PAUL MARA PROJECT MATERIALS
A project based background is the backbone of the education I have received. Below are what I believe to be the most significant ones, with demonstrations that can't go on a resume.
ROBOTICS CLASS PROJECTS
Enjoy these short demo videos. Use the technical details tab to find out more about specific projects.
RBE 3001- Serial Manipulation
DH Tables, matrix multiplication, forward and inverse kinematics! This was by far the most complete course I've taken so far, with each step building on the last. This project taught me a lot about matlab! It culminated in a demo sorting multicolored and multiweighted objects. Check out the technical details for more info
RBE 2001
Plate Replacement Challenge - State Machines, C++
This challenge required our robot to lift a 2.4 lb metal plate onto a 45 degree and 30 degree pitched roof. The robot was also required to be less than 11 inches to cross under the field. I wrote the code for encoder interrupts and the libraries for driving functions for robot, and assisted with calculations for where to place our four bar pivots and what gearing to use.
RBE 2002
Firefighting Challenge - Odometry, C++
This challenge required us to find a building, check it for a fire, and subsequently put it out if there is one. I wrote all of the code for this project. Code is included in Appendix C of report, but I will break it out onto its own page as well.
OTHER COURSEWORK
MAKING MUSIC WITH MACHINES
Cylindrical Pipe Playing Robot
Wire management was definitely not the strength of this robot- but it produced some interesting music. These galvanized steel pipes were cut and tuned to a major scale. I produced this instrument end to end. The circular plates were lasercut. Each solenoid circuit included a MOFSET, diode, and resistor so that it could easily be connected to an arduino uno. The mounting system for the pipes was the weakest part of the design. I may update it in the future in hopes of producing a better ringing tone.
JEB THE BULLDOG
High School Project
JEB was designed under the watch of Kevin Harrington as a project with myself and four other students. A unique part of this project is that it was developed with Bowler Studio, software written by Mr. Harrington. The walking script was also controlled through bowler studio. Unfortunately, the project was never completely finished, but it did end up hobbling along for a couple of steps.
For a complete report, see http://jebulldog.me/
OTHER PROJECTS
DRONE FROM SCRATCH PROJECT
In November 2018, I ordered parts and assembled a drone from scratch. Construction is finished, and a slow wobbly first flight was complete! Might go for some FPV if I can scrape up the money for a camera.
This project is in progress and will have updates posted on here as the project moves forward.
Update, 5/11/2020: Going to buy new ESCs and a FPV camera! Very excited.