Invention, Intellectual Property and Revenue

• Develop a plan for the dissemination of yourfinal project.
• Complete your final project and track your progress.

Objective of the Week

The main objective of this week was to develop a plan of dissemination, projection and continuity for the final project "Interactive Smart Pot", considering aspects of intellectual property, possible income strategies and monitoring of the development of the system. In addition, it sought to evaluate the current state of the project, identifying which parts work correctly, which need improvement, and which represent future opportunities for technological evolution.

This stage made it possible to understand that a digital manufacturing project does not end only when the system works, but when it can also:

• communicate properly,
• document,
• be shared,
• protect yourself by a license,
• and to be projected as a real educational and technological solution.

The objective also included:

• organize the progress of the final project,
• define potential users and applications,
• analyze the viability of the product,
• and plan future technical and commercial improvements.

🛠️ Tools & Machinery

My Process:

1. Final Project Dissemination Plan

Target audience

TheInteractive Smart Pot is aimed at users who require simple and effective solutions for plant care, integrating technology and learning.

Main segments:

• Children and students → learning environmental education and technology
• Teachers → didactic tool for STEAM teaching
• Educational institutions and Fab Labs → use in workshops and training projects
• People with busy routines → basic plant care automation
• Users with no gardening experience → guided assistance via alerts

The project combineseducation, technology and sustainability, positioning itself as afunctional, educational and accessible product, with the potential for application both at home and in learning environments.

Dissemination strategy

The dissemination of the project is planned at three levels: academic, digital and face-to-face, with the aim of achieving technical, educational and commercial visibility.

Academic dissemination

• Official presentation at Fab Lab Huando
• Exhibition at the Huando Public Institute
• Full publication on the personal website
• Documentation on the Fab Academy platform

It allows the project to be validated at a technical and educational level.

Social Media

• Publication of demonstration video of the system in operation
• Content of the design, manufacturing and integration process
• Stories showing real-time interaction (sensor + alerts)

Focused on generating interest and quick understanding of the product.

Events and fairs

• Participation in educational technology fairs
• Presentation at STEAM events
• Exhibitions in educational spaces or museums

Allows direct interaction with real users.

Strategic approach

The strategy combines:

• Technical validation (Fab Lab)
• Digital outreach (social networks)
• User validation (trade fairs)

The aim is to position the project as afunctional and replicable educational product.

Revenue Strategy

TheInteractive Smart Planter has the potential to become a commercial educational product, combining hardware, learning, and hands-on experience.

Business model

Four lines of income are proposed:

1. Finished Product Sale

• Fully Assembled Smart Planter
• Plug & PlayAimed at End Users and Households

2. Educational Kits (DIY)

• Includes components + assembly guide
• Practical approach for students Ideal for schools and workshops

3. Digital fabrication workshops

• Sessions where the user assembles their own pot
• Includes learning electronics + designIncome for educational service

4. Product Customization

• Custom external design (name, logo, color)
• Adaptation according to type of user or institution
  Added value → higher price

Cost Structure (Estimated)

• Total production: $25 – $30 USD (Includes electronics, 3D printing and assembly)

Pricing strategy

• Sale price: $50 – $70 USD
• Estimated margin: 40% – 55%

It allows you to cover costs, generate profit and scale production.

Feasibility

The product is viable on a small scale because:

• Uses accessible components
• Can be manufactured in Fab Lab
• Has educational + functional value
• Does not depend on industrial production

It is a product that can be replicated and adaptable to different contexts.

3. Intellectual Property

TheInteractive Smart Pot project is an original development carried out during Fab Academy 2026, integrating design, electronics and programming.

Developed components

• Full 3D modeling of the planter
• In-house structural design for electronic integration
• Custom PCB design and fabrication
• Microcontroller programming (XIAO ESP32-C3)
• System integration (hardware + software)

All the development was carried out in-house, without the use of commercial plates without modification.

Scope of ownership

The project includes ownership of:

• Digital Design (CAD Files)
• Schematics & PCBs
• Source Code
• System Integration

The following are not claimed as property:

• External libraries used
• Standard communication protocols
• Open-source base technologies

This demonstrates correct use of open resources.

Selected License

Creative Commons Attribution – ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

License permissions

• Free use of the project
• Modification and adaptation
• Distribution
• Improvement of the system

Mandatory condition: Acknowledgement of the original author

Strategic approach

An open license was chosen because:

• Promotes collaborative learning
• Allows replicability in education
• Facilitates improvements by other users
• Increases the dissemination of the project

The aim is not to restrict use, but toexpand the impact of the project.

Future Opportunities

Technical improvements

The system can evolve by incorporating new functionalities that increase its technological value:

• Integration ofautomatic irrigation system by water pump
• WiFi (IoT) connectivity for remote monitoring
• Development ofmobile application for real-time notifications
• Incorporation ofadditional sensors (temperature, light, ambient humidity)
• Optimization ofenergy consumption (saving mode / battery usage)

These improvements will make it possible to transform the prototype into an autonomous and intelligent system.

Project scalability

The project has growth potential at different levels:

• Functional educational product for institutions
• STEM (Do It Yourself) kit for practical learning
• Development of aline of smart home products
• Commercial customization (design, branding, educational themes)

This allows the product to be adapted to both educational and commercial markets.

Strategic projection

In the medium and long term, the project can evolve towards:

• Complete IoT plant monitoring system
• Educational platform for learning in electronics and sustainability
• Commercial product validated in real environments (schools, homes, Fab Labs)

It's not just a pot... it is the basis of aneducational technology ecosystem.

Project Monitoring

Completed

• 3D design of the pot
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Design and milling of own PCB
• Programming of the XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller
• Integration of the humidity sensor
• Implementation of the alert system (buzzer)
• Final assembly of the system
• Initial functional tests

The system is already functional and responds correctly to changes in humidity.

In process

• Optimization of energy consumption
• Improvement of the aesthetic finish of the product
• Internal organization of the wiring
• Adjustment of sensor sensitivity

These improvements seek to bring the prototype to the product level.

Pending

• Implementation of automatic irrigation system
• Integration of WiFi connectivity (IoT)
• Development of complementary mobile interface
• Validation with real users (students/teachers)

These tasks correspond to version 2.0 of the project.

Current system status

The project is in avalidated functional phase, where:

• The system correctly detects humidity
• It generates real-time alerts
• Physical integration is stable

What works and what doesn't?

✔ Works

• Stable soil moisture reading
• Correct processing on the XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller
• Activation of alert (buzzer) when humidity is low
• Display of information on OLED screen
• General system integration (hardware + software)
• Real-time response to sensor changes

The system fulfills its main function:to detect and alert correctly.

Works partially

• Sensor accuracy (varies depending on ground type)
• Reading stability in very wet conditions
• System energy consumption
• Internal wiring organization

They are not critical failures, but they affect the quality of the final product.

Not Working / Not Implemented Yet

• Automatic irrigation system
• WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring
• Dedicated mobile app
• Energy autonomy (battery or solar panel)

These features are part of afuture release (V2.0).

Technical analysis

The current system is in avalidated functional phase , where:

• Sensor flow → processing → output is correctly implemented
• No structural faults in the PCB or system logic

However, it is still in the stage offunctional prototype, not final product.

Problems to be solved

During the development of the project, critical aspects were identified that require improvement to evolve the system towards a more robust and scalable version.

Humidity sensor calibration

The sensor has variations in the reading depending on the type of soil, level of compaction and environmental humidity.

Problem:
Readings do not always represent reliable absolute values.

Proposed solution:

• Implement calibration by ranges (dry, medium, wet)
• Adjust values through real tests
• Incorporate averages or signal filtering in the code

PCB Size Reduction

The current board is functionally compliant, but not optimized in size or distribution.

Problem:
It takes up more space than necessary inside the pot.

Proposed solution:

• Rearrange components in the design
• Reduce unnecessary traces
• Optimize the layout in the design software

Moisture protection

The electronics are located near a humid environment, which can affect its durability.

Problem:
Risk of corrosion or short circuits.

Proposed solution:

• Physical isolation of the PCB
• Use of protective coatings (dielectric varnish)
• Clear separation between wet and electronic area in 3D design

Irrigation automation

Currently the system only alerts, but does not act directly on irrigation.

Problem:
Dependence on the user to execute the action.

Proposed solution:

• Integrate a water pump
• Control by relay or transistor
• Automatic activation according to humidity level

Future planning

A roadmap was defined to evolve the project from a functional prototype to an educational and commercial product.

Short term (1 – 3 months)

Objective: To improve the performance and stability of the current system.

Actions:

• Implement accurate humidity sensor calibration
• Redesign the PCB to reduce size and improve distribution
• Improve moisture insulation in the structure
• Optimize code to reduce energy consumption

Expected result: A more stable, accurate system ready for validation with users.

Medium term (3 – 6 months)

Objective: To turn the prototype into a learning tool.

Actions:

• Development of an educational kit (DIY)
• Creation of a user manual and pedagogical guide
• Tests with students and teachers
• Collection of real feedback

Expected result: A product validated in an educational context.

Long term (6 – 12 months)

Objective: To transform the project into a viable product in the market.

Actions:

• Small-scale production
• Brand definition and commercial presentation
• Sales strategy (online and technology fairs)
• Possible alliances with educational institutions

Expected Result: Product ready for initial commercialization.

What have I learned?

The development of this project allowed us to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the process of technological creation, moving from an initial idea to a fully functional system.

Technical Learnings

• Real integration of electronic systems (sensor, XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller, outputs)
• Complete development of digital manufacturing (2D design, 3D modeling, printing and PCB)
• In-house electronic production (design, milling, soldering and validation)
• Programming of microcontrollers with applied functional logic
• Implementation of user interfaces and communication between devices

Strategic learnings

• Understand that design is not only aesthetic, but functional and structural
• Importance of planning before manufacturing
• Solving real problems throughout the process
• Constant iteration: design → test → fail → improve
• Thinking of the project as a product, not just as a prototype

Personal evolution

At first, the focus was on developing something basic. During the process, multiple areas were integrated: electronics, design, programming and manufacturing.

This made it possible to move from a simple idea to a complete technological system.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates the ability to:

• Design
• Fabricate
• Integrate
• Validate a real technological system.

It's not just an academic exercise... It's evidence that I candevelop functional solutions from scratch.

Final Summary

TheInteractive Smart Pot is an integrated technological system that combines design, electronics and programming to solve a real need in plant care.

The system:

• Monitors soil moisture in real time using sensors
• Processes the information with a PCB designed and manufactured in-house (XIAO ESP32-C3)
• Informs the user through an OLED screen
• Issues audible alerts when the plant requires irrigation
• Integrates all components within a 3D printed functional structure

Project Value

• Facilitates plant care for inexperienced users
• Promotes environmental education through technology
• Works as a teaching tool in STEAM environments
• Demonstrates real integration of hardware and software

Technical approach

The project incorporates:

• 2D design and 3D modeling
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Electronic production (own PCB)
• Programming of embedded systems
• Complete system integration

📋 Check-off List

1. Did I create a dissemination plan for my final project?

Yes. An academic, digital and face-to-face dissemination strategy was developed through web documentation, social networks, presentations and technology fairs.

2. Were the future possibilities described and how to turn them into probabilities?

Yes. Future improvements such as automatic irrigation, WiFi connectivity, IoT and mobile application were proposed, along with strategies to develop the project towards an educational and commercial product.

3. What tasks have been completed and which tasks remain?

Completed:

• 3D Design
• Custom PCB
• System Programming
• Electronic integration
• Functional OLED and buzzer

Pending:

• Automatic irrigation system
• WiFi connectivity
• Mobile App
• Energy optimisation

4. What's working and what's not?

It works:

• Moisture sensor reading
• Audible alerts
• OLED display
• General system integration

Not yet implemented:

• IoT
• Automatic irrigation
• Autonomous power supply

5. What questions need to be answered?

• How to improve sensor accuracy?
• How to optimize energy consumption?
• How to automate irrigation?
• How to best protect electronics against moisture?

6. What will happen planned and when?

Short term:

• Improve stability and calibration

Medium term:

• Create educational kit and validation with users

Long term:

• Scale production and commercialization of the project

7. What have you learned?

I learned how to integrate design, electronics, programming, and digital fabrication into a complete functional system. I also understood the importance of documenting, planning and projecting a real technological product beyond the prototype.

Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: Difficulty in defining how to share the project

Solution:A dissemination plan was developed aimed at students, Fab Labs and educational environments through social networks, workshops and practical demonstrations.

Problem 2: Project License Uncertainty

Solution:The Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license was selected, allowing the project to be shared and replicated while acknowledging authorship.

Problem 3: Lack of marketing experience

Solution:Possible business opportunities were identified such as:

• Sale of smart pots
• DIY educational kits
• STEM workshops
• Customized products manufactured in 3D

Problem 4: Difficulty in estimating actual costs

Solution:A BOM (Bill of Materials) list was developed to calculate materials, electronic components and approximate manufacturing costs.

Learning Achieved

During this week I learned that the development of a technological project not only involves manufacturing and programming a functional system, but also thinking about how to share it, document it and project it into the future.

I understood the importance of:

• develop a dissemination plan to communicate the project in a clear and attractive way,
• define a presentation strategy aimed at real users,
• analyze potential educational and commercial applications,
• and select an appropriate license to share the work while respecting authorship.

I also learned:

• to identify opportunities for improvement and scalability of the system,
• to assess the functional status of the project,
• to recognize current technical limitations,
• and to propose future solutions through structured planning.

At a technical and strategic level, this week allowed to strengthen knowledge on:

• intellectual property and open licenses,
• documentation of technological projects,
• validation of functional prototypes,
• planning for future releases,
• and development of educational products based on digital manufacturing.

In addition, I understood that:

• a well-developed project must be replicable,
• must have a clear identity,
• and must be able to evolve beyond the academic environment.

The process made it possible to move from thinking only of a functional prototype to visualizing the project as a technological solution with educational, social and commercial potential.

Have you answered these questions?

1. Did you develop a dissemination plan?

Yes. I planned to spread the word about the Smart Pot through social media, web documentation, Fab Lab presentations, and educational fairs to show how it works and is useful.

2. Did you describe future possibilities?

Yes. I proposed improvements such as automatic irrigation, WiFi connectivity and IoT integration to turn the prototype into a more complete and functional product.

3. What tasks did you complete?

I completed the 3D design, custom PCB, programming of the XIAO ESP32-C3, and system integration with functional OLED and buzzer.

4. What tasks are still pending?

The implementation of automatic irrigation, energy optimization, WiFi connectivity and the development of a mobile application are pending.

5. What works?

The system correctly detects moisture, triggers audible alerts, and displays information on the OLED display in real time.

6. What doesn't work yet?

Functions such as IoT, automatic irrigation and autonomous power supply by battery or solar panel are not yet implemented.

7. What problems need to be solved?

Sensor calibration must be improved, PCB size optimized, and electronics better protected from moisture.

8. What will happen and when?

In the short term, the stability of the system will be improved; in the medium term, an educational kit will be developed and in the long term, the project will be commercialized.

9. What did you learn?

I learned how to integrate design, electronics, programming, and digital fabrication into a functional system, as well as plan and document a complete technology project.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "dissemination plan" mean?

Answer:
A dissemination plan means how I am going to make my final project known to the target audience. In my case, it consists of sharing the Interactive Smart Pot with educational institutions, Fab Labs and interested users through demonstrations, social networks and documentation of the process.

It also includes the possibility of showing the project at fairs, educational workshops and STEAM learning spaces. Although the project has an academic focus, the objective is that it can be understood, replicated and used as an educational tool.

2. What happens if my project is for personal use and I am not interested in marketing it?

Answer:
It's totally fine. My project is developed primarily as an educational and functional prototype, not necessarily for commercial purposes.

Even so, I developed a dissemination plan to be able to communicate it to other people, especially students, teachers and communities of Fab Labs. The idea is not to sell it, but to share knowledge and show how design, electronics and programming can be integrated into a real system.

The main focus is educational, open and learning, rather than commercial.

Final conclusion

This project is not just a prototype, but a functional system that demonstrates the ability to:

• Design
• Fabricate
• Integrate
• Solve real problems through the use of digital manufacturing technologies.

Rrepresents the complete application of the competencies developed in Fab Academy and lays the foundations for its evolution as a scalable educational and technological product.