17. Application and implications¶
assignment
Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered, answering:
- What will it do?
- Who’s done what beforehand?
- What will you design?
- What materials and components will be used?
- Where will come from?
- How much will they cost?
- What parts and systems will be made?
- What processes will be used?
- What questions need to be answered?
- How will it be evaluated?
The final 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 Projects can be separate or joint, but need to show individual mastery of the skills, and be independently operable.
Project Description:¶
MecaMate is a smart automation platform designed for a smarter workspace, integrating various sensors and components to perform autonomous tasks.
What will it do?¶
MecaMate is designed to automate tasks in a workspace, such as transporting materials or supplies autonomously.
Who has done what beforehand?¶
I investigated to find out who had done what before me, and I saw some final projects and startup or entreprises. Here’s the references :
FABAcademy final Projects
Startup/Entreprises Projects
Is the one who’s very close to what i’m going to build
What will you design?¶
A compact, autonomous robot with integrated sensors and control systems for efficient navigation and task execution in a workspace environment.
- Line Follower robot ;
- Obstacle avoidance ;
- Autonomous with delivery managing system ;
- A platform to place charge ;
What materials and components will be used?¶
- Sensors: ToF sensor, line sensors.
- Motors: 12V DC motors.
- 3D Printed PLA planetary gearboxes.
- Electronics: Input and output control boards.
- Power: 12V, 3000 mAh battery.
- Structure: 3D printed and CNC milled parts with Plexiglas.
- 3D Printed wheels TPU Filament;
- Bearing, screws and nut;
Where will they come from?¶
Components will be sourced from :
- According to the list of components I will be using for my robot, almost all Electronic Components are available in the lab only a few components are needed to be bought from local suppliers
- The PCB control board will be designed and fabricated in the Fab Lab.
- Considering the Mechanical Parts of my robot, all parts will be designed and constructed in the Fab Lab. Most parts are expected to be 3d printed such as the Wheels and the Frame. Some parts will be laser cut, and other will mill with a CNC like the robot plateform;
How much will they cost?¶
Below is the cost analysis table describing the cost per component and the total cost of all.
| Description | Quantity | Source | Cost | Total Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUTOTOOLHOME 12V DC Motor | 4 | Amazon | $6.89 each | $27.56 | Link |
| L293D drivers | 2 | Amazon | $2.50 each | $5.00 | Link |
| Shift register 74H595N | 1 | Amazon | $0.50 | $0.50 | Link |
| Double-sided | 1 | Local store | $5.00 | $5.00 | - |
| XIAO ESP32C3 | 2 | Amazon | $6.00 each | $12.00 | Link |
| IC REG LINEAR 5V 1A SOT223 | 2 | Digi-Key | $0.08 each | $0.16 | Link |
| 3D PLA filament 1kg | 1 | Amazon | $20.00 | $20.00 | Link |
| 3D TPU Filament 500g | 1 | Amazon | $25.00 | $25.00 | Link |
| 4.99 Kohm Resistor | 10 | Digi-Key | $0.16 each | $1.60 | Link |
| 12V Slim Battery REV-31-1302 | 1 | Amazon | $55.00 | $55.00 | Link |
| Switch Cable and Bracket REV-31-1387 | 1 | Amazon | $12.00 | $12.00 | Link |
| White Plexiglas 4mm | 1/4 | Local store | $10.00 | $10.00 | - |
| Bearing 7”19 | 8 | Local store | $1.00 each | $8.00 | - |
| Bearing 5”8 | 8 | Local store | $1.00 each | $8.00 | - |
| Total | $195.82 |
What parts and systems will be made?¶
-
PCB Custom control boards.
-
Chassis and mounting parts using 3D printing, Laser cut and CNC milling.
-
Mobile Application with MIT APP Inventor for monitoring
What processes will be used?¶
- Computer Aided Design : 2D and 3D design of parts.
- Electronics Design : Designing PCB board ;
- CNC milling : for robot base.
- 3D printing : for chassis parts and gearboxes and motors holders.
- Soldering and assembly of electronic components.
- Programming and testing for embedded systems.
- Networking : I2C communication of input and output.
- Electronics Production : CNC milling of PCBs.
- Laser Cutting : for the robot front and back.
What questions need to be answered?¶
- How to ensure reliable sensor data and communication?
- What is the optimal layout for components?
- How to optimize power consumption for longer operation?
How will it be evaluated?¶
- Functional testing to ensure MecaMate can navigate and perform tasks autonomously.
- System autonomy
- The navigation algorithm efficiency