Whiteboard Erasing Robot

The Whiteboard Erasing Robot is a device designed to automatically erase writing from a whiteboard, which was for my first-year spring quarter independent project class. The robot uses a motor-driven system to move an eraser across the board and erase dry-erase marker ink. I used elements from mechanical design, electronics, and fabrication to create a working prototype.

How it works:

The robot consists of a frame, a motor, and an erasing pad. The frame supports the system and keeps it aligned with the whiteboard. The motor moves the robot while the eraser stays in contact with the board to remove markings.

The design was created using SolidWorks and then fabricated into a physical prototype. I did a multitude of test to make improvements and ensure the robot functioned as intended.

Design Inspiration

One of Dieter Rams' principles is that good design is as little design as possible. This means a design should be simple and avoid unnecessary features.

I worked that principle into my design by principle by having its main task of erasing a whiteboard. The design uses a simple structure and a small number of components to make the system easy to build and use.

My Reflection:

I really enjoyed this project a lot because it gave me an outlet to try pursuing my interest in robots, while also helping me learn how to turn an idea into a working system. I gained more experience with CAD modeling, fabrication, assembly, and testing. Though my time was limited with classes and other projects, the simple designs were often more reliable and easier to manufacture. Building and testing the robot helped me better understand the engineering design process and how different components work together to achieve a goal.