Final Project

StandEase - Smart Mobility Stool

The Problem:

650+ million people with knee arthritis struggle with prolonged standing in kitchens, making daily cooking painful and exhausting.

The Solution:

A motorized stool that actively helps you sit and stand using biomechanically-correct dual actuators one pushes your back forward while the other tilts and lifts the seat, reducing knee strain by 60% with smooth, natural motion that feels like assistance, not machinery.

The Technology:

Dual linear actuators (12V, coordinated motion) mimic natural standing physics Pressure sensors in seat detect when you want to stand (no buttons needed) IMU sensor prevents tipping, locks brakes if device tilts >12° Motorized wheels let the stool follow you around the kitchen ESP32 microcontroller orchestrates smooth 2.5-second assist sequences Safety-first design: Emergency stop, anti-tip sensors, wide weighted base

Ideal process:

3D-printed ergonomic seat and backrest (PETG, wood-tone finish) + aluminum frame + actuators mounted at calculated angles for optimal leverage + embedded electronics hidden beneath the seat + memory foam padding with washable fabric cover = furniture that doesn't look medical

AutoChef - Automated Cooking Assistant

The Problem:

Cooking simple meals requires constant attention for stirring, temperature monitoring, and timing—challenging for elderly individuals with arthritis, people with disabilities, and busy professionals.

The Solution:

A countertop device that automates cooking mechanics: heats precisely, stirs continuously, dispenses ingredients by weight, and alerts when done. Just add pre-cut ingredients and walk away—perfect omelets, sauces, and stir-fries every time.

The Technology:

Induction heating plate (1400W) with PID temperature control (±5°C accuracy, 50-250°C range) Stepper motor stirrer with food-grade silicone paddle—circular, figure-8, or edge-scraping patterns at 10-120 RPM Rotating ingredient carousel with 4-6 compartments, servo-controlled gates, load cells for 0.1g precision dispensing Tilt platform (servo-driven, 0-30°) for controlled liquid pouring Arduino Mega/ESP32 brain coordinates all subsystems via motor drivers and SSR relay Safety suite: Smoke sensor (MQ-2), overheat shutoff (280°C), tip sensor (IMU), emergency stop, auto-timer (30 min max) Touchscreen UI + rotary encoder + LED status ring (red=heating, blue=stirring, green=done)

Ideal process:

CAD design (Fusion 360) → 3D print chassis, stirring arm → laser-cut acrylic windows & aluminum base → CNC/hand-fabricate stainless steel paddle → assemble aluminum extrusion frame → install induction heater + thermocouple → mount stepper motor on Z-axis gantry → build ingredient dispensing system with load cells → wire Arduino/ESP32 to motor drivers, sensors, SSR → program PID temperature control + stirring patterns + recipe engine → integrate touchscreen UI → safety test (smoke, tilt, overheat) → cook 10+ test omelets, tune parameters