17. Applications and Implications

What will it do?

As soon as your alarm time goes off, it will start making noise and run around your room. The sensors will help it dodge furniture so it doesn't get stuck in a corner, so the only way to silence it will be to get out of bed, chase it, and press its off button.

Who's done what beforehand?

There are mobile alarm clock concepts on the market (like the classic "Clocky" that rolls away to escape). In addition, in the community there are multiple obstacle-avoiding robots and digital clocks with alarms, but this project integrates both: an autonomous navigation system with evasion, precise timing (RTC), and audio playback.

What sources will you use?

Datasheets: For the ESP32-C6 chip, the TB67H451AFNG motor driver, and the DS3231 RTC module.
Software Documentation: SDK references and MicroPython/C libraries for reading analog sensors.

What will you design?

I will design the hamster's base in SolidWorks and then the shell in Blender. I also made the board with a Xiao ESP32-C6 since it has Wi-Fi (internet) and this will simplify the connection to an interface where I can set the alarm.

What materials and components will be used, how much will they cost, and where will they come from?

Item	Details	Qty	Unit Price ($)	Source/Link
PCB
Female pin	-	25	-	-
10k resistor	1206 smd	1	-	-
0 resistor	1206 smd	3	-	-
AMSL117 3.3v regulator	-	1	-	-
0.1uF capacitor	1206 smd	2	-	-
TB67H451AFNG	-	1	-	-
Attiny	412	1	-	-
XIAO-ESP32C6	-	1	7	UElectronics
Mechanical
PLA filament	-	-	20	InovaMarket
Mini Wheel	-	1	1.40	AliExpress
Electronic Components
Micro DC motor	6V 300 RPM	2	4	AliExpress
RTC sensor	-	1	4	MercadoLibre
Copper	-	1	6	AliExpress
Speaker	-	1	0.45	AliExpress
MAX98357	-	1	2	AliExpress
Analogic Sensor	4-50 cm	3	3	AliExpress
Battery	9V- 4200 mWh	1	17	Steren

What parts and systems will be made?

Structural System: 3D printed shell and motor mounts.
Electronic System: Manufacturing and soldering of the main PCB board, which has three separate boards: the main one where the Xiao ESP32 is located, the motor board, and the board for the 3 analog sensors.
Navigation and Logic System: Obstacle avoidance logic reading the array of 3 analog sensors, time interrupt from the RTC module, and PWM activation for the motor driver.

What processes will be used?

PCB manufacturing
3D printing
Programming
Laser cutting
3D modeling

What questions need to be answered?

1. With only 3 sensors, will the hamster be able to "see" well around it, or does it have blind spots that will cause it to get stuck in the corners of your room?
2. Will the noise made by the speaker be loud enough to wake you up, or will it sound too low?
3. How long will the robot's battery last before having to recharge it, taking into account the energy spent by the motors when it runs away?

How will it be evaluated?

The project will be successful if it meets the following operational criteria:

Precision: The RTC module triggers the alarm sequence exactly at the programmed time.
Autonomous Mobility: The robot navigates the floor, successfully dodging obstacles using the analog sensor array.
Sound: The amplifier and speaker play the alarm sound correctly while the robot is in motion.