APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

ASSIGNMENT

Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered.

PROJECT PLAN

The project is to be finished from scratch in about 7 weeks at most. Gantt chart illustrates the process from scratch.

The most important objectives to be finished are the tracks, robot body and the electronics. Programming can be done concurrently with electronics production and prototyping closely follows 2D/3D design.

As I am a total beginner in many fields covered in the fab academy, I left extra time for the final project. However, for a more experienced individual, the reproduction of the project should be straight forward.

Reproduction of the whole system should not take longer than a week. However, if the individual wishes to replicate the process from scratch with their own design and code, the timeframe will be approximately 2-5 weeks (depending on experience).

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The project scope will determine the goals, deliverables, features, deadlines and costs.

Goals

The goal is to use as many digital fabrication techniques as possible to create a wirelessly movable tracked driven robot.

Deliverables

Three main deliverables are expected:

3D printed tank track driving system.
Laser cut body for the prototype and 3D design of concept art of final body.
Wifi control of stepper motors to move the robot.

Two extra deliverables, if time allows, are also considered:

Camera module with object tracking.
One board to control two motors and camera module.

Features

Main features of the tracked robot will be:

Modular tank treads.
Wifi control.
Camera module.
2 stepper motor driving system.

Deadlines

14th of June is my personal deadline.

Costs

The cost of the whole system should not be higher than EUR200.

Q&A

My project idea comes from my curiosity to learn and integrate mechanical, electronics and programming skills.

I came to the fablab minimal machine design and mechanical experience and a lack of hands-on acumen.

My skills have progressed from clumsy/clueless to more robust and transferable.

I will build a tracked robot with most components fabricated in the lab here in Kamp-Lintfort.

QUESTION 1: WHAT WILL IT DO?

The tracked robot will be able to move and monitor things around its environment. It is also a programming learning platform. It will be fabbable and easily constructed with digital fabrication techniques.

It will be controllable by a computer or phone and will be able to stream video to the browser.

QUESTION 2: WHO HAS DONE WHAT BEFOREHAND?

These type of robots have been done before and I take inspiration from previous works.

QUESTION 3: WHAT MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS BE REQUIRED?

Electronics: 1 Board, 2 stepper motor drivers, 1 wifi module board and any extra-addon.
Frame: Wood.
Tracks: 3D printed with PLA.
Motors: 2 nema 17 stepper motors.
Other components: camera module.

QUESTION 4: WHERE WILL THEY COME FROM?

2 nema17 motors will be ordered online and the stock material for the frame and tracks will be from Fab-Lab Kamp Lintfort.

QUESTION 5: HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

It is too early to know the total cost but the budget is EUR200.00.

QUESTION 6: WHAT PARTS AND SYSTEMS WILL BE MADE?

Frame.
Electronic boards for motors and other electronic components.
Whole track system.
Software for the camera and navigation.

QUESTION 7: WHAT PROCESSES WILL BE USED?

2D/3D design.
Machine design.
Milling: PCBs.
Laser cutting frame.
3D printing tracks.
Embedded programming
Input/Output.
Software development

QUESTION 8: WHAT TASKS NEED TO BE COMPLETED?

Electronics, motor control, camera control, mechanical movement and integration of all the system.

QUESTION 9: WHAT QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ANSWERED?

How fast can the tracked vehicle go?

How expandable will the features be?

Can obstacle avoidance be implemented?

How can it be improved?

QUESTION 10: WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE?

Information about the schedule is here.

QUESTION 11: HOW WILL IT BE EVALUATED?

Can it move?
Does the video monitoring capability work?
Has any optional feature been implemented?