The first week began with the IETP orientation, where we were introduced to the overall purpose of the project and what was expected from each team member. We learned about the objectives of IETP, including how it integrates interdisciplinary skills to address real-world engineering challenges. During the orientation, we also discussed project management essentials such as budgeting, timelines, and documentation.

By the end of the week, we were required to meet with our advisor and submit a preliminary project title. As a team, we held our first meeting to brainstorm ideas that would address practical problems while aligning with each member’s academic background. We initially agreed on a potential title and presented it to our advisor. However, we received feedback that our proposal did not fully utilize the collective skill set of our team members. This feedback encouraged us to rethink our approach and explore more innovative ideas that reflected true interdisciplinary collaboration.

Overall, the first week was a valuable learning experience. It helped us understand the importance of aligning project goals with team strengths, the need for effective communication, and how constructive feedback can improve project direction.

In the second week, our team regrouped and developed three new project titles: Smart Plant Monitoring Device, Smart Disaster Alert System, and Smart Gas Leakage Detection and Alert System.

For each title, we prepared detailed mini-proposals outlining the objectives, system design, expected outcomes, and the specific roles of each team member. These were sent to our advisor for review. While the feedback showed improvement, we were advised that our ideas still lacked uniqueness and innovation.

This pushed us to think more creatively and consider real-world relevance, feasibility, and originality. After several discussions, one of our teammates, Fiker Michael, proposed an idea that immediately captured the group’s interest — an Automated Underground Water Detection Robot. After a thorough evaluation, we concluded that this project met all the requirements: it was innovative, aligned with our skills, and feasible within our budget. Our advisor also approved the concept, marking the beginning of our official IETP project journey.

This week taught me the value of persistence and creative thinking. The process of developing and revising ideas strengthened our teamwork and problem-solving skills. I also realized the importance of balancing innovation with practicality, ensuring that our design not only stands out but also addresses real environmental challenges.

In Week 3, our project officially started after our advisor approved the idea of the Automated Underground Water Detection Robot. As an Electrical Engineering student, I began learning about the Wenner resistivity method, which is the main principle used to detect underground water. I studied how electrodes are used to measure soil resistance and how electrical signals can indicate the presence of water.

As a team, we identified the main parts of the robot, such as the sensing circuit, power supply, motor system, and control unit. I participated in discussions about how the electrical sensing circuit would connect to the Arduino and how motor noise could affect accurate measurements. This week helped me clearly understand my role in the project.

During Week 4, we focused on completing the project proposal and improving the technical design. I studied the electrical components needed for the project, including the Arduino Uno, motor driver shield, LM358 operational amplifier, power supply, and electrodes. I reviewed datasheets to understand how these components work together.

I also helped with basic electrical block diagrams and discussed how the sensing circuit would amplify small voltage signals from the soil. After meeting with our advisor, we received feedback that helped us better explain our measurement method. This week strengthened my understanding of how electrical theory is applied in real projects.

In Week 5, my main focus was on designing the electrical circuit. I learned how the LM358 amplifier works and why it is important for detecting very small voltage differences between soil electrodes. I also worked on separating the power supply for the motors and sensing circuit to reduce interference.

I helped prepare a full electrical schematic that included the battery, voltage regulator, motor driver, amplifier circuit, and Arduino connections. I also checked whether the selected motors had enough power to move the robot on soil. This week helped turn our ideas into a realistic electrical design.

During Week 6, I worked closely with the software team to make sure the electrical system matched the control program. I helped decide when electrical measurements should be taken, especially making sure the motors stop during sensing to avoid noise.

I also helped plan how the measured voltage, current, and resistance values would be shown on the LCD screen. This teamwork improved the connection between the electrical and software parts of the system and helped ensure reliable measurements.

In Week 7, we met with our advisor to review the full system design and list of materials. I explained the electrical components, including the power supply, motor driver, amplifier circuit, and electrode setup.

Our advisor gave advice on component safety, testing, and proper implementation. This meeting confirmed that our electrical design was suitable and marked the shift from planning to building the system.

Week 8 was focused on buying the project components. I helped check that the electrical components had the correct voltage and current ratings and were compatible with the Arduino and motor driver.

After purchasing the components, I helped inspect them to make sure they were working properly and matched our design. This step helped reduce problems during assembly.

In Week 9, we bought the remaining electrical components that were not available earlier. I helped review alternative options and made sure the final components fit our design and budget.

Once all parts were collected, I checked their pin connections and power ratings to ensure everything would work together. At this point, we were ready to start assembling the robot.

In Week 10, we started assembling the robot. I helped organize the wiring and prepare electrical connections for the Arduino, motor driver, sensors, and electrodes. I carefully checked the wiring against the circuit diagram to avoid mistakes.

This stage helped us identify possible electrical issues early, such as power and grounding problems, which we worked to fix before full operation.

During Week 11, all subsystems were tested together. While the software team worked on programming and testing robot movement, I focused on ensuring stable electrical performance.

I checked power regulation, ensured motors did not interfere with sensing circuits, and helped test voltage and current readings from the soil. This week was very important in confirming that the electrical system worked reliably during real operation.

In Week 12, we presented our fully working robot to our advisor. I helped explain how the electrical measurement system worked, including power distribution and safety aspects.

After receiving feedback, I assisted in final adjustments such as securing wires and improving power stability. During the final evaluation, the electrical system performed well and supported accurate underground water detection. This week marked the successful completion of my role in the project.