Project Description: Stair Vacuum

Goal

Stair Utility Cleaning Contraption (SUCC) is a mechatronic device capable of vacuuming stairs. This project is inspired by the success floor-vacuuming robots have found commercially, while vacuuming stairs with a robotic system that is both cost-effective and lightweight remains an open problem. The system must function autonomously, but should be easily transportable and safe for use in a residential environment. The ultimate value proposition for this project would be to offer a cost-effective system that builds on the capabilities of current floor-vacuuming robots, and would provide a great option for individuals living in multistory residences, particularly those who have limited mobility.

Specifications

General Requirements

• • Size: ≤ 12” (length) x 36” (width) x 24” (height)

  • Weight: ≤ 10 lb.

  • Cost: ≤ $800 (reimbursable)

  • must be robustly constructed; no kits or toys

Robot Properties

• • Safety

  • Cleanliness

  • Appearance

  • Robust construction

  • Ease of use

  • Repeatability

  • Noise

  • Portability

Test Operation

1. Instructors place “dirt” (coffee grounds and powdered sugar) on staircase testbed.

   • Eight 50.5” wide steps

   • Each step is 50.5” (width) x 11.5” (length) x 6.5” (height)

   • BONUS (for coolness): each step is 44” (width) x 11.9” (length) x height (6.5”)

2. One minute of setup for robot’s arbitrary initial placement (at the TOP or the BOTTOM of the steps) and self-localization.

3. Switch the robot on to perform the whole operation.

   • clean all the dirt on each step

4. Robot autonomously stops when operation is done (ie. reaches the top/bottom of the steps)

Final System Demonstration Score (out of 20)

• • ≤ 60N + 15W seconds (N=no. of steps, W=step width in feet)

  • 3 pts for ≥80% collected, 2 pts for ≥60%, 1 pt for ≥40%, 0 pts otherwise

  • -1 pt for spreading dirt

  • -1 pt per manual intervention

  • -2 pt for significant damage to testbed

  • 2 pts based on effort, coolness, and aesthetic and robustness factors

Competition Score (out of 20)

• • See the Demonstration Score rules for more detail.

  • -1 pt for every 30 seconds > 1-minute initial setup limit

  • -0.5 pt for each manual intervention

  • -2 pts for each system restart

  • -3 pts for using a bench-top power supply

  • -3 pts for constant manual intervention (eg. continuously holding a power tether)

  • Extra credit for the winning team as well as for the team with the best construction, fastest speed, and coolest features.