SCARA Two-Axis Robotic Arm with Pen Control (03) ECE342-W25

C++
Python
3D Printing
Arduino
Junior Design

Our system is a SCARA two-axis robotic arm used for drawing, with a mechanism which supports quick writing utensil swapping. This feature allows for flexibility in switching between different drawing tools, enhancing its utility in drawing scenarios. It is capable of drawing a straight, 10-inch line at a rate of 4 inches per second. The arm uses a standard G-Code interface, allowing precise drawing instructions. To ensure affordability and ease of manufacturing, we set a budget of $200 and designed the system with easily manufacturable components, primarily utilizing 3D printing. The system is intended to provide a reliable, user-friendly solution for precise and consistent drawing tasks. The key technologies we implemented were Python for G-Code input and processing, PWM for servo control, C++ for ESP-32 control (including SPIFFS file uploading), KiCad for PCB design, Tinkercad for 3d-modeling, and I2C for daughterboard control. One of the main challenges we faced was servo calibration, as our servos showed deviations between 0-5 degrees over 20-degree increments causing large inaccuracies in implementation. If we were to redesign the system, we would opt to use stepper-motors instead of servo-motors to improve accuracy and easy of assembly (as stepper-motors wouldn't need individual calibration).

5 Lifts 

Artifacts

Name Description
Presentation Video Video presentation summary of the project.   Link
Project Summary An overview of the project's original design problem, engineering requirements, project timeline, approach, and key lessons learned.   Download
CAD Design CAD Models   Link
PCB Schematic KiCAD PCB schematic   Download
System Verification Document A full overview of the system, design process, individual blocks, and verification procedures.   Download
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