Heliov1

Heliov1

Hand tracking Solar panel module IDEA/Concept: Robotic Appendage that is idle and tracks sun to get powered. Then there is a Manual Override mode which is controlled by Hand Motions (Inspired by Tony Stark) The inspiration is robotic arms that build and maintain space systems like the CANADARM of the ISS. Because I have a big passion for Space. What I am actually building is a prototype or model of that. I will make a Cad container that will contain two metal servos that Pan and Tilt. at the end their is a solar panel attached. I have a python script (python --> pyfirmata + MP+pysolar ---> arduino) that 1. tracks the location of the sun and points the appendage at it.and 2. has mode switching capabilities to manual ovveride. There is no robotic Gripper as this is v1 proof of concept.

Below is a preview of the project.

Below is the full cad with the electroninc componants inserted insde.

My electroinc wiring. It is very simple the only issue was getting the right power for the metal servos. They cant be powerd directly from the arduino as the draw too much current. To workaround this I use and external power supply; I used an AC to DC adapter and step down to 5v 5a which is perfect for the servos. (notice the common ground but nothing powerd from ardunio):

For the CAD design I did use multiple sorces as reference but the actual desing was made from scratch. Fusion 360:

Firmware I used a variety of libraries- OpenCV and MP for the hand tracking. Very simple to work with. For suntracking I used pysolar.

Handtracking.

PCB: This project is for a Competition and they required the creation of a PCB for this project. In order to create a PCB that actually solved an existing problem (instead of fabricating a problem to make a pcb around) I decided to replace my previous Power Distribution system which was a poorly soldered perfboard that connected to my external pwoer suppply. See Below:

To improve this I designed a super simple PCB that uses pin sockets that I instead plug wires into:

Bill of Materials

Componant: Arduino, Servo MG 9996R, Jumper Wires, Stranded core copper wire, Perfboard

Quantity: 1x, 2x, 6x, 5x, 1x

see full BOM.md