This week, our team looked into the details and logistics of our redesigned plan including researching and ordering appropriate tube diameters, solenoid valves and a medium sized wheel. In the next coming days as our parts arrive, we will be building small demos and testing small features of our design.
At the beginning of the week, we looked into ordering 12 V powered solenoid valves that support 1/2 and 3/8 diameter size tubing (with the appropriate adapter). We have since ordered those parts and in the mean time were looking up tutorials in terms of building and testing these features.
We also looked into possible ways of mixing, and we decided to use a magnetic stick bar, where it will move down into the drink upon a magnetic field being present. This simple, yet effective up and down process of mixing will be precise and minimize any spillage.
We also discussed the logistics of the garnish feature as it is a challenge to allow only one garnish at a time to enter the drink via tubing. We decided as a team to use an arduino programmed robotic arm that will have a fixed movement of picking up a garnish and placing it in the drink. The parts for this robotic arm have also been ordered. This new feature will decrease the overall latency of the system because we can concurrently have robotic arm picking up a garnish can happen when mixing process
For the Django web server we integrated a simple facial recognition software using OpenCv framework for user authentication and allows new users to take a photo of themselves for registration. We have also created basic pages for ingredients, products, and open suggestions. Our repository is here: github.
This upcoming week, we plan to receive a majority of our parts and begin building our system and programming the Arduino based on our designs. We will begin testing the various tubing and valve sizes for appropriate fluid rates and begin the process of controlling the valves via the Arduino.
A.) Written by Rohan Shenoy
Our automotive drink dispenser considers public health and welfare by ensuring precise, hygienic, and customizable beverage preperation. By automating the drink-making process with highly regulated solenoid valves and sealed tubing, the system minimizes human contact with ingredients, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring a sanitary beverage experience. The electromagnetic mixing mechanism ensures consistent and thorough mixing, improving drink quality and overall welfare for the users. Additionally, the robotic garnish arm eliminates any manual handling of the ingredients, further enhancing the hygiene of the experience. Furthermore, by providing a facial recognition authentication system as well as an interactive recommendation system of drinks, our system increases the overall welfare of users who can personalize their drinks with ease. Our safety is prioriitzed through minimizing any risk between any amount of spillage and electrical components, as we plan on distancing our arduino from the system, and covering up any exposed electrical parts. We also ensure safety by limiting the rate of liquid flow, to limit spillage and any overflow. Furthermore, the robotic arm will have limited movement between picking a garnish and placing it in a cup, hence not having the potential to cause any external harm or damage.
B.) Written by Arda Akinci
Our product solution will take into account the various social factors that impact how people interact with the system. Specifically, we will use a facial recognition for authentication with OpenCV. This will reduce barriers for user who have difficulty with manual input methods, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive experience. Also, the system will minimize human intervention, making it an efficient option for high traffic environments like bars, events and self-serve situations.
Another social factor is cultural inclusivity in beverage selection. Our system will allow for custom input drinks which will be able to cater to their dietary, religious, and personal preferences. This flexibility will allow for any and all social environments. Our AI-driven suggestion model will provide users with drink recommendations based on preferences.
The automation of our system will also reduce the burden on bartenders and service staff, allowing them to focus on customer interactions rather than repetitive tasks. This can ultimately lead to improved work conditions and better customer satisfaction. Along with this, we hope that our facial recognition will be able to detect whether the user is “too intoxicated” to consume another beverage, ultimately ensuring the safety of the user and the user’s surroundings.
C.) Written by Howard Ma
Our product solution presents several advantages in consideration of economic factors in terms of production, distribution, and consumption.
From a production standpoint, our design prioritizes cost-effective components with free shipping, and 3d-printing structure to minimize custom manufacturing expenses. Also, by utilizing a modular design in each sections, it allows for scalability so future expansion could be done much easier.
From a distribution standpoint, our design has the potential to serve a broad range of commercial and home users. While it is true that it cannot replace a high end bar-going experience, for small events, home uses, regular restaurants, event venues and small parties, our users may find it appealing for convenience and consistency. Additionally, the modular and sectional design allows for easy component replacement and repairs, reducing costs of maintenance.
From a consumption standpoint, our design reduces waste and mess by limiting ingredient pouring errors through precise dispensing and minimizing human error in terms of drink preparation. The automated nature of the project allows owners to reduce human attention and instead tend to other areas, like interactions with guests, for example. Furthermore, by incorporating data-driven profiling approach, the user and inventory can be managed efficiently and effectively.
Here is the current Gantt chart that we established for our project proposal presentation. We are currently on schedule.
