-Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered.
- Your project should incorporate 2D and 3D design, additive and subtractive fabrication processes, electronics design and production, embedded microcontroller interfacing and programming, system integration and packaging. Where possible, you should make rather than buy the parts of your project.
For my final project, I want to make a *drumroll*... DromeDroid!
A dromedar droid. This droid will be a companion in the martian desert, following you and carrying some vital supplies. It will use the dromedar's natural adaptations to protect the droid from the enviroment successfully.
DromeDroid will strive to use the dromedar's natural features in its design! For its legs I plan to integrate the legs of the Strand Beest. These legs were invented by Theo Jansen, an artist I had the pleasure to meet in 2017 in his lecture about his mechanical Strandbeest. The way these "beests" move and behave without any electronics was fascinating to me then, and now! It's an interesting way to simulate nature mechanically, particularly how it uses a rotational motion and translates it to a linear movement that feels very natural. Inspired by them I have decided to use them for my DromeDroid, but I would add in some electronics and sensors to spice it up.
But what is this little Droid for? Well to explore other planets! Currently I am captivated by space exploration. As I mentioned in my about section, I love space and regularly imagine other planets or exploring nearby ones. But something needs to accompany me in this adventure. Mars is a desolate place with harsh living conditions. In order to live in it we need a bit of help, probably robots though, as living creatures would die in the harsh desert landscape. These companions should help as well, providing a platform to transport items on treks or to report back if something were to happend to us.
Here on planet earth, Bedouin Camel Caravans have for thousands of years allowed expeditions on one of the worlds most remote and difficult terrains. It is from these amazing animals that I draw inspiration and ideas for my future companion explorer robot.
In the end, I'm hoping my little friend will be able to follow me around, on flat sandy desert and also be able to carry a few things, such as a first aid kit. I have divided the Droid into different parts, for each week, so that I can plan out and make sure I have everything I need for the Droid. This is the module structure for my project. The weekly realizable modules I'll try to manage my project by.
