17. Application and Implications¶
This week assignment is proposing a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered.
What will it do?¶
My plan is to create Telepresence 5G Tripod. Put wheels to the tripod and the movable tripod can carry the 5G mobile phone. The 5G phone controls movements of tripod itself remotely from other phone via 5G network. To make easy mobility control, the location information is synchronized with 3D models of digital twins. Remote user can control easily the destination of tele-tripod by controlling from virtual reality beforehand.
Who’s done what beforehand?¶
The telepresense commercial tool is below right picture’s movable screen with webcam.
(c) Nokia, YouTube: Welcome to Nokia Oulu factory
And past Fab Academy, there was a project of Omni wheel robot controlled by mobile phone via bluetooth. (c)Fablab Kannai, Kota Tomaru
And other project of Omni wheel robot using NEMA17 stepper motor, Omni Wheel CNC Plotter.
Fablab Oulu 3D models are already created. VR tool can control the 3D objects can simulate the movement virtually.
What will you design?¶
- DIY Omni wheels
Modifying from past practicing in other project. - Tripod body stretching the height of stage
Using actuator to move the smartphone height change. - Electronics design
Design the board of ESP32 microcontroller, stepper motor driver and power terminals of battery operation. - Bluetooth controlled by smartphone APP
Connectivity of Bluetooth and software APP on smartphone. GUI on APP and interface for Web/Unity external applications.
What materials and components will be used?¶
- 3D printed parts from ABS
Omni wheels.
Body structure as Tripod. - Water jet cut Aluminum plate
Base plate supporting three wheels and body. - Stepper motor actuator
Body height stretching function from 70cm to 110cm. - ESP32 microcontroller
Control the stepper motor drivers.
Bluetooth connection to 5G smartphone.
A complete list of materials and components can be found from Final Project Cost Calculations.
Where will come from?¶
Components available at local Fablab:
- NEMA17 stepper motor x 4pcs
- RC battery 7.4V x 2pcs
- ESP32 micro controller
- Liner guids - aluminum rod with coupler
- DC/DC converter producing 5V from 14.8V
Materials available in local Fablab:
- Aluminum plate
- ABS 3D print
- MDF 3mm board
- Plywood 3mm and 2mm board
Some of components have been obtained from different national and interernational retailers such as Puuilo (Finnish hardware store), or Amazon. A detailed supplier for componets can be obtained from Final Project Cost Calculations.
How much will they cost?¶
Tripod head & body: 325€
Omni wheels: 122€
Electronics: 118,05€
A complete list of materials and components can be found from Final Project Cost Calculations.
What parts and systems will be made?¶
- Three Omni-wheel machine base
- Height stretching Tripod body
- Smartphone Bluetooth connectivity and control the functions of motors
What processes will be used?¶
- 3DCAD
- 3D printing
- Laser cutting
- Water jet cutting
- Electronics design, PCB design
- Electronics fabrication.
- Embedded programming
- Networking and application
What questions need to be answered?¶
Original plan was that Unity controls the tripod via Unity’s Bluetooth API, but still need to study. As functionality check of Bluetooth and ESP32 functionality, MIT APP Inventor is used for this project’s verification.
How will it be evaluated?¶
- Omni wheel machine can move X,Y direction and rotation accordingly from Smartphone control.
- Smartphone can be located on the tripod, and the height can be controlled by smartphone.
- The machine and smartphone can be controlled from remote site.
Finally, this tele-tripod can replace these traditional tripod + Webcam + Laptop solutions when outside people want to see the status of Fablab machines working remotely with tripod movements…
