Assignments
Weekly assignments for Fab Academy 2026.
Weekly Schedule
Week 1: Principles and Practices, Project Management
✅ Completed - Introduced final project idea - Built project website with MkDocs - Version control with Git/GitLab
Week 2: Computer-Aided Design
✅ Completed - 3D modeling with Fusion 360 - 2D technical drawings with JW-CAD - Vector graphics with Inkscape - Image compression and optimization
Week 3: Computer-Controlled Cutting
✅ Completed - Laser cutting (parametric press-fit kit) - Vinyl cutting (logos and labels) - Kerf testing and characterization
Week 4: Embedded Programming
✅ Completed - Seeed XIAO SAMD21 programming with Arduino IDE - Button and LED circuit on breadboard - Wio Node + Grove temperature/humidity sensor via REST API
Week 5: 3D Scanning and Printing
✅ Completed - 3D printed gearbox with Bambu Lab P2S - 3D scanning with Hitem3D (multi-view AI scan) - Background removal with rembg
Week 6: Electronics Design
✅ Completed - Circuit simulation with Falstad - Schematic and PCB design with KiCad - Test Board: XIAO SAMD21 + button + LED
Week 7: Computer-Controlled Machining
✅ Completed - Designed Gecko Shelf with JW-CAD - Toolpaths with KrabzCAM - Milled 12 mm plywood with Maslow CNC
Week 8: Electronics Production
✅ Completed - Designed Reptile Monitor PCB with KiCad - CNC milling with pcb2gcode - Soldered XIAO ESP32C6, Grove connectors, LED
Week 9: Input Devices
✅ Completed - Dual SHT31 temperature/humidity sensors (I2C 0x44 / 0x45) - Verified all Grove connectors on Reptile Monitor board - I2C address configuration with solder jumper
Week 10: Output Devices
✅ Completed - SSD1306 OLED display showing sensor data - Grove I2C Motor Driver TB6612FNG controlling blower fan - Fan ON/OFF control based on temperature threshold
Week 11: Networking and Communications
✅ Completed - Wireless communication with XIAO ESP32C6
Week 12: Machine Design
✅ Completed - Whiteboard drawing robot — motor mount design, 3D printing, and video production
Week 13: Molding and Casting
✅ Completed - Designed Gecko emblem mold with Fusion 360 - CNC milling of wax block, handy router surface finishing - Silicone mold making and UV resin casting
Week 14: Interface and Application Programming
✅ Completed - Real-time MQTT dashboard with Bootstrap 5.3 and Chart.js 4 - Flask + SQLite backend for sensor history (up to 1 month) - 5-device control: lighting, intake fan, exhaust fan, heater, humidifier
Week 15: System Integration
🚧 In Progress - Integration plan: power board, enclosure, in-tank modules, and top lid - Build phase: May 14 – 28 / Integration: May 29 – 31
Week 16: Wildcard
✅ Completed - Automatic embroidery with Brother Skitch PP1 - Inkscape + Ink/Stitch → .pes → Artspira (iOS) → machine
Week 17: Applications and Implications
✅ Completed - Final project planning: purpose, materials, processes, cost breakdown - Success criteria and outstanding questions defined
Week 18: Invention, Intellectual Property, and Income
✅ Completed - Dissemination plan: CERN-OHL-W / MIT / CC BY 4.0 licenses - Future possibilities and business models - Project status, timeline, and learnings
Week 19+: Project Development
🔜 Coming Soon
Progress Overview
| Week | Topic | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles and Practices, Project Management | ✅ Complete |
| 2 | Computer-Aided Design | ✅ Complete |
| 3 | Computer-Controlled Cutting | ✅ Complete |
| 4 | Embedded Programming | ✅ Complete |
| 5 | 3D Scanning and Printing | ✅ Complete |
| 6 | Electronics Design | ✅ Complete |
| 7 | Computer-Controlled Machining | ✅ Complete |
| 8 | Electronics Production | ✅ Complete |
| 9 | Input Devices | ✅ Complete |
| 10 | Output Devices | ✅ Complete |
| 11 | Networking and Communications | ✅ Complete |
| 12 | Machine Design | ✅ Complete |
| 13 | Molding and Casting | ✅ Complete |
| 14 | Interface and Application Programming | ✅ Complete |
| 15 | System Integration | 🚧 In Progress |
| 16 | Wildcard | ✅ Complete |
| 17 | Applications and Implications | ✅ Complete |
| 18 | Invention, IP, and Income | ✅ Complete |
| 19+ | Project Development | 🔜 Upcoming |