Green Final Project Proposal-"Grap Crap"
Grasp the Trash, Save the Planet!
Embedded Files
Project Ideation
Project Ideation
1- What sustainability-related problem or need does your project address? What were you inspired by? What is/are the SDG/s you are tackling in your project? Include images and videos of similar projects
1- What sustainability-related problem or need does your project address? What were you inspired by? What is/are the SDG/s you are tackling in your project? Include images and videos of similar projects
Rubbish Collector Robot & sweep Robot
Sustainability-Related Problem
My project addresses the critical global issue of pollution and waste accumulation, particularly in areas that are challenging or hazardous for humans to access. This problem has devastating effects on ecosystems, harming animals, plants, and humans alike. Effective waste management in such areas is crucial to preserving the environment and ensuring a sustainable future.
Source of Inspiration
The inspiration for this project stems from my personal commitment to creating a cleaner and safer environment. Witnessing the harmful impact of pollution on ecosystems motivated me to develop an innovative and practical solution. I was inspired by the need to address a pressing environmental challenge and contribute to a healthier planet for all living organisms.
Project Concept
The core of my project is a robot designed to collect rubbish effectively, even in challenging environments. The robot is equipped with dual robotic arms powered by Arduino technology, ultraviolet sensors, and servo motors.
Ultrasonic Sensor: Obstacle detection by measuring the distance between the robot and objects in its path. This helps the robot avoid obstacles while navigating in different environments.
Servo Motors: They provide flexibility and precision to the robotic arms, allowing the robot to adapt to various cleaning tasks, including narrow spaces, steep terrains, and polluted waters.
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
This project aligns with several SDGs, contributing to global sustainability efforts:
SDG 13: Climate Action – By reducing pollution and mitigating its effects on ecosystems, supporting climate resilience.
SDG 14: Life Below Water – By removing waste from aquatic environments, protecting marine life and preserving biodiversity.
SDG 15: Life on Land – By keeping land ecosystems clean and free from pollution, ensuring healthier habitats for plants and animals.
Comparison and Advancement
While my project shares similarities with the Sweeb robot, it features significant advancements. The integration of dual robotic arms and ultraviolet sensors enhances its versatility and efficiency, making it a more effective solution for tackling environmental pollution. This innovation has the potential to save countless animals and plants by reducing waste in areas inaccessible or unsafe for humans.
2- Conduct a feasibility/impact assessment using the standard template and attach it below. How do you think this assessment will guide your design?
2- Conduct a feasibility/impact assessment using the standard template and attach it below. How do you think this assessment will guide your design?
Explain your impact assessment on those four pillars: social, economic, environmental, and natural resources. And, explain how this assessment will influence your project concept and goals.
Feasibility/Impact Assessment for Project: Grap Crap
Feasibility/Impact Assessment for Project: Grap Crap
Social Impact
Assessment:
Q1: Can't guarantee optimum energy efficiency at this point.
Q2: Accessibility for diverse groups or individuals because of minimal design.
The prototype directly addresses the issue of waste collection in hazardous environments, improving the quality of life by creating a cleaner, safer ecosystem for both humans and wildlife. The use of robotics in waste management reduces the risk to human workers in dangerous cleanup areas.
Inclusivity and accessibility have been considered by ensuring the robot can operate autonomously, requiring minimal human intervention. This makes it a viable solution for communities with limited resources or expertise in manual cleanup operations.
Economic Impact
Assessment:
Q1: Affordable because it uses standard materials
Q2: It is a prototype and does not involve local manufacturing or job creation at this stage.
The modular design of the prototype ensures affordability and cost-effectiveness. Individual parts can be replaced or upgraded, reducing long-term maintenance costs. The use of widely available and budget-friendly components like Arduino and servo motors keeps the initial investment low while ensuring high efficiency.
The project can contribute to local economic growth by creating opportunities in the manufacturing and maintenance sectors. If scaled, local businesses could be involved in producing parts, assembling the robot, and maintaining units deployed in various environments.
Environmental Impact
Assessment:
Q1: I cant guarantee yet the environmental impact like using recyclable materials.
Q2: Using power sources that uses minimal energy.
The robot is designed to minimize waste during production by using precise Fusion 360 modeling, which optimizes material use and reduces excess. Additionally, leftover materials from the prototype can be repurposed for further development or future iterations.
The project directly promotes environmental awareness by targeting waste in sensitive ecosystems. By efficiently identifying and removing hazardous materials with ultraviolet sensors, it ensures a focused and effective cleanup process that conserves energy while protecting marine and terrestrial habitats.
Natural Resources Impact
Assessment:
Q1: The project uses minimal materials like wood and filament.
Q2: The project is portable and shall have a long life span to save resources.
The materials used in the robot are chosen with sustainability in mind, incorporating recyclable and responsibly sourced components where possible. This helps reduce the environmental footprint of the prototype.
By efficiently targeting and removing harmful waste, the robot contributes to the conservation of natural resources such as water and soil quality. A cleaner environment leads to healthier ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and reducing long-term ecological damage.
3- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
3- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
Grap Crap
Project Idea and General Features
Grap Crap is an autonomous robot designed to tackle pollution and waste accumulation in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. With advanced features, it ensures efficient waste collection while protecting ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability.
General Features
Dual Robotic Arms:
Powered by servo motors, the robot’s two arms can adjust to grasp various types of waste, ranging from small items like wrappers to larger debris. This dual-arm system enhances precision and versatility during waste collection.Arduino-Controlled System:
An Arduino board serves as the robot’s central control unit, managing the arms, sensors, and movement systems for seamless and accurate operation.Mobile Control:
The robot connects to a mobile app, providing users with an intuitive interface to control its movement and operate the robotic arms. This ensures flexibility in guiding the robot through challenging environments and targeting specific waste.Mobility and Terrain Adaptability:
The robot is designed to operate on uneven surfaces and navigate through narrow or challenging environments such as polluted rivers, forests, or urban waste zones.Eco-Friendly Design:
The robot is constructed using durable, eco-friendly materials, ensuring long-term sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
How It Works
Detection: Ultrasonic sensor
Control: Users operate the robot via the mobile app, guiding it manually to specific waste and controlling the robotic arms for precise collection.
Waste Collection: The robotic arms collect identified waste and deposit it into an attached collection bin.
Navigation: The robot’s design enables it to move smoothly across different terrains, making it effective in areas that are difficult or unsafe for human intervention.
Why It’s Achievable
This project is both realistic and achievable, leveraging existing technologies and my current skills:
My experience with Arduino programming and sensor integration ensures I can develop the robot’s core functionality.
I am proficient in designing 3D models using Fusion 360, which will enable me to build a functional and precise robot design.
By acquiring new skills in advanced robotic mechanics and app control integration, I will enhance the robot’s usability and features.
Comparison to Similar Projects
Grap Crap shares some similarities with existing waste-collecting robots like the Sweep, but it incorporates significant advancements. These include dual robotic arms and Ultrasonic sensor for obstacles detection, making it more efficient and flexible. By combining precision and adaptability, Grap Crap offers an innovative approach to environmental cleanup in areas where human intervention is unsafe or impractical.
4- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
4- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
Project Planning
Project Planning
5- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
5- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
Construction Parts
Technical Modules of Grap Crap
Technical Modules of Grap Crap
1. Construction Parts
Chassis: The robot’s frame is made from lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly materials that provide structural support and ensure mobility across various terrains. The chassis houses all components securely.
Robotic Arms: These arms, powered by servo motors, are designed for precise and flexible movements. They perform two key actions: opening and closing to grip objects and moving objects up or down to place them in the waste collection bin.
Wheels or Tracks: Enable the robot to move autonomously across uneven or rugged surfaces. The design allows adjustments for different environments, such as soft soil, pavement, or rocky areas.
Waste Collection Bin: A detachable container where collected trash is stored temporarily. It is designed for easy emptying and replacement to maintain uninterrupted operation.
Input
(Sensing, Tactile Input, and/or Graphical Input)
Sensors: Ultrasonic sensor:
Action: Obstacle Detection:
Measures the distance between the robot and objects in its path. This helps the robot avoid obstacles while navigating in different environments.
Servo Motors (Input to Action):
Action 1: Open and close the robotic arms to grip waste objects securely.
Action 2: Move the gripped object up or down to ensure it is deposited correctly into the waste collection bin.
Action
(Physical and/or Graphic)
The robot uses its servo-powered arms to collect waste and deposit it into the waste collection bin. Its wheels or tracks allow it to move efficiently and autonomously across the environment.
Brain
Microcontroller (Arduino): Processes input data from the sensors and sends commands to the servo motors and movement system, coordinating the robot's actions.
Mobile App: Acts as a remote interface for monitoring and controlling the robot, providing users with real-time interaction.
Power Management
Rechargeable Battery: Supplies power to the entire system, ensuring the robot operates efficiently over extended periods.
6- How will you use tools like the laser cutter and 3D printer with sustainable materials to make your project eco-friendly? What materials will you use, and why are they sustainable choices?
6- How will you use tools like the laser cutter and 3D printer with sustainable materials to make your project eco-friendly? What materials will you use, and why are they sustainable choices?
Describe how your project will leverage maker tools like laser cutters or 3D printers to reduce waste, and increase maintainability. Also, explain your choice of materials such as fabric, plastic filament, or recycled plastic sheets to support green innovation. Select materials with low environmental impact, and explain their relevance to your project.
Robot Chassis
Materials and Manufacturing Methods
Materials and Manufacturing Methods
Wood (Laser-Cut):
Chassis and Container: The robot’s chassis and container will be crafted from sustainable wood, such as plywood, bamboo, or reclaimed wood. These materials are renewable, biodegradable, and offer excellent strength and durability.
Laser Cutting: A laser cutter will be used to achieve precise cuts with minimal material waste. This method enhances material efficiency, ensures accurate fitting of components, and provides excellent structural integrity, all while reducing excess scrap.
3D-Printed Parts:
Arms and Internal Components: The robot’s arms, joints, and internal mechanisms will be 3D-printed using recycled PLA filament, a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. For parts requiring greater strength or flexibility, PETG, a recyclable material, will be used.
3D Printing: This technology enables the creation of intricate and customized parts with minimal waste. By recycling PLA filaments, the environmental impact of plastic usage is further reduced.
Benefits of Sustainable Choices
Benefits of Sustainable Choices
Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable wood and biodegradable PLA are low-impact choices that reduce the carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship.
Minimal Waste: The precision of laser cutting and 3D printing minimizes material usage and significantly reduces leftover scrap.
Durability and Versatility: The use of wood ensures structural strength, while 3D-printed PLA provides lightweight, customizable, and versatile components.
Recyclability: Using recycled PLA filament and reclaimed wood supports a circular economy by reusing materials and reducing waste.
By combining laser-cut wood and 3D-printed parts, the robot achieves a balance of sustainability, durability, and efficiency. This approach not only reduces material waste but also enhances the overall eco-friendliness and maintainability of the project.
7- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
7- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
Internal Side it should include all the elecrtonics:Arduino,wheels and motors
Grap-Crap
Front View
Side View
8- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
8- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
Minimum Features: are the least amount of features that would demonstrate the coverage of all the technical modules and their complete integration
Complete Features: are the set of features that will complete your original project objective and vision
Nice-to-have Features: are the extra set of features that will make the project cooler, yet they need extra time, effort, and/or resources to finish
Minimum User Features
1. Autonomous Movement
Action: Motors (to drive the wheels or tracks) controlling using mobile.
Sensing: Proximity sensors (to detect and avoid obstacles) using Ultrasonic sensor.
User Input: None (autonomous operation)
2. Waste Collection by Robotic Arms
Action:4 Servo motors (to control the robotic arms for waste collection). 2 for each features.
Sensing: Ultrasonic sensor (to detect obstacles )
User Input: Button in the app using the mobile to open and close the arm. another button for the arm to move down and up.
Complete User Features
1. Mobile Control and Interface
Action: Motors (to move the robot), servo motors (for waste collection arms)
Sensing: Proximity sensors (to detect obstacles).
User Input: Mobile app (to control robot movement, waste collection, and monitoring via touch interface)
Nice-to-have User Features
1. Automatic Return to Charging Station
Action: Motors (to navigate to the charging station)
Sensing: Proximity sensors (to detect the charging station), battery level sensor (to trigger return when battery is low)
User Input: None (automatic return based on battery level)
2. Detailed Waste Sorting (Multiple Waste Categories)
Action: Servo motors (to sort waste into multiple compartments)
Sensing: Infrared or weight sensors (to differentiate types of waste), UV sensors (to detect specific materials)
User Input: Mobile app (to set sorting preferences or see sorting statistics)
3. Real-Time Data Analytics and Reporting
Action: Display screen or mobile app interface (for showing analytics)
Sensing: GPS module (for location tracking), waste collection sensors (for tracking how much waste has been collected)
User Input: Mobile app (for viewing real-time data and analytics)
4. Weather or Environmental Adaptation
Action: Motors (to adjust movement depending on weather conditions)
Sensing: Environmental sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, rain sensors)
User Input: None (automatic environmental adaptation)
5. Voice Command Functionality
Action: Motors (to perform movement or task actions based on voice input)
Sensing: Microphone (for voice input)
User Input: Voice commands (to control movement and task completion via speech)
6. Waste Type Detection and Sorting
Action: Servo motors (to control arms or compartments for sorting waste)
Camera with Image Processing
User Input: Mobile app (to set waste sorting preferences or review collection data)
7. Advanced Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
Action: Motors (to drive the robot), wheels/tracks
Sensing: Proximity sensors (to avoid obstacles), GPS module (to track movement)
User Input: None (autonomous navigation with advanced avoidance)
4. Waste Collection Reporting
Action: Motors (to operate arms and collect waste), sensors (to measure waste collected)
User Input: Mobile app (to track and report the collected waste in real-time)
9- How will you incorporate Arduino programming, sensors, and actuators to enhance the sustainability features of your project?
9- How will you incorporate Arduino programming, sensors, and actuators to enhance the sustainability features of your project?
Describe how you’ll use Arduino programming, along with sensors and actuators, to create functions that improve your project’s efficiency, reduce resource use, or monitor environmental impact.
1. Arduino Programming for Efficient Operation
Arduino programming plays a central role in making Grap Crap both intelligent and sustainable. The microcontroller enables real-time control of all the robot's components, optimizing its waste collection process and reducing energy consumption.
Efficient Waste Detection: The Arduino board is programmed to use the data from Ultrasonic sensor to detect obstacles.
Power Management: The Arduino can be programmed to monitor the battery level and optimize the robot’s power usage by managing when to enter low-power modes (e.g., when stationary or during non-waste-collection periods). This maximizes the robot’s operational time, making it more sustainable.
2. Sensors to Improve Sustainability Features
Ultrasonic Sensors: These sensors detect the types of waste present in the environment. By prioritizing harmful waste, such as plastics, Grap Crap ensures that the most dangerous pollutants are collected first, reducing unnecessary cleanup time and conserving energy.
Sustainability Impact: By specifically targeting and collecting harmful waste, the robot contributes to cleaner ecosystems, helping preserve natural habitats for wildlife and reducing pollution in urban and rural areas.
Sustainability Impact: By optimizing its path, the robot minimizes energy waste and increases the efficiency of its cleaning process, ensuring it operates with minimal power consumption.
Proximity Sensors: These sensors help the robot detect obstacles and avoid collisions, allowing it to navigate safely and reduce the need for re-routing or repairs.
Sustainability Impact: Reducing unnecessary movements or potential damage to the robot increases its lifespan, reducing the need for repairs or replacements and thereby minimizing resource consumption.
3. Actuators for Efficient Waste Collection and Navigation
Servo Motors (Robotic Arms): The robot’s servo motors control the dual arms that pick up trash. These motors are programmed to move precisely based on the sensor data, ensuring that the robot collects waste with minimal power.
Sustainability Impact: Precise movements of the arms prevent waste from being missed, while reducing unnecessary energy expenditure for inaccurate or overzealous movements. This ensures effective waste collection without wasting resources.
Motors for Movement (Wheels/Tracks): The wheels or tracks are driven by motors that allow the robot to move autonomously or be controlled remotely. These motors are designed to operate efficiently in various terrains (e.g., urban streets, forests, rivers), ensuring the robot can perform tasks in diverse environments.
Sustainability Impact: Efficient movement ensures that the robot does not waste energy while navigating, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the project. Additionally, these motors help the robot reach difficult areas that are hard for humans to access, thereby maximizing the area cleaned without needing additional resources.
4. Sustainable Design Considerations
Battery and Power Management: The robot's power management system ensures that energy is used optimally. The Arduino can trigger the robot to go into sleep mode during inactivity, conserving battery life, and the power management system ensures the robot only uses as much power as necessary to perform its task.
Sustainability Impact: Energy-efficient programming extends the robot’s operational time and reduces the need for frequent recharges, making the robot more sustainable. The use of a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion battery) further minimizes environmental impact by reducing battery waste.
Eco-Friendly Materials: The robot is designed using eco-friendly materials that are lightweight but durable, helping to reduce resource consumption during production and minimizing environmental impact at the end of the product's lifecycle.
Electronics of the project
10- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
10- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
Component/Material
Amount
Link
Lithium battery and its holder
4 battery and 1 holder
Ipad or mobile to contol
1
11- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
11- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
Task
Sub-Tasks
From:
To:
Design the Chassis and arms
Using Fusion 360 to design the chassis and the arm
22 Feb 2025
25 Feb 2025
Fabrication the body of Grap Crap
Using Laser Cut Machine
26 Feb 2025
26 Feb 2025
Electronics
Designing the electronic circuit usinf any sketch program or notebook
27 Feb 2025
2 March 2025
Coding
using IDE writing the code and test
3 March 2025
4 March 2025
Assembling
using separators and screws
5 March 2025
6 March 2025
Page updated
Report abuse