WEEK 18 Applications and Implications, Project Development
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
FIANL PROJECT PANEL SKETCH
FIANL PROJECT TRACKING PROGRESS
On my Final Project Page, I present a bottom-up update process for my project, along with insights and lessons learned from weekly assignments related to my Final Project.
I've also included a progress key:
- ✅ Completed tasks
- ⚠️ Tasks that need further work
- ❌ Missing tasks, listed in a to-do format
Once everything is completed, both the Final Project and the page will be fully ready!
I'm scheduled to present on the first available day June 9, 2025 which means I have just 2 weeks left to finish all the remaining tasks! 😱
What tasks have been completed?
- Concept development and scope definition
- 3D prototype of the Cat’s Paw Button
- PCB design for Reward Machine & Treadmill
- Construction of treadmill frame and roller system
What tasks remain?
- Finalize and mill remaining PCBs
- Finish Reward Machine 3D design
- Assemble stepper motor mechanism for the reward system and finish prototyping
- Resolve code issue in Reward Machine
- Design Treadmill mechanism
- Produce side panels and incorporate electronics
- Calibrate treadmill distance tracking
- Develop wireless communication logic
- Integrate all modules into a full system
- Document system integration and testing
- Create presentation (slide & video)
What has worked?
- XiaoESP32-C3 based LED, Hall Sensor, Neopixel LED and buzzer feedback
- Button pressing system with LED and spring
- Treadmill conical wheels system and stable platform using bearings and rods
What hasn’t worked?
- Treadmill side panels with kerf bending
- Reward Machine servo control
- Wireless communication
What questions need to be resolved?
- Will 28BYJ-48 stepper solve the issue with the servo in Reward Machine?
- How to implement reliable wireless communication between devices?
- Should I consider putting felt material on the wheel surface for better grip wile running?
APPLICATIONS & IMPILCATIONSEVELOPMENT
What will it do?
Fitness Cat is a modular cat gym made of smart devices that encourage cats to exercise by rewarding them with low-calorie snacks. It includes:
- A wireless button cats can press for a treat.
- A treadmill wheel that tracks distance via sensors and dispenses a treat when a goal is met.
Who has done what beforehand?
- Pet fitness trackers and smart feeders exist commercially (e.g., PetSafe, Petcube), but they lack modular and DIY customization for cats' exercise.
- Projects like open-source pet feeders and Arduino-based cat toys inspired elements of this project, but none combine exercise tracking, interactive reward systems, and modular devices like Fitness Cat.
What will you design?
- Final products and parts for all enclosures and mechanical structures
- Custom PCBs for each module using Xiao ESP32 as the brain.
- Electronics including LED feedback, sensors, and mechanical interaction using stepper motors and Hall effect sensors.
- Embedded software for wireless communication between modules and logic for reward triggering.
What materials and components will be used?
- Common Components:
- Xiao ESP32-C3 (3x)
- Custom PCBs (3 designs)
- Debugging LEDs, push buttons, resistors and wires
- Wireless Button:
- 3D printed case
- Silicone mold
- 33 NeoPixel LEDs
- 4 springs
- Reward Machine:
- 3D printed structure and mechanics
- 10 NeoPixel LEDs
- Buzzer
- Stepper motor (28BYJ-48) + ULN2003 controller
- Treadmill:
- MDF base and wheel structure
- 4 bearings, 2x 8mm rods, 4x hex nuts
- Hall effect sensor
- 3D printed conical wheels, X screw covers and electronic box
Estimated BOM (bill of materials)
| Item | Quantity | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing material (PLA/PETG) | 2 colours | ~20€ | ~40€ |
| Silicone | 500 mL | 25€ | 25€ |
| MDF (12mm & 16mm) | 2 sheets | ~15€ | ~30€ |
| Mechanical stuff (bearings, rods, nuts) | 4 bearings, 4 nuts and | ||
| 68 cm rod | - | <5€ | |
| Electronics (resistors, leds, pin headers, wires) | - | - | <10€ |
| Xiao ESP32 | 3 | 6,90€ | 20,70€ |
| NeoPixel LEDs | 43 | 0.20€ | €8.60 |
| Hall Sensor | 1 | €1.50 | €1.50 |
| Stepper + ULN2003 | 1 | €3.50 | €3.50 |
| PCB copper board | 1 board | 2,25 | 2,25€ |
| Soldering materials | - | - | <5€ |
| Total | ~152€ |
What parts and systems will be made?
- All mechanical enclosures (3D printed or CNC cut)
- All PCBs
- Silicone mold for button
- Embedded systems (code for reward logic, wireless communication, LEDs/sound)
What processes will be used?
- 2D design: CNC cutting (MDF), vector designs, Laser cut (acrlilic)
- 3D design: Fusion 360 for Cat’s Paw Button, Treadmill and Reward Machine Dispenser
- Additive fabrication: 3D printing of all mechanical housings
- Subtractive fabrication: Mold and silicone cast
- Electronics production: PCB milling and soldering
- Embedded programming: Visual Studio Code with PlatformI for Xiao ESP32-C3
- System integration: Combining sensors, microcontrollers, actuators in working devices
CHECK LIST:
Applications and Implications:
Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered.
Your 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.
See Final Project Requirements for a complete list of requirements you must fulfil.
The answers to the questions in the checklist will allow you to create your BOM (Bill Of Materials).
Project Development:
- Complete your final project tracking your progress.
Learning outcomes:
- Define the scope of a project
- Develop a project plan including a schedule and a bill of materials (BOM)
- Track the progress of your project
- Summarise and communicate the essence of your project development
Have you answered these questions?
- What will it do?
- Who has done what beforehand?
- What will you design?
- What materials and components will be used?
- Where will they 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?
- what tasks have been completed?
- what tasks remain?
- what has worked? what hasn't?
- what questions need to be resolved?
- what will happen when?
- what have you learned?