Overall Updates
This week we focused on researching different software and hardware components for Bearbot.
The specific libraries for the frontend and backend of the website were located and completed wireframes were created for all of the different options the user will have when interacting with Bearbot.
Half of the components were located for the hardware – including the specific microcontroller that will be used. In addition, the CAD has been started for the skeleton of the robot.
Next week will entail a complete list of hardware components, a finished prototype CAD design, and more research about the webapp and programming the Raspberry Pi. We will also begin to prepare for the Design Review.
Kayla’s Status Report 2/8
After the presentation, I finished the wireframes for the Web App. The wireframes showcase the functionality the webpage will have and the different ways the user will be able to use the Bearbot.
The technology frameworks that will be used for this project are React and Flask. React will help with the frontend of the website while Flask will be utilized for the backend.
Taylor’s Status Report 2/8
After the presentation, my goals were to start solidify the materials list and work on the CAD for the hardware of the Bearbot. I began by researching the type of raspberry PI board to get, and then getting components based off the specifications of the board. We are going with a Raspberry PI because of the libraries it can provide over the Arduino. Here are some of the components that were found this week:
In addition, from the feedback during the presentation one of the students raised the question of why we were using a battery pack instead of a plug to an outlet which would solve one of our design problems and eliminate one of our requirements for the Bearbot. While this is a good solution, it removes the ability to take and use the Bearbot anywhere. This feedback will be taken into consideration when thinking about the power supply, but at the moment it would be more practical for the user if the Bearbot operated fully on a battery pack.
One of our main challenges on the hardware side will be silicon cover for the Bearbot. In the next couple of weeks I plan to reach out to the Soft Robotics Professor and ask what materials would be best for our case.
I have also started on the CAD of the Bearbot. For this project I will be using Fusion 360 to make the plans and the Bambu printers in Robotics Club to test prototypes and manufacture the final version. Next week I will continue to work on the CAD and test out a prototype.
The image shows a rudimentary sketch for the CAD of the Bearbot in Fusion 360. There will be 3 separate components; the head, the body, and the base.