Over the past few days I’ve been trying to reconcile all of my project ideas - especially those involving robotics - and distill them down to a few, actionable project plans. Some of the ideas I’ve had include making something like a larger version of the eduMIP, building a Kiwi drive platform, building a robot arm like a small diy version of KUKA’s KR 700 PA… and the list goes on… I am an endless stream of ideas.

The hard part: making up my mind

I know that all of these ideas would be really fun to do and that I would certainly learn a lot in the process, but there are a few issues… First of all, obviously, I need to be able to take the project to completion both resources-wise and time-management-wise. Secondly, something I miss all to often when coming up with project ideas: practicality, for me at least, I don’t really have any use for a segway robot - do you? I doubt it. With this in mind, I put together a few requirements for a project:

  • Mostly consist of parts I already have (motors, electronics, etc.)

  • Involve some aspects of control systems engineering, simulation, math, etc.

  • Allow for the exploration of autonomous robotics, sensing, etc.

  • Practice interdisciplinary engineering skills, mechanical, electrical, etc.

  • Able to be completed in a reasonable timeframe (summer break)

After acknowledging these criteria, I think one of these ideas - the TriangleBot kiwi drive robot - is the most viable and doable. My reasoning for this is twofold: First of all, and prolblably most importantly, I have most if not all of the materials on hand to build a robot of this sort. Secondly, I think its the best platform for exploring autonomy and sensing since it’s a stable and easily controlled platform.

Project Management

I know I’m great at procrastinating things (including this blog post…) but since I’m going to be documenting this project on this blog, its probably a good idea to adhere to some sort of plan.

Project Stages:

  • Gearbox & drivetrain design

  • Frame & Superstructure (electronics panels)

  • Manipulator (4+ axis arm)

  • Control systems (simulation, modelling, teleoperation)

  • Autonomy and sensing (path driving, computer vision, etc.)


If you read this far, thanks for looking at my blog, and keep posted for more information and updates!