Robotic Etch-a-Sketch

Overview

The team was tasked by the Penn State Mechanical Engineering Department to create a robotic
etch-a-sketch that can translate any jpeg image into a continuous line drawing that can be
displayed on the etch-a-sketch. Additionally, the team was required to design a corresponding
lab to be performed by ME 497 (Mechatronics) students. Upon initially meeting with our
project sponsor the deliverables consisted of ensuring the etch-a-sketch frame is easy to
reproduce, storable and durable. Furthermore, the accompanying lab had to be able to be
completed in a single 3 hour lab period and must focus on the programming of motor controls.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a slight shift in deliverables. The team was unable to physically
meet in person or have access to the mechatronics lab to work on the frame or hardware
components. Upon discussions with the project sponsor, the deliverables were adjusted.
Instead of a fully functioning robotic etch-a-sketch, the sponsor suggested a computer
simulation of the etch-a-sketch using a MATLAB Drawline function. The function shows the
image processing code is properly working. The sponsor also required the CAD drawings of the
final frame and the accompanying dxf water jet files, so the sponsor can easily produce the
frame in the future.
Luckily one of the team members had possession of the robotic etch-a-sketch before the
COVID-19 pandemic. Supplies were purchased which allowed some physical testing to occur on
the etch-a-sketch. The robotic etch-a-sketch did display the jpeg image. However, modifications
were not able to be made to improve image quality. Overall the deliverables were met, and the
project sponsor was satisfied with the results.
Overall the project was a success. Many valuable lessons were learned, which will be carried
throughout our careers. This project taught the entire engineering design process which
otherwise wouldn’t be taught. Aspects such as budgeting, public speaking, teamwork, and
technical writing are crucial skills of being successful engineers which many don’t consider. The
COVID-19 pandemic taught the group the importance of being able to adapt to various
situations. The team would like to thank Dr. Moore and Dr. Manogharan for assisting in this
project and pushing us to the best of our ability!

Objectives

– Robotic Etch-a-Sketch

– Robotic Etch-a-Sketch MATLAB Simulation

– Lab Manual & Discussion Questions

– Construction Instructions

– Operating Procedure

Approach

– Design a simple frame assembly, connecting the motors directly to the Etch-A-Sketch knobs.

– Use MATLAB to process images into grayscale values.

– Use Arduino to handle motor control depending on grayscale value.

– Connect MATLAB and Arduino via serial interfacing and feed grayscale values into Arduino to draw image.

– Use MATLAB grayscale values to process images into a graphical simulation of Etch-a-Sketch.

– Write standard operating procedure, lab manual, and discussion questions for the students

Outcomes

– Robotic Etch-a-Sketch

– Robotic Etch-a-Sketch MATLAB Simulation

– Lab Manual & Discussion Questions

– Construction Instructions

– Operating Procedure