Xin Ruili
-Fab Academy 2026-
Learning by Making , From Design to Digital Fabrication
Electronics enthusiast from China, always curious and loving to take things apart to understand how they work. Currently exploring digital fabrication and embedded systems through Fab Academy 2026, with a strong interest in open-source hardware, MicroPython, and creative electronics.
Current Build
Blockless
This is one of the projects I am spending time with right now. I am helping it move between code, hardware, classrooms, maker communities, and real user feedback - not as a formal product ad, but as an open lab note I can share with friends who care about embedded systems.
The idea is simple: make embedded development easier to try, teach, demo, and discuss. I care about the part where a board on the table becomes a story people can understand, reproduce, and improve together.
Embedded First
Boards, firmware, MicroPython, sensors, and the messy details that make a demo actually run.
Maker Friendly
I try to turn technical progress into notes, workshops, and examples that other makers can follow.
Shared Back
Questions from students, developers, and communities become part of the next round of product thinking.
My role here is close to how I like making things: build a little, explain a little, invite people to try it, then bring the feedback back to the bench.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
- My FabLab Journey -
A collection of my FabLab 2026 works exploring electronics, programming, and digital fabrication.
Week 01 - Project Management
- 01 Git and GitLab
- 02 MkDocs website
- 03 CI/CD pipeline
- 04 Final project idea
Week 02 - Computer Aided Design
- 01 2D design
- 02 3D modeling
- 03 Image compression
- 04 Design files
Week 03 - Computer Controlled Cutting
- 01 Laser cutting
- 02 Vinyl cutting
- 03 Parametric design
- 04 Press-fit testing
Week 04 - Embedded Programming
- 01 Microcontroller setup
- 02 GPIO control
- 03 Serial debugging
- 04 Firmware test
Week 05 - 3D Scanning and Printing
- 01 3D printing
- 02 Scanning workflow
- 03 Model repair
- 04 Print evaluation
Week 06 - Electronics Design
- 01 Schematic design
- 02 PCB layout
- 03 DRC check
- 04 Board test
Week 07 - Computer Controlled Machining
- 01 CNC design
- 02 Toolpath setup
- 03 Machining test
- 04 Assembly
Week 08 - Electronics Production
- 01 PCB milling
- 02 Soldering
- 03 Continuity test
- 04 Board bring-up
Week 09 - Input Devices
- 01 Sensor input
- 02 DHT22 test
- 03 MicroPython driver
- 04 Data reading
Week 10 - Output Devices
- 01 OLED display
- 02 Output control
- 03 MicroPython code
- 04 Device feedback
Week 11 - Networking and Communications
- 01 Network setup
- 02 Communication protocol
- 03 ESP32 testing
- 04 Data transfer
Week 12 - Mechanical Design
- 01 Machine concept
- 02 RFID vending test
- 03 Mechanism design
- 04 Team integration
Week 14 - Molding and Casting
- 01 Mold design
- 02 Casting material
- 03 Process test
- 04 Result evaluation
Week 15 - Interface and Application Programming
- 01 Web interface
- 02 Socket communication
- 03 ESP32 control
- 04 Application test
Week 16 - System Integration
- 01 Subsystem connection
- 02 State protocol
- 03 Packaging
- 04 Full-chain test
Week 17 - Wildcard Week
- 01 Grove Vision AI
- 02 SenseCraft deploy
- 03 XIAO ESP32C3
- 04 Model inference
Week 18 - Applications and Implications
- 01 Project scope
- 02 Materials and cost
- 03 Evaluation plan
- 04 Applications
Week 19 - Invention, IP and Income
- 01 License strategy
- 02 Dissemination
- 03 Income model
- 04 Progress tracking
Week 20 - Final Project Presentation
- 01 Summary slide
- 02 One-minute video
- 03 Final evaluation
- 04 Project files