags to detect the top and bottom positions and stop automatically.
Advanced: Test how much weight the lift can handle and improve the structure to lift heavier loads.

Solution Notes:

Scissor Lift Lesson Key Concepts

Build a Scissor Lift and explore how robotics, mechanics, and programming work together in a hands-on way! This lesson blends engineering, experimentation, and problem-solving using Apitor and Thymio:

Build the Scissor Lift using the Apitor Robot E kit and explore how the mechanism lifts objects up and down.
Connect Thymio and use remote control or basic controls to move the lift.
Use VPL3 to program the lift and observe how different payloads affect movement and stopping points.
Advanced: Use sensors and flags to detect the top and bottom positions for automatic stopping.
Advanced: Test how much weight the lift can handle and improve the structure to lift heavier loads.

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will:

Build a Scissor Lift using the Apitor Robot E kit.
Connect Thymio and control the lift using remote or programmed inputs.
Create a VPL3 program to move the lift up and down automatically.
Use sensors to detect limits and improve control of the lift.
Test different weights and strengthen the design to lift more.

By the end of this lesson, students will understand how mechanical systems, load, and programming interact in real-world lifting systems.

Important Notes:

The scissor lift performance depends on alignment, gear setup, and weight. If the motor cannot move due to too much load or stuck gears, stop immediately to avoid damage.

Tips for this Lesson:

Start with light objects and increase weight gradually.
Use different gear arrangements if the motor struggles to lift heavier loads.
Make sure all joints move freely and are not too tight.
Place sensor flags clearly so the lift stops at the correct positions.

Products/Materials

The following products and resources can be used in this lesson:

Thymio II Robot

Apitor Robot E Kit

LinkVest

Objects to lift (bottles, weights, etc.)

FUN FACT!

Did you know that scissor lifts are used in construction and maintenance to safely raise workers and equipment? Their unique design allows them to extend vertically while staying stable and compact!