Mobile 3D Printing Robot

This project involves the design of a novel mobile 3D printer; one that uses computer vision and a unique configuration to print on surfaces at all angles. Following an initial build last year, a new EECS team is sought to build movement and calibration abilities. This will require creating a new sensor and actuator sub-system that will require the team to understand how 3D environments are understood through the use of sensors. Students on this project will get the chance to integrate 3D vision into a 3D printer and program a novel setup compared to current open-source printers. 

Objectives

The goal for this team is to design a system of sensors, actuators that will align the printing robot precisely to the print surface. This will require:

  • Working with the mechanical design team to integrate new components within the larger system.
  • Determining the best sensors, actuators, and data processing to provide precise environment information and precise movements.
  • Create the logic for reading sensor data and understanding the environment and the difference between the robot’s current position and the target position.

By the end of the project, it is expected that the 3D printer can approach and align itself to the build surface and begin printing.

Motivations

There is a need for field-deployable, mobile 3D printers to fabricate large parts, repair existing parts, or produce temporary fixtures and supports. However, standard 3D printers fully encompass the print area and typically only move in 3 axes. One solution to this to have mobile 3D printers, but currently they have one use case: large scale concrete printing for buildings. Computer vision has also been used on 3D printers to improve quality but integrating that with a mobile setup makes the print area essentially infinite.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of basic mechanical/mechatronic concepts 
  • Working in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Experience programming electromechanical components.
  • Knowledge of computation needed for 3D environments

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with 3D printers.
  • Taken or enrolled in one or more of the following courses: ECE 413, ECE, 451, CS 450, or CS 491.


Details

Project Partner:

Matthew Campbell

NDA/IPA:

No Agreement Required

Number Groups:

1

Project Status:

Accepting Applicants

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