This document introduces the seven simple machines: inclined plane, wedge, lever, pulley, screw, wheel and axle, and gears. It explains that simple machines provide a mechanical advantage that can increase or decrease speed, gain or loss power, or change the direction of a force. The document asks the reader to define or sketch each simple machine and describe the mechanical advantage it provides and any trade off in speed or power. It concludes with a design challenge to create a device using three or more simple machines to crack an egg.

1. Introduction to Robotics
Robots and Simple Machines

2. Introduction to
Simple Machines
•Simple Machines: a device that changes the
direction or magnitude of a force
•Load: a weight and/or force
•There are 7 simple machines:
• Inclined plane, wedge, lever, pulley, screw,
wheel & axle, and gears

3. Introduction to
Simple Machines
•All simple machine provides a Mechanical
Advantage. This advantage can be:
•Increase/Decrease Speed
•Gain/Loss Power
•Change in Direction

4. Please write the name of
the following simple
machines,
definition/description or
sketch (whatever helps you
remember)

5. Inclined Plane
• What mechanical
advantage does a
inclined plane give
you?
• What do you lose?
• Where are levers
used?

6. Wedge
• What mechanical
advantage does a
inclined plane give
you?
• What do you lose?
• Where are wedges
used?

7. Lever
• What mechanical
advantage does a
inclined plane give
you?
• What do you lose?

8. Screw
• What mechanical
advantage does a
inclined plane give
you?
• What do you lose?
• Why are screws used?
• Where are screws
used?

9. Pulley
• What mechanical
advantage does a
inclined plane give
you?
• What do you lose?
• Can you think of
where pulleys are also
used in?

10. Wheel & Axel
• What mechanical
advantage does a
inclined plane give
you?
• What do you lose?
• Why are wheels used?

11. Gear
• What mechanical
advantage does a
inclined plane give
you?
• What do you lose?

12. Design
Challenge
Design your own
device, using 3 or
more simple
machines, that will
crack an egg
• pulley
• Wedge
• Wheel & Axel
• Screw
• Lever
• Inclined Plane
• Gear