T.W. Projects

Introduction: Embarking on a Robotic Odyssey

The quest to build a robot is not merely a technical challenge; it represents a comprehensive learning journey encompassing robotics, design, and programming. My motivation for undertaking this project stems from previous attempts that were hindered by inadequate processes and project management. With the lessons learned from these experiences, I am confident in my ability to approach this challenge with a refined strategy and achieve a better outcome.

Retrospective: Learning from Previous Endeavours

Robot 1: Initial Forays into Robotics

My first venture into robotics was driven by a desire to enhance my curriculum vitae (CV) and explore a burgeoning interest in this field. I embarked on this project with minimal planning, purchasing a budget-friendly robot kit and Arduino without considering system integration or compatibility.

Despite successfully constructing the chassis and integrating the components, including custom-designed 3D printed mounts, my journey was abruptly halted when the robot was accidentally damaged beyond repair. This experience underscored the importance of meticulous planning and the fragility of such projects.

This attempt can be seen on my YouTube channel as part of my original video series.

Robot 2: A Step Towards Open-Source Education

In my third year of university as part of my final year project, I created an open-source 3D printable robotic kit for education.This project intended to leverage everything I had learnt at university at this stage and any systems engineering knowledge I had gained from time in industry, employing a lifecycle management process.

However, due to a lack of clarity in my understanding of systems engineering and the pressures of academic commitments, the project’s execution fell short of my expectations.

Despite these challenges, I managed to complete a prototype, which, while not perfect, served its purpose for my academic report. The endeavour highlighted the difficulties of adhering to a structured process while balancing other responsibilities.

I have attached a link to a copy of my paper that I submitted for this project. Unfortunately, I no longer have access to most of the Computer Aided Design (CAD) files for this project nor the code that I wrote.

Vision and Mission: Crafting a Modular Open-Source Robot

My aspiration is to design a modular open-source robot that will serve as a vessel for mastering good design, programming, and systems engineering skills.

This robot will navigate its environment, avoid obstacles, and follow lines, embodying the principles of systems engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE).

Achieving Engineering Excellence and Project Management Acumen

The dual objectives of this project are to enhance my engineering capabilities and refine my project management skills.

From an engineering perspective, I aim to deepen my understanding of robotics, design, systems engineering, MBSE, and programming. Embracing systems engineering and MBSE is intended to establish a robust process for this and future projects

Project management, often seen as a daunting task for engineers, will be crucial for steering this project towards success within budget and time constraints. This self-management challenge will test my ability to apply systems engineering and lifecycle management processes effectively, aiming to establish a framework for future endeavours.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Growth and Improvement

This project is not just a repetition of past attempts; it is a challenge to myself to apply new skills and insights gained since those initial endeavours. By experimenting and pushing the boundaries of my knowledge, I aim to enhance my design skills through the implementation of advanced systems engineering and project management tools.

In my next post, I will delve into the structure of this project, outlining the key processes and methodologies I plan to employ. This journey is not just about building a robot; it’s about building a foundation for continuous learning and improvement in the fascinating field of robotics.

This project is not just a repetition of past attempts; it is a challenge to myself to apply new skills and insights gained since those initial endeavours. By experimenting and pushing the boundaries of my knowledge, I aim to enhance my design skills through the implementation of advanced systems engineering and project management tools.

In my next post, I will delve more into the user requirements for this projectl.