IDE Project 2: D.A.N.I.: Can Delivery Robot
How can you carry cans with high precision to its destination?
This project was part of a second year course of IDE. The challenge: Create a robot which can carry cans in a straight line to a designated position from a wall. This project challenged the team and I to integrate knowledge of statics, programming and electronics to build an accurate and precise robot. This is the first project where Mechatronic knowledge was applied. The result: D.A.N.I.: Dynamic Automated Nutrition Interface.
The challenge was to build a can carrying robot limited by certain specifications. There were stringent benchmarks to determine the evaluation of the robot.
In order to optimize the material and carry the maximum amount of cans. I applied the parallel axis theorem, applied knowledge from Aerospace, to determine the ideal profile for the bend aluminum plate.
After the design was finished and production of the robot had started, we found out the profile that I designed would not be able to be produced. I adjusted and simplified the design. This design allowed the production method to produce the robot. It increased the height of the robot, but still stayed within acceptable parameters. .
Alongside the programming of the motors and PID. I co-designed the robot casing with Jamie Luik within SolidWorks. This casing was designed to house all electronics and to be 3D printed.
Prototyping and testing allowed us to refine the design further. To find any issues that may be addressed and find a solution for these.
The design for D.A.N.I. was completed after numerous prototypes. The design fit all the requirements set by the evaluation rules.
I helped fine-tune the code and PID controller for D.A.N.I. to execute its purpose reliably and accurately. It performed its function excellently. The project was a success and full marks were given to the team. Watch the first attempt of the evaluation test in the video above.
This project went on to become a set piece for the open days of the IDE faculty. To show off the project and become an example for future students.