A simple, accessible overview of Machine Design and how moving inventions come to life. Students learn how parts work together, how motion is created, and explore inspiring real-world projects.
What Is Machine Design?
Machine Design is how we learn to make things move — like robots, tools, toys, and creative inventions!
It teaches how parts fit together, how motion works, and how to turn imagination into real working machines.
Explore Real Machines
Machines That Make (MTM) – Open-source machines you can explore and learn from:
https://mtm.cba.mit.edu
Clank – A student-friendly CNC machine you can assemble and understand:
https://clank.tools
Jubilee – A tool-changing machine that can 3D print, draw, and more:
https://github.com/machineagency/jubilee
Shaper Origin – A handheld CNC router that shows how precise machines can be:
https://www.shapertools.com
How Machines Move (Mechanisms)
- Gears – Change speed and power, like shifting on a bike.
- Belts and pulleys – Transfer motion smoothly between parts.
- Linkages – Convert one type of motion into another, like elbows bending.
- Springs – Store and release energy to help machines move.
These mechanisms help machines move in useful and interesting ways!
Motors – The Muscles of a Machine
RobotShop – Explore motors, wheels, sensors, and robotics parts:
https://www.robotshop.com
StepperOnline – Stepper motors for precise motion:
https://www.omc-stepperonline.com
ODrive – Powerful motor controllers for robotics:
https://odriverobotics.com
Controllers – The Brain of the Machine
Grbl – An open-source brain for CNC machines that controls motors:
https://github.com/grbl/grbl
Chilipeppr TinyG Workspace – Control machines through your browser:
https://chilipeppr.com/tinyg
Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) – Send instructions (G-code) to your machine easily:
https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/
Why Machine Design Matters
It helps kids build confidence by making real moving inventions.
It mixes creativity, engineering, and coding in fun hands-on ways.
It teaches problem-solving when machines break — and how to fix them!
It shows how the world’s robots, tools, and devices actually work.
