Project Overview#
As the leader of a Hackathon Challenge, I took full responsibility for the planning, preparation, and execution of the event. The objective of the challenge was to develop a low-cost alternative to traditional industrial robotic arms that could perform simple tasks. The project was built on an Open-Source design, which I adapted to our specific use case using CAD software.
Ahead of the event, I built a fully functional prototype to validate both the design and functionality of the robotic arms. Given the tight timeline during the hackathon, I ensured that the necessary 3D-printed parts were produced in advance, as 3D printing would have taken several days.
Responsibilities and Preparation#
To ensure the success of the robotic arms and the efficient execution of the hackathon, I was responsible for the following areas:
- Prototyping and Material Preparation: Developed a functional prototype to validate the design before the hackathon.
- 3D Printing and Component Fabrication: Produced all 3D printed parts ahead of time to adhere to the strict time constraints during the hackathon.
- Specialized Hardware Components: Procured and manufactured custom components, such as sliding bearings, to ensure the mechanical functionality of the robotic arms.
Execution and Team Leadership#
During the hackathon, I organized and led three separate teams, each working on parallel workflows to develop the robotic arms. These teams relied upon proven Open-Source solutions from a variety of fields:
- Software and Kinematics: Leveraged Open-Source projects for calculating the arm’s kinematics.
- Electronics: Integrated Open-Hardware solutions typically used in CNC milling machines to build the control systems for the robots.
By strategically combining Open-Source software and hardware with custom-built components, the project was successfully completed on time and met all expectations.
Results and Challenge Success#
The challenge’s goal of developing an affordable robotic solution was efficiently and successfully achieved. The key outcomes include:
- Cost-Efficient Robotic Arms: Developed three functional robotic arms that serve as a cost-effective alternative to far more expensive industrial options.
- Effective Use of Open Source: Through the strategic use of open-source software and custom hardware solutions, the project met its budget while maintaining high quality and performance.
- Efficient Team Leadership: Managing three parallel teams led to the on-time and high-quality completion of the robotic arms.
Conclusion#
Successfully coordinating and executing the hackathon challenge to develop cost-efficient robotic arms demonstrated the potential of Open-Source technologies combined with custom hardware solutions. Through strategic planning, detailed preparation, and efficient team leadership, we delivered an innovative and cost-effective outcome that creatively solved a real-world industrial need.