Samuel Asakiewicz
The Automatic Flat Surface Cleaner is a robot which would be able to clean any flat surface at
any possible angle and position as long as it's frame can be attached.
The Cleaner would be a small robotic device that would be flat and cylindrical, with diameter a
few times greater than the height. On one side of the robot would be the removable brush and on the
other it would be attached to the frame. Inside the Robot would be a tank for water or cleaning fluid
and a motor which would rotate the entire robot at a rapid pace allowing it to scrub the surface it is
pressed against. The motor would be attached to a frame comprised of two lightweight
extending/retractable beams. One beam would be for the x-direction, allowing the robot to slide up and
down the beam with the aid of a second servo motor. The first beam would be attached to a second
beam at a 90 degree turn. This second beam would be used to traverse in the Y direction by means of a
third motor which will move the entire X-directional beam and attached robot in the Y-direction. The
two beams would effectively allow it to navigate to any coordinate on the x-y plane. At the ends of the
Y-beam ( the only immobile part) there would be a 90 degree bends and a rubber grip placed on the
inside and outside of the bend. By increasing or reducing the length of the Y-beam it will locked on a
surface by gripping it's edges, or being pressed against the wall, holding the x-beam below it, and the
robot below the x-beam
The wiring of the three motors would be connected to a central board on the robot which
would be programmed to move across the entire x-direction and then move the diameter length of the
robot in the y-direction, and then move across the entire x direction in the reverse direction. repeating
this until it reaches the end of the y-beam cleaning the entire surface below it.
The robot will utilize a sensor to detect how well the surface is being cleaned, and sensors to
detect when it has reached the end of the beam and may reverse directions, move, or finish. These
sensors along with the motors will be attached to a central microcontroller, which will determine the
speed at which the robot moves at, using the sensors as a guide to know how long it will have to spend
in one area cleaning the surface.
This device would be capable of quickly and effectively cleaning any flat rectangular surfaces,
from counter and tables to mirrors and whiteboards. The charm of the device is that it can easily be
moved and used on different surface by nature of its extending beams/rails and changeable brushes.
Homework 2
The project is already achievable in that it can be constructed within the timeframe of a two
semester design. It's predicted cost will be fairly low as it is a simple robotic device, requiring very little
aside from easily purchasable materials, three motors, and a microcontroller. The group will require
computer engineers for the project but will also benefit from the inclusion of a mechanical engineer(s)
because its construction may require metalworking of some degree.
User - Potential customers
The robot must be affordable
It must be light enough to carry
It must be compact for carrying/storage
Must be easy to operate
Must work quickly and efficiently
Must be easy to mount onto the surface
Easily cleanable
Client - Potential manufacturer
The robot must not be expensive to manufacture
It must be fairly simple to assemble
It's parts should be easily replaceable
It must have a long durability/lifespan
Designer- The Senior Design Group
The prototype cannot be excessively expensive to create
The parts must all be easily acquired
Alternatives and modifications to its unwieldy frame must be constantly considered
the sensor, microcontroller and motors must be reliable
Strengths: The Robot has a defined practical purpose and is entirely within the realm of reality. The
project is not experimental in its usage of technology, so the Robotic Surface Cleaner and its basic
operations are easy to visualize. It will also be fairly easy to test and troubleshoot considering how few
moving parts and limited software there will be.
Weaknesses: The robot will be restricted in weight , too heavy and the servo motors will not operate
correctly. It will likely be unwieldy as a prototype because its machining cannot be done to the ideal
detail. Wiring throughout the device will be a problem because of it sliding across the beams. the
cleaning sensor will be difficult to program for.
Opportunities: The device if it can be made lightweight and compact enough with a robust frame
system it will be a feasibly sellable product. if the frame can be changed to be less unwieldy it may
drastically reduce the work required for the robot and improve it's marketability.
Threats: The robot may be far too heavy to work, servo motors are limited in power and maybe not be
able to properly and swiftly move the robot. If the robot uses liquid for cleaning short-circuiting will be a
major concern. The cleaning sensor may be entirely impractical.