Posts
01: Introduction & Documentation
In today's class, we had an introduction to the class as well as we toured around the lab, looking at equipment and getting an idea of what the next few weeks will be like, and equipment will we use.
02: Basic Tools and Procedures
In today's class, we learned how to build simple prototypes with an Arduino such as blinking LEDs. I managed to build two prototypes with the Arduino that have different functionalities.
03: Introduction to Fusion 360 and Laser and Vinyl Cutters"
Fusion 360 is a Computer-aided design (CAD) software which is utilized to create models to be built. Fusion 360 is used by many people and organizations to develop solutions with multitude levels of complexities. We started learning Fusion 360 to aid us with the construction of our next assignment, which is building a press-fit kit.
04: Rapid Prototyping
In today's class, we begun with a review of tools such as saws and knives, as well as other methods of fabrication including drilling and joining.
05: Programmable Electronics
We reviewed the basics of Arduino programming (which is based on the programming language C), as we learnt about the different data types such as booleans, integers, and functions.
06: 3D Design & Printing
We started today's class with a review of 3D modeling using Fusion 360. We learned about how we can extrude sketches to create bodies, and creating components from the bodies to save them as STL files.
07: Electronic Input Devices
In today's lecture, we were introduced to input devices (sensors) such as light, sound, and motion sensors. We learned about how micro controllers such as the Arduino interprets analog signals in methods such as voltage dividers (a good example of this is a potentiometer).
08: CNC Milling
In today's class, we learned about the CNC (computer numerical control) which plays a huge role in most machineries we use both in the lab and in real world applications. In general, CNC is used in machines such as 3D printers and CNC milling machines, but we only refer to it as the latter. We learnt that CNC machines work in 3 axis, just like 3D printers, but some complicated CNC machines work in even more than that, by accommodating rotations, which is necessary for smooth milling.
09: Electronic Output Devices
In today's class, we reviewed output devices that can interact with the Arduino, and send some sort of signal.
10: Molding & Casting
In today's session, we were introduced to the concept of molding and casting. Casting is a really important process in fabrication, as it can be used to create multiple copies of the object.
Final project
For my final project, I decided to follow my passion for music in a way I never have done before. My goal is to build a robot that plays the piano. The song that I chose is “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven. Initially, I have decided to use servos for my project to press the piano keys. The robot will be tested in the Harvard Music Department.
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