Assignments

Principles and Practices (part 1 of 2)

  • Plan and sketch a potential final project

Project Management (part 2 of 2)

  • Read, sign (add your name to) the student agreement and commit it to your repo
  • Work through a git tutorial.
  • Build a personal website in the class archive describing yourself and your final project. Refer to the lecture material for examples.
  • Upload parts 1 and 2, to the class archive.

Project Description: IoT Security Device (FabSafe)


What is it?

The project consists of an IoT security device designed to block the activation of dangerous machinery in a FabLab. It only allows access through fingerprint recognition or an administrator command sent via interface. This device reduces accident risks by preventing unauthorized personnel from operating equipment. It additionally requires periodic confirmations to ensure machines aren't left unsupervised, and includes a notification system that alerts administrators when machines are activated, enabling real-time control and emergency lockdown capabilities.

Device Components

  • ESP32: Controls the relay system that blocks machine activation
  • Relay: Interrupts electrical power to the machine
  • LED Display: Shows current system status
  • Fingerprint Reader: Enables authorized access
  • WiFi Antenna: Enables communication with admin interface
  • Buzzer: Emits audible alerts
  • Protective Case: Houses all internal components
  • Custom PCB: Organizes electrical connections
  • Vinyl Signage: Displays proper usage instructions
  • Laser-Cut Acrylic Screen Protector: Provides durable display protection

Who Will Use It?

Primarily designed for FabLab administrative and operational staff, the device serves two key purposes:

  • Enhances safety by ensuring only trained personnel operate machinery
  • Prevents unauthorized activation by any lab visitors

Importance and Benefits

Importance:

  • Safety: Reduces risks with dangerous equipment
  • Control: Enables effective usage monitoring
  • Prevention: Blocks unauthorized access

Benefits:

  • Personnel Protection: Ensures only certified operators
  • Real-Time Alerts: Instant admin notifications
  • User-Friendly: Intuitive fingerprint interface
  • Customizable: Adapts to various machines

This project not only improves FabLab safety but sets a new standard for responsible management of hazardous equipment in educational and manufacturing environments.



Website Development Justification

As a Systems Engineer and Developer, I created this website to showcase my weekly progress in the FabAcademy program. Using an HTML template with Bootstrap, CSS, and JavaScript allowed me to accelerate development while maintaining professional standards. My workflow was optimized through Visual Studio Code with preconfigured extensions and code snippets, enabling efficient content updates and version control integration.


Step-by-Step Website Setup Guide

1. Development Environment Setup

Tools: Visual Studio Code (VSCode) as primary editor
Productivity Boosters: Preconfigured code snippets -+nd extensions

2. Git Installation

  1. Launch VSCode and navigate to Version Control panel
  2. Follow prompts to install Git for 64-bit systems
  3. Complete installation and restart VSCode
    4. STEP 1
    STEP 2.1
    STEP 2.2
    STEP 3

3. Repository Cloning

  1. Select "Clone Repository" in the version control section, or use the easier option of cloning directly from your repository on GitLab.
  2. Access the FabLab Git repository by logging in with your FabLab credentials.
  3. Generate access token in Git account settings

    4. STEP 4
    STEP 5
    STEP 6

4. Access Token Configuration

  1. Create new token with read/write permissions.
  2. Go to your GitLab profile, click on the dropdown menu, and select "Clone" using HTTPS to avoid network blocks.
  3. Select the local folder where you want to clone the repository in VSCode.
  4. When prompted to authenticate, use your FabLab username and the previously generated token (created for this PC) to complete the process.
    5. STEP 7
    STEP 8
    STEP 9
    STEP 10

5. Final Setup

  1. I accepted the authors and verified that all files were cloned correctly.
  2. I opened the cloned HTML file to view the webpage.
  3. I verified the website's functionality and ensured everything was working as expected.
  4. I implemented modifications to the HTML template as needed.
  5. I configured custom code snippets to speed up development.
    6. STEP 11
    STEP 12
    STEP 13
    STEP 14
    STEP 15

6. Upload Changes to the Repository

  1. I staged the changes using git add . in the terminal or through VSCode's Source Control interface.
  2. I committed the changes with a descriptive message using git commit -m "Descriptive message here".
  3. I pushed the changes to the remote repository using git push origin main (replacing main with my branch name when necessary).
  4. I verified on GitLab that the changes were successfully uploaded.
    5. STEP 16
    STEP 17
    STEP 18
    STEP 19