GrassBot: WiFi-Controlled 3D Printed Grass-Cutting Robot

Introduction

The GrassBot project aims to design and develop an affordable, WiFi-controlled, 3D printed grass-cutting robot. This robot is intended for DIY enthusiasts and the open-source community, providing an efficient solution for maintaining small to medium-sized lawns.

System Architecture

High-Level Overview

The robot's design includes a 3D printed chassis that houses all electronic components. These components include a microcontroller for WiFi control, motors for movement and cutting, sensors for obstacle detection, and a rechargeable battery pack.

Key Components

Chassis: 3D printed, lightweight, and durable
Microcontroller: ESP8266/ESP32 for WiFi and system control
Motors: Two DC motors for movement, one for cutting blades
Power Supply: Rechargeable Li-ion or LiPo battery pack
Sensors: Ultrasonic or IR sensors for obstacle detection
Control Software: Custom firmware for operation and communication

Development Plan

The development of GrassBot is structured into several phases, with milestones including research, design, prototyping, software development, and testing, leading up to the final delivery on December 4th.

Milestones

Research & Planning: September 1 - September 15
Design Phase: September 16 - October 15
Prototyping: October 16 - November 10
Software Development: November 11 - November 25
Testing & Iteration: November 26 - December 3
Final Delivery: December 4

Conclusion

GrassBot aims to be a cost-effective, open-source solution for automated lawn maintenance. All design files and documentation will be available to the open-source community upon completion.