Testing
  • Pushed some tests off until the last minute until there was no time to complete them, so we do not have the full results of how well our prototype could perform
    • Currently don’t know if grip strength is even strong enough to grasp sand-blaster, so that could impact changes to the entire design in the future
  • Learned that it did not need to replicate a human hand as closely as we thought
    • As long as it can hold the sandblasting gun and communicate with the data glove, there is no real reason to have 5 fingers with 3 joints on this device
  • Did not have the resources available to us to test how PLA holds up under repeated exposure to silica particles
    • If we knew the result of this, it might change the choice of materials in the future
  • Ultimately need a more mobile “wrist” feature of robotic hand in order to accomplish “artistic” motions required to sandblast jeans
Instructions and knowledge transfer
  • Information on programming and hardware specifics from ME480 is an extremely useful resource
  • Programming done in Arduino and 3D design done in Inventor
    • Easy programs to get comfortable with
  • 3D printing prototypes is extremely useful to see if certain components will work as envisioned
  • Google is a great resource for tips and background info on almost anything – no need to reinvent the wheel!
Advice to future capstone teams
  • Be friends with your team
    • It makes the year-long experience SO much more enjoyable when the entire team gets along and likes spending time together
  • Pick a problem first
    • It’s easier to come up with lots of solutions and narrow the options down to the best one than struggle to find a problem for a solution the team already has its mind set on
  • Utilize all of the senior design professors, not just the one assigned to your group
    • Professor-swaps are a great time to get outside feedback and tap into their knowledge on your subject
  • Stay on top of deadlines
    • There are only a few deliverables throughout the semester, but they are important ones! Make sure you keep an organized schedule so your team does not fall behind and have no choice but to cram at the last minute
  • Take pride in your work!