Applications and Implications

This week's assignment involves answering important questions about my final project, such as what it will do, who has done similar projects before, how much it will cost, and more.

What will it do?

When someone visits the University Ibero and wants to explore on their own, they might get lost. This is where my project comes in. It involves a cute little robot designed to look friendly. The robot can listen to your requests for directions and provide the information you need to find your way.

Who has done what beforehand?

There are many types of robots designed for various tasks, such as vacuum cleaners that clean your floor, robots like BellaBot that can grab items for you, or high-precision surgical robots like Da Vinci. Each robot has its unique characteristics, though some may be similar or even identical. My project is quite similar to a robot named Pepper, which is designed to connect with people, assist them, and share knowledge.

What will you design?

I will design it from scratch, including creating the design myself. It will feature basic animations displayed on a 2.4-inch TFT screen. I will also design the PCB using the XIAO ESP32 as the microcontroller since it needs to control the microphone for inputs and the speaker and display for outputs.

What materials and components will be used, where will they come from, and how much will they cost?

Note: The pins, SMD components, and cables are provided to us for free here at the university.

What parts and systems will be made?

First, I will create the PCB to incorporate a small, highly efficient design that is compact and easy to assemble. Once the PCB design is complete, I will use Solidworks to create the physical design, which will be saved as an STL file. Next, I will process the STL file in Cura to generate G-code for 3D printing. Finally, all the printed parts will be assembled together.

What processes will be used?

• PCB fabrication
• Soldering the electronic components
• Programming the microcontroller
• Make the animation for the screen
• Record some responses
• Functionality test

What questions need to be ansewered?

• What will the robot do?
• How easy will it be for users to interact with the robot?
• Who is the target audience for this robot?
• Does it have a lot of responses?

How will it be evaluated?

The evaluation process for the robot will cover several key aspects to ensure its effectiveness and usability. The robot will be assessed on its ability to understand and respond to commands accurately and promptly.

Accuracy and helpfulness are crucial. The robot must correctly interpret and address user questions with relevant answers, offering useful information and practical solutions or guidance. Additionally, it must maintain a polite and respectful tone, using courteous language and expressing empathy to ensure users feel respected.

Clarity of instructions is also important. The robot's instructions should be clear, concise, and easy to follow. It should create a positive, interactive experience by responding to follow-up questions and adapting to the user's communication style.

Finally, speed of response is vital. The robot should reply to commands promptly to maintain user engagement and satisfaction.

By evaluating these criteria, we ensure the robot meets functional requirements and provides a pleasant, helpful user experience. The goal is for the robot to be a reliable, efficient, and courteous assistant.