Capstone Project
| Group | 2023-22 | Status | completed |
| Title | Autonomous Medicine and Water Dispenser for the Elderly | ||
| Supervisor | W. Lynch, F. Fayyaz (CES) | ||
| Description | Our objective is to develop a robot specifically designed to assist the elderly by providing the required medication and water.
The robot will operate on a four-wheel mechanism and will be equipped with an auto-navigation system in order to reliably travel to a designated room where the user resides. Once it has reached its destination, the robot will be programmed to dispense the required medication for the person as well as provide a cup of water. After the task is completed, the robot will autonomously navigate back to its charging station.
Deliverables: • Robot design and blueprint: detailed schematics showcasing the robot design, internal components, and external appearance. • Auto-navigation system: A navigation system that ensures reliable movement to designated rooms • Medication-dispensing mechanism: A system that holds and dispenses accurate medication based on individual needs • Water-dispensing mechanism: a reservoir and dispensing system that provide a fresh cup of water (50 mL) to accompany the medication. • Charging system: The robot will be equipped with a charging mechanism that it will autonomously return to after task completion. • User manual: a comprehensive guide detailing the robot functionalities, troubleshooting methods, and maintenance instructions, as well as various other information that could be of use. |
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| Student Requirement | Mechanical design: understanding of the basic principles of mechanics and experience with designing mechanical systems and other moving components (ENGR 290) Electrical engineering: basics of circuits, sensors, actuators, and battery technology (ELEC 311, ELEC 312, ELEC 331, COEN 212). Computer programming: familiarity with languages commonly used in robotics, such as Python and C++. (COEN 243, COEN 244) Control systems: knowledge of feedback systems, control loops, and stability analysis (ELEC 372, ELEC 481). Artificial intelligence/machine learning: an understanding of basic AI principles, especially as they apply to navigation and obstacle avoidance (COMP 472). CAD software: familiarity with software like AutoCAD and Revit for designing robot parts and assemblies Simulation software: experience with tools like MATLAB or Simulink for simulating robotic behaviours and testing algorithms (ELEC 444, ELEC 342, ELEC 482) | ||
| Tools | Test equipment: • Navigation test: A classroom will be used as a simulation room for the robot. The tables will be the obstacles that mimic certain objects that can be found in a house. • Pill dispensing system test: assigning times that the pills should be given and verifying if the system actually works and is accurate. • Water dispensing system test: A paper cup would be filled with 50 ml of water upon delivery of the pills. • Autonomous return to charging station test: The robot will return to the charging station upon task completion. Software: • Navigation software: algorithms will be used to find the most reliable path to the designated room. • Battery level monitoring: software to detect battery level to be displayed on the robot • Route-learning algorithms: software to recognise and remember an optimal route from the charging station to the designated room or location, as well as finding alternate routes if an obstacle is present. • Event initiation protocol: software to monitor the time of day that will trigger the events of navigation and pill or water dispensing. • Event termination protocol: software to detect the completion of the task, causing the robot to return to the charging station. Hardware: • Battery and time display: screen to display the robot’s battery and the current time. • Navigation sensors: Various sensors will be used to detect obstacles and reliably navigate to the designated room. • Battery pack: a durable and efficient battery to power the robot. • Pill dispensing mechanism: mechanical components designed to dispense the appropriate medications • Hydration system components: a water reservoir and a pump to dispense water into a cup • Motors and drivetrain: to propel and steer the robot • Building materials: materials that will be used in the construction of the robot | ||
| Number of Students | 5-6 | ||
| Students | Y. Said, A. Lee Lefebvre, A. Kepekci, M. Arsenian, H. Kaur, M. Hutcheon | ||
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