Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My question is that how can we make our robot move up and down? and also I want to know how to make the arms that are on the principle of lever or hydraulic press, actually I have an idea in my mind but I don't know how to put it all together? ( project: handmade robot to lift small objects and move them) please provide me with as much information as you can because it's my first experience in any science fair like Intel ISEF.

There are many ways that one can move the robot up and down using motors or pneumatics. Just as an aside, it is important to note that the whole robot will not lift, and rather only a section of it can lift. That being said, the two primary ways that one can drive such a lift are through motors and pneumatics.
If you use motors, then you'll have to use linkages to convert the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion (as necessary for lifting). Possible lifts include 4 bar chain linkages, scissor lifts, and more. Robot enthusiasts over at VEX or FIRST (check their forums) have innovated many types of lifts, and might help you find the lift that you are looking for.

- Dibya