I am Binyam Mulat, an A2SV graduate and a skilled backend engineer specializing in Python and Golang. With a background in Mechatronics Engineering and a passion for AI, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and innovation to every project. Currently, I serve as a Project Manager and Project Lead, where I focus on the development of functional prototype in a timely and high-quality manner. My role involves effective time management, strategic team allocation, and seamless delegation to ensure the success of the project and the team. My diverse experience allows me to bridge the gap between engineering and management, ensuring efficient and effective project execution.
To kick off the project, I facilitated a meeting with our team and advisor to establish a strong foundation. During this session, we introduced ourselves, shared our skills, and discussed our roles and responsibilities. We outlined the project's objectives, identified key requirements, and brainstormed ideas for approaching tasks effectively. With our advisor's input, we gained a clearer understanding of the project's scope, potential challenges, and expectations for each phase. This collaborative session ensured alignment and motivation for the journey ahead.
In Week 2, I organized a team meeting to brainstorm potential project ideas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the team leader, I encouraged active participation and guided the discussion to ensure we generated innovative and feasible concepts. By the end of the session, we had a diverse set of ideas that reflected both our shared vision and the SDG framework, setting the stage for further refinement and selection in the coming weeks.
Building on the brainstorming session, I led the team in narrowing down our ideas to three promising concepts: a smart lock, a smart farm, and a smart parking system. Together, we critically analyzed the feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with project requirements for each idea. After detailed discussions, we finalized the smart parking system as our project focus and submitted the proposal, marking a crucial step in our project direction.
In Week 4, we formalized and submitted the "Smart Parking System" as our project title. I facilitated discussions to refine the concept further, highlighting key features like automated space detection and real-time data management. After submitting the title, feedback from the advisor prompted us to explore additional refinements to strengthen our proposal. This step was pivotal in transitioning from ideation to implementation.
During Week 5, we discovered that our initial idea had been implemented before. To address this, I guided the team in pivoting to a unique concept, the "Smart Bike Rack System." Using Figma, we developed a high-level design inspired by various references. We outlined features like automated locking and real-time availability updates, ensuring the design captured the essence of our new idea. This week was a turning point, reigniting the team's enthusiasm.
In Week 6, I oversaw the creation of the physical design for the bike rack, drawing on extensive research and references. Simultaneously, the team worked on frontend and backend development, ensuring seamless integration between physical components and digital systems. I coordinated efforts to refine both aspects, progressing towards a cohesive and functional prototype.
With funding secured in Week 7, I managed the purchase of devices and materials necessary for the project. By prioritizing the team's input, we ensured that all essential components were acquired efficiently. This step equipped us with the resources needed to bring our design to life.
Week 8 marked the beginning of integration and testing. The team worked on connecting the backend system with the ESP32 microcontroller. I facilitated collaboration to ensure the successful integration of features like servo motor control and data exchange. Testing these functionalities allowed us to identify areas for improvement, moving us closer to a working prototype.
In Week 9, we refined the physical components while continuing software development. I coordinated the team's efforts to ensure all materials were precisely cut and assembled. On the software side, we focused on enhancing features and resolving bugs, ensuring a smooth and cohesive system.
Week 10 was dedicated to finalizing the integration of the backend with the ESP32. The team tested the system to ensure real-time communication between the front-end interface and hardware components. I guided the refinement process to address responsiveness and data synchronization issues, bringing us closer to a fully functional system.
In Week 11, we presented the completed prototype to our advisor. I led the presentation, showcasing the project's progress and key features. The advisor's encouraging feedback and constructive suggestions helped us identify areas for improvement, particularly in user interface design and backend efficiency. This session provided valuable insights and motivation to perfect our work.
The final week was focused on wrapping up and preparing for the project’s presentation. I ensured all remaining tasks, including full integration of the system, were completed smoothly. The team created a demonstration video and a poster to highlight the smart bike rack system's features and impact. I coordinated practice sessions to refine our delivery, ensuring we were confident and prepared to present the project effectively.