Shiny Blue Two-Axis Robot Arm - ECE342-SP24

Python
3D Printing
PCB
Robotics

We built a two-axis robot arm with the unmet goals of drawing of a 10-inch straight line with a precision within 0.25 inches on either side of the line and the replication of simple images, which the user has the ability to provide. While we could not meet those two requirements, we created an arm with SCARA topology that is inexpensive and accepts G-code commands from the user via a custom-built GUI. This GUI also allows the user to send in images for the robot arm to replicate. The GUI was built in Python and was integrated with an Arduino script to help control the motors. The robotic arm sports a custom power supply board that powers one of the two servo motors. The board utilizes voltage regulator integrated circuits and has standard pin headers and connectors. It is important to note that the current schematic for the PCB is a faulty design, and while the board was made to work, significant revision is needed for the PCB design. The physical robot arm was 3D-printed, with heavy weights used to hold down the base of the arm. Arm stability relies on having a writing utensil attached, to ensure enough weight is placed on the paper. In addition to improving the PCB, future work should be done to improve the physical design of the robot arm, as well as to properly replicate images.

6 Lifts 

Artifacts

Name Description
Executive Project Summary This is an overview of our design process, project approach, timeline, and lessons learned. This gives some general approach/knowledge for teams looking to learn from our mistakes.   Link
Python code Repository This GitHub repository contains the code for the Python GUI and Image processor. It also contains some sample images as well as a requirements.txt file containing the external libraries used.   Link
Arduino Code Repository This repository contains the code for the arduino, which includes the IK Solver.   Link
Showcase Video This video gives a brief overview of this project's components and some of our struggles with this project.   Link
G-Code Testing Video This is a link to a video showing the robot responding to G-Code commands.   Link
System Level Testing This document contains the system level interface table and testing plan. It also holds the links to the videos of our engineering requirements being met, and all of our specific block artifacts.   Link
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