My project
The driver to my project is something that fits with the ethos of FabLab London ( sustainability, recycling, design, reuse and IOT) and could be of value to other Fab Labs.
The plan is to make a semi-autonomous vacuum/ hoover for night cleaning the floors at the Lab.
The design will aim to be…..
- easy to build by another lab
- use as much reclaimed/ reusable/ sustainable components /products as possible – motors, rods, fans, tubing, sensors
- use the machines in a FAB LAB for the build
- not require anything bespoke or unique
- be able to run over night on its own – ideally with a battery recovered from something
- navigate round objects, back up, move away
- random motion rather than pattern
- manage the battery to last as long as possible
- use sensors/ network to update on status
Nice to have would be to add self parking but time will determine – Location determination would be from a low power beacon and radio power/ time and application of a binary algorithm to search for home. However, need to determine how long power pack will last. Complexity will be charging connectors, charge rates and a heap of additional hosing work…… probably to much for the time available.
Update….
Based on Fab Academy skills…..
- Utilise the Fab ISP for sensors, navigation (re-use one rather than new)
- Design controller for motor and fan
- Floor pan -most likely CNC mill/ – provide structure
- Motor housing – laser cut – means easy to adapt for other labs based on recovered motors
- front sensor stand and housing – 3D print
- possible cast / mould for the vacuum pick up and fan housing, but preference is to use existing plastic containers, with a cast/ moulded frame. But less worried as composite now on Fab Bike!
Approach….
1. recover the build the parts from eco-waste – COMPLETE
2. assemble main structure – Design done, need iteration
3. Simple code for movement to prove -Done
4. complex movement coding –
5. power management
6. Assemble and put up GoPro to watch an nights activity…