Table of Contents

  • Applications and Implications:
    • Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered.
    1. 2D and 3D design
    2. Additive and subtractive fabrication processes
    3. Electronics design and production
    4. System integration and packaging.
    5. 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.

Applications and Implications:

Project Information: The Aemma Chhim

  • What will it do?
    • "The Aemma Chhim" is a Smart Automated Greenhouse designed to optimize chili growth in cold mountainous regions.
    • It monitors temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light, and controls internal conditions via fans, heaters, LEDs, and water pumps.
    • It records environmental data and logs it to a Google Sheet for analysis.
    • What does it do?
      Cosmic Pepper Pig's project is a prototype for a smart automated greenhouse designed to cultivate chilies (aema) in cold mountainous climates. It regulates temperature, humidity, and soil moisture using sensors and automation, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth.
    • Who’s done what beforehand?
      Mr. Ari Vuokila and Ms. Loise Kimwe completed similar projects in Fab Academy. IoT greenhouse automation.
    • Though there are a lot of projects done beforehand, the unique point of my project is the animal figure of it making it look fun and interesting.
  • What will you design?
    • 3D model of the greenhouse frame using Fusion 360.
    • 3D model of the head of the pig like a box that can slide to open and close using Fusion 360.
    • 3D model of the eyes and nose for the head of the pig.
    • Custom PCB for sensor and actuator control.
    • 3D model of water reservoir in fusion 360, its lid and its stand to elevate it so that the pressure is high
    • Custom PCB for sensor and actuator control.
  • What materials and components will be used?
    • PLA filament for 3D printing the water reservoir, the pot and the eyes and nose of the pig.
    • 4 mm plywood to laser-cut the head[pressfit box] and for the stand for the water reservoir.
    • 18 mm wood to CNC the structure of the greenhouse[middle module].
    • Xiao ESP32 C3 as the microcontroller.
    • dht11, ldr mh sensor and capacitive soil moisture sensors.
    • DC fan, LED bulb and water pump and a 4 channel relay.
  • Where will they come from?
    • PLA, 4 mm wood and 18mm wood, and basic components from Fab Lab inventory.
    • Advanced sensors and pumps ordered from Robu.in or Amazon or from local stores.
    • Component Name Specification Price (Nu.) Price (USD) Quantity Total Cost (Nu.) Online or Local Market
    Soil moisture sensor Capacitive V2.0 54 0.65 1 54 Available in the lab
    DHT22 AM2302 121 1.46 1 121 Available in the lab
    LDR Photoresistor 149 1.80 1 149 Available in the lab
    4 channel relay 5V module 219 2.64 1 219 Available in the lab
    Water pump Submersible 398 4.80 1 398 Available in the lab
    Xiao ESP32 C3 Wi-Fi + BLE 471 5.67 1 471 Available in the lab
    LED bulb 12V DC 159 1.91 1 159 Available in the lab
    240V to 12V converter Step down 190 2.29 1 190 Available in the lab
    USB Wall charger 5V 1A 190 2.29 1 190 Available in the lab
    Fan 3-inch DC — — 1 0 Available in the lab
    Plastic Polyethylene 2m x 2m 100 1.20 1 100 Available in the lab
    PLA filament for 3D printing Deep Blue, 2 kg 849 9.95 2 1698 Available in the lab
    4mm wood Laser cutting (30cm x 20cm) 40 0.47 1 40 Available in the lab
    18mm wood CNC (2400mm x 1200mm) 1200 14.06 1 1200 Available in the lab
    Vinyl sticker Yellow Glossy Wrap 249 2.92 1 249 Available in the lab
    Total (Nu.) 5637 (All Available in the Lab)
    Total (USD) $66.41 USD
  • What parts and systems will be made?
    • Custom greenhouse structure and enclosure.
    • PCB development board for sensors and relays.
    • Holders and mounts for components.
    • Integration of power, control, and monitoring systems.
  • What processes will be used?
    • 3D design in Fusion 360.
    • Additive manufacturing via 3D printing.
    • Subtractive fabrication via laser cutting and CNC.
    • PCB design and milling using KiCad and Mods.
    • Programming in Arduino IDE for embedded systems.

    • Key Questions to Answer

    • How will I collect, communicate, and store sensor data effectively?
    • Which platform or tools will I use for real-time data visualization and storage (e.g., Google Sheets, cloud services)?
    • What is my project timeline and am I on track to complete each milestone?
    • How do I want to present my final project through video or demonstration?
    • How can I improve the user interface and overall user experience to make it intuitive and accessible?

    Project Requirements and Goals

    My project should integrate:

    • 2D and 3D design for parts and enclosures
    • Additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) and subtractive fabrication (e.g., CNC milling, laser cutting)
    • Electronics design and production including PCB design and component assembly
    • Embedded microcontroller programming for sensor interfacing and automation
    • System integration ensuring all hardware and software components work together seamlessly
    • Packaging and presentation with clear documentation and an effective demonstration