GLOWSENSE

What will it do ?

As the name suggests, GlowSense is a pair of interactive lamps that sense and glow. Each lamp is embedded with a time-of-flight (ToF) distance sensor to detect the proximity of objects in its surroundings. As an object approaches, the lamp responds by lighting up a NeoPixel LED with a gradual increase in brightness — from a soft glow at a preset distance to full intensity when the object is very close. But GlowSense isn’t just a standalone lamp — it’s a connected experience. The two lamps communicate wirelessly, creating a sense of presence between distant users. When a presence is detected near one lamp, the other lamp responds by blooming and glowing, symbolizing connection and interaction across space. GlowSense integrates with a custom mobile app that allows users to personalize their lamp’s colors. The lamps are designed in the form of flowers and feature a physical blooming mechanism, giving life to the light as it reacts to human presence.

This image is made using chatgpt

Features

• Proximity based dimming
• Automatic lamp control
• Energy efficient
• Wireless app control
• Interactive blooming petals
• Customizable lighting
• Minimal and modular design
• One lamp controls another

Mechanical and Electronic Integration of the GlowSense Lamp

Image

The blooming mechanism of the GlowSense lamp is driven by a reciprocating motion, where the central stem moves vertically to create a natural blooming effect. This motion is powered by a servo motor, which is programmed to control the upward and downward movement of the stem. The petals are mechanically linked to the stem through a series of articulated joints, designed to open and close in unison with the vertical motion. This ensures a smooth and lifelike blooming action that enhances the lamp’s floral aesthetics. After finalizing the mechanical structure, the electronic components were strategically placed for functionality and balance. The servo motor and a custom PCB are housed within the base of the lamp, ensuring both stability and easy access for maintenance or upgrades. Inside the petal-holding cup, a NeoPixel LED strip is mounted to provide a soft, dynamic glow that intensifies as the flower blooms. A time-of-flight (ToF) distance sensor is embedded in the base, positioned to detect approaching users and trigger the bloom and glow sequence based on proximity.

Who's done it beforehand ?

Ever Blooming Mechanical Tulip

The Ever Blooming Mechanical Tulip by Jiří Praus features a mechanical tulip that gracefully open and illuminate in various colors upon a gentle touch.Each petal contains SMD white LEDs, and the flower's core houses NeoPixel RGB LEDs. The petals' movement is controlled by a servo motor actuated through a pushrod mechanism, all managed by an Arduino Nano. A TTP223 touch sensor embedded in a leaf-shaped pad on the stem detects touch inputs to initiate the blooming sequence.

Everblooming mechanical tulip

Sources

I refered the mechanism of ever blooming mechanical tulip. I also referred previous fab academy documentations and youtube videos. I will be using chatgpt for programming codes.

What will I design ?

• A mechanical blooming mechanism, driven by a servo motor, to open and close the petals with lifelike motion.
• An integrated NeoPixel LED system to create a soft, glowing effect that changes intensity based on the user’s proximity.
• A custom PCB and housing to neatly integrate the electronics and ensure stability.
• A wireless communication system (e.g., ESP-NOW or Wi-Fi) to allow paired lamps to reflect each other’s status — when one lamp detects presence, the other lamp responds with synchronized blooming and glowing.
• A mobile app interface (GlowSense App) that allows users to choose custom colors and lighting behavior for their lamps.

What parts and systems will be made?

Reciprocating Blooming Mechanism :- Controlled by a servo motor, this system translates the stem’s vertical motion into smooth opening and closing of the petals.

Mechanical Parts

• Flower Petals
• Central Stem & Cup
• Lamp Base
• Petal Mechanism Joints & Linkages

Electronic parts

• Custom PCB

Communication System:-Enables one lamp to send status updates to its paired counterpart so they can mirror each other’s behavior.

Software System:- Glowsense mobile app allows users to select custom colors and lighting patterns.

What processes will be used?

Design & Modeling

• 3D CAD Modeling (Fusion 360): To design the mechanical structure — flower petals, stem, cup, and base.
• PCB Design (KiCad): For creating a custom PCB layout that integrates the microcontroller, servo motor, sensor, and Neo pixel connections.

Digital Fabrication

• 3D Printing : For custom parts such as stem mechanism, and inner structures.
• CNC Milling :For the wooden base
• Vaccum forming: For petals
• PCB milling : For custom board

Software & Programming

• ToF sensor input, Servo control, NeoPixel control, Wireless communication
• App Development (Kodular): For creating the GlowSense mobile app to configure color preferences.

What questions need to be answered?

Mechanical Design

• How much force is required to bloom the petals smoothly?
• How can I ensure the petals bloom uniformly and return reliably?

Programming

• How can I program for components to work all together synchronously

App

• What user settings should be available in the app ?

Performance

• Can both lamps stay in sync reliably over time?
• How well does the lamp respond to real-world user ?

How will it be evaluated ?

Primary Success Criteria

• Brightness Variation Based on Distance (High Priority): The most important feature is the smooth and reliable change in NeoPixel brightness based on input from the time-of-flight sensor. This directly reflects the project's interactive nature and validates the concept of "sense and glow."
• Functional Blooming Mechanism: The flower must physically open and close in response to detection. A servo-driven stem motion should trigger the petal movement reliably.
• Single Lamp Functionality: Achieving a fully functional single lamp that glows, blooms, and responds to distance input (as well as integrates electronics cleanly) is the minimum requirement for a successful outcome.

The design is modular, so a single working unit along with app proves the feasibility of extending to paired communication.

Extended Goals

• Two-Lamp Wireless Interaction : Demonstrating the communication between two lamps, where one lamp’s detection event causes the other to bloom and glow, is an advanced target.

This will prove the concept of emotional or remote interaction and elevate the project's novelty. Achieving this would demonstrate strong integration of wireless protocols, synchronization logic, and multi-device coordination.