EasyShop: A Robotic Vending Machine
Final Showcase Setup
Software
Python
HTML/CSS
Arduino/C++
Hardware
Raspberry Pi 4
Arduino
Linear Actuator
Lead Screw Assemblies
Servo Motor
3D Printing
Laser Cutting
Other metal shop fabrication methods
For our Senior Design Capstone project (Fall'21), my group and I were presented with the challenge, "make grocery shopping easier, " by our sponsors Amazon Robotics. Our solution:
The main mechanical components (shown in the slideshow above) of our design:
(1) a xz plotter & linear actuator assembly that give our end effector 4 degrees of freedom and (2) a T-slot frame housing gravity assisted shelves and product bins
Demo Video
A user can interact with our UI hosted on a web server (shown in the demo video) and select what kind and the quantity of produce they want.
The xz plotter then positions the entire end effector assembly in line with one of the shelves. A servo motor rotates the assembly to make the prongs aligned with the shelf of choice, and then a linear actuator extends the end effector until it slots into a bin base. The actuator then lifts, retracts, lowers, and gently pushes the bin off, successfully vending the item.
Please check out my project website for a more extensive overview of the entire engineering design process.
My Contributions
I worked with two of my partners on the mechanical design of the vending machine, including the xz plotter, parts of the linear actuator assembly, and bits of the T-slot shelf/bin system. Below are some of my designs.
