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Robot Projects

Sophisticated designs elementary fabrication

Innovative car door linkageMDA Press

Innovative Car Door Linkage

February 24, 2025/by Prof. McCarthy

Austin Suh has designed this innovative car door linkage. He built a prototype that demonstrates this movement next to his Honda Civic for comparison. The 3D printed PLA linkage sits in one corner and lifts the door up and over the car. It is driven by a DC gear motor through a crank-rocker, which provides […]

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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Car-Door-Linkage-scaled.jpg 966 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2025-02-24 16:13:192025-02-24 16:14:21Innovative Car Door Linkage
Jewelry BoxesMDA Press

Spherical Linkage Opening a Jewelry Box

January 3, 2025/by Prof. McCarthy

Austin Suh has designed a variety of spherical linkages that provide a unique movement to open a jewelry box. Here are some examples, one of which has a linear actuator to open the box at the touch of a switch.

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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jewelry-Boxes.jpg 896 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2025-01-03 16:23:482025-01-03 16:23:51Spherical Linkage Opening a Jewelry Box
Six-Oar TrimaranMDA Press

Swimming Robot

November 22, 2024
Jiaji Li has completed the design, fabrication and testing of…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Six-Oar-Trimaran-scaled.jpg 599 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-11-22 14:22:442024-11-22 14:23:49Swimming Robot
Oar-Driven Unmanned Surface Vehicle

Oar-Driven Unmanned Surface Vehicle

November 22, 2024
This trimaran designed by Jiaji Li has three oars supported by…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-11-22 11:37:402024-11-22 11:37:40Oar-Driven Unmanned Surface Vehicle
Stegosaurus walkerMDA Press

Eight Legs, Two Motors and a Lot of Personality

December 19, 2023
Please take a look at the videos demonstrating these Robot Walkers. Our…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/a-Stegosaurus.jpeg 1073 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2023-12-19 07:38:292023-12-19 07:38:33Eight Legs, Two Motors and a Lot of Personality
Jiaji Li's robotic rowboatMDA Press

Jiaji Li’s Robotic Rowboat

December 17, 2023
Jiaji Li has succeeded in building a prototype Robotic Rowboat.…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_5552-scaled.jpeg 1200 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2023-12-17 09:30:122023-12-17 09:30:16Jiaji Li’s Robotic Rowboat
BYU Zoom LectureMDA Press

Quaternions in Kinematics: BYU Lecture

October 18, 2023
Students at BYU formed a study group advised by Prof. Denise…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BYU-Zoom-Lecture.jpg 691 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2023-10-18 11:27:502023-10-19 08:57:06Quaternions in Kinematics: BYU Lecture
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The Bored Robot

Tutorials on electronics and controls

Arduino-USB-CableMDA Press

Getting to Know the Arduino IDE

December 7, 2024
By Brandon Tsuge, In this post, we will see how to…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f.-Arduino-USB-Cabel.jpg 563 999 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-07 16:38:032024-12-07 16:41:23Getting to Know the Arduino IDE
Motor Control HardwareMDA Press

Remote Control of a Brushed DC Motor

December 7, 2024
By Brandon Tsuge, Introduction In this post, we’ll…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f.-Control-Hardware-for-DC-Motor-and-Encoder.jpg 562 1000 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-07 13:16:452024-12-07 15:39:09Remote Control of a Brushed DC Motor
Arduino Nano UnoMDA Press

How To Get Started With Robotics At Home

December 7, 2024
By Brandon Tsuge, If you’ve ever wanted to get started…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1.Arduino-Nano-Uno.jpg 562 1000 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-07 12:18:452024-12-07 12:35:15How To Get Started With Robotics At Home
See More The Bored Robot

Creative Works

New ideas come from storytellers

Red Lines part 6 viewMDA Press

Red Lines, Part 6

December 28, 2024/by Prof. McCarthy

By Chris McCarthy The conclusion finds Leo facing decisions good and bad… The Suburban speeds on the tarmac. Private jets line the runway to the left of the vehicle. To the right, a fifteen foot concrete wall reaches into the sky.  Leo looks behind him then ducks, just as a man fires a gun out […]

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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Red-Lines-part-6-view.jpg 896 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-28 10:38:002024-12-28 10:58:12Red Lines, Part 6
Red Lines part 5MDA Press

Red Lines, Part 5

December 28, 2024
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Red-Lines-part-5.jpg 897 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-28 10:18:232024-12-28 10:19:27Red Lines, Part 5
Red Lines, Part 4MDA Press

Red Lines, Part 4

December 20, 2024
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Red-Lines-part-4.jpg 903 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-20 16:09:502024-12-28 10:15:45Red Lines, Part 4
Exponential Threat, Part 4MDA Press

Exponential Threat, Part 4

December 20, 2024
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Exponential-Threat-Part-4-scaled.jpg 902 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-20 15:29:442024-12-20 15:32:57Exponential Threat, Part 4
Exponential Threat, Part 3MDA Press

Exponential Threat, Part 3

December 20, 2024
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Exponential-Threat-Part-3.jpeg 1600 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-20 14:54:502024-12-20 15:35:43Exponential Threat, Part 3
See More Creative Works

Racecar Engineering

Big projects need a team

Solar Car PanelsMDA Press

ZotSun: UCI Entry in the Formula Sun Grand Prix

December 12, 2024
Design of the 2025 Formul Sun Competition Vehicle: The…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Solar-Car-Panels.jpg 793 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-12 07:52:482024-12-12 08:00:34ZotSun: UCI Entry in the Formula Sun Grand Prix
Baja SubsystemsMDA Press

UCI Anteater Baja Racing: Five Months to the Competition

December 12, 2024
Design of the 2025 Baja Competition Vehicle: The UCI…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Baja-Subsystems-1.jpg 964 1498 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-12 07:13:332024-12-12 15:03:05UCI Anteater Baja Racing: Five Months to the Competition
California Shootout 2024MDA Press

UCI Anteater Electric Racing: Six Months to the 2025 Competition

December 11, 2024
Design of the 2025 EV Competition Vehicle: The UCI Anteater…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/California-Shootout-scaled.jpeg 1067 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-11 21:39:492024-12-12 15:05:25UCI Anteater Electric Racing: Six Months to the 2025 Competition
UCI Vehicle Performance Engineering LabMDA Press

UCI Ready for Racecar Engineering Season

September 1, 2023
The Vehicle Performance Engineering Lab is clean and ready for…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Chris-McMurray.jpg 668 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2023-09-01 11:30:242023-09-01 11:30:28UCI Ready for Racecar Engineering Season
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Linkage Designs

Interesting linkages and articulated systems

Wing Mechanisms

Wing Mechanisms

June 7, 2021
Repurposing Jansen's Leg Mechanism: Innovative mechanical…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/maxresdefault-1.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2021-06-07 13:19:352022-09-17 09:25:54Wing Mechanisms
Removing Redundant ConstraintsMDA Press

How to Fix SW Motion Analysis Error: Too Many Redundant Constraints

July 19, 2020
Kevin Chen,  J. Michael McCarthy,  Shaun Bentley The…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screen-Shot-2020-07-19-at-5.12.37-PM.png 799 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2020-07-19 17:15:522020-07-19 17:39:58How to Fix SW Motion Analysis Error: Too Many Redundant Constraints
Six-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights

Six-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights

June 19, 2020
The leg mechanisms of these six-legged walkers use two coordinated…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2020-06-19 16:58:302022-09-17 09:25:54Six-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights
Four-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights

Four-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights

June 17, 2020
The design of these four-legged walkers relies on Curvature theory…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/maxresdefault-2.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2020-06-17 14:19:492022-09-17 09:25:54Four-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights
Walker Teams 2, 4 and 5MDA

Four-legged Mechanical Walkers: Teams 2, 4 and 5

December 13, 2019
Here are videos of the designs for the four legged mechanical…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-13-at-1.48.24-PM.jpg 777 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2019-12-13 13:51:112020-06-15 14:16:07Four-legged Mechanical Walkers: Teams 2, 4 and 5
Mechanical Walker designed by Team 6MDA

Four Legged Mechanical Walker: Teams 1, 3 and 6

December 8, 2019
Here are videos of the designs for the four legged mechanical…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-08-at-1.02.45-PM.jpg 806 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2019-12-08 13:05:322019-12-08 13:07:54Four Legged Mechanical Walker: Teams 1, 3 and 6
Leg MechanismJMM

Construction of a Leg Mechanism

May 23, 2019
This is a series of four videos that show how to: Specify…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Screen-Shot-2019-05-23-at-4.16.12-PM.png 1041 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2019-05-23 16:27:142019-05-25 12:37:37Construction of a Leg Mechanism
Rectilinear Six-bar

Rectilinear Six-Bar (Candy Coating Linkage)

January 14, 2018
Jeff Glabe designed this six-bar linkage to move through six…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Screen-Shot-2018-01-14-at-2.43.53-PM.jpg 777 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2018-01-14 14:43:132018-01-14 14:50:46Rectilinear Six-Bar (Candy Coating Linkage)
Hummingbird Spatial Six-bar

Hummingbird Spatial Six-bar Linkage

October 13, 2017
This spatial six-bar linkage provides a compact flapping wing…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Hummingbird-Six-bar.jpg 935 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2017-10-13 11:00:482017-10-13 11:09:06Hummingbird Spatial Six-bar Linkage
Flapping Wing Prototype

Flapping Wing Prototype

August 16, 2017
This is the manufacturing prototype for the flapping wing mechanism…
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https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Flapping-Wing-Prototype.jpg 829 1598 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2017-08-16 10:39:472017-08-18 21:31:59Flapping Wing Prototype
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See More Linkage Designs

All Blog Posts

Innovative car door linkageMDA Press

Innovative Car Door Linkage

February 24, 2025
Austin Suh has designed this innovative car door linkage. He…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Car-Door-Linkage-scaled.jpg 966 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2025-02-24 16:13:192025-02-24 16:14:21Innovative Car Door Linkage
Jewelry BoxesMDA Press

Spherical Linkage Opening a Jewelry Box

January 3, 2025
Austin Suh has designed a variety of spherical linkages that…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jewelry-Boxes.jpg 896 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2025-01-03 16:23:482025-01-03 16:23:51Spherical Linkage Opening a Jewelry Box
Red Lines part 6 viewMDA Press

Red Lines, Part 6

December 28, 2024
By Chris McCarthy The conclusion finds Leo facing decisions…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Red-Lines-part-6-view.jpg 896 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-28 10:38:002024-12-28 10:58:12Red Lines, Part 6
Red Lines part 5MDA Press

Red Lines, Part 5

December 28, 2024
By Chris McCarthy Leo finds himself at gunpoint in the back…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Red-Lines-part-5.jpg 897 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-28 10:18:232024-12-28 10:19:27Red Lines, Part 5
Red Lines, Part 4MDA Press

Red Lines, Part 4

December 20, 2024
By Chris McCarthy Leo gets the girls to what seems to be…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Red-Lines-part-4.jpg 903 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-20 16:09:502024-12-28 10:15:45Red Lines, Part 4
Exponential Threat, Part 4MDA Press

Exponential Threat, Part 4

December 20, 2024
By Chris McCarthy The conclusion of our story finds our heroes…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Exponential-Threat-Part-4-scaled.jpg 902 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-20 15:29:442024-12-20 15:32:57Exponential Threat, Part 4
Exponential Threat, Part 3MDA Press

Exponential Threat, Part 3

December 20, 2024
By Chris McCarthy Things go from bad to worse as Trong and…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Exponential-Threat-Part-3.jpeg 1600 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-20 14:54:502024-12-20 15:35:43Exponential Threat, Part 3
Red Lines Knife ep 3MDA Press

Red Lines, Part 3

December 17, 2024
By Chris McCarthy Leo is in anaphylactic shock. The cop…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Red-Lines-Knife-ep-3.jpeg 1024 1024 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-17 16:54:352024-12-20 15:40:30Red Lines, Part 3
Solar Car PanelsMDA Press

ZotSun: UCI Entry in the Formula Sun Grand Prix

December 12, 2024
Design of the 2025 Formul Sun Competition Vehicle: The…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Solar-Car-Panels.jpg 793 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-12 07:52:482024-12-12 08:00:34ZotSun: UCI Entry in the Formula Sun Grand Prix
Baja SubsystemsMDA Press

UCI Anteater Baja Racing: Five Months to the Competition

December 12, 2024
Design of the 2025 Baja Competition Vehicle: The UCI…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Baja-Subsystems-1.jpg 964 1498 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2024-12-12 07:13:332024-12-12 15:03:05UCI Anteater Baja Racing: Five Months to the Competition
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