YEE HAN

“The journey in making the Remote-controlled heavy-duty trolley has been fulfilling. From learning to cut aluminium profiles, to troubleshooting the issues that has popped up along the way, it has taught me ways in which we can approach to solve problems.
Due to the nature of our project, we are unable to use 3D printed parts as the printed parts may not be able to support the weight at which we were aiming for. Cutting aluminium profile seemed to be very tedious and arduous, and though it may be very tiring, it was incredibly rewarding. The process does not seem very complicated, but when it comes down to it, being aware of the safety aspects was crucial to cut the aluminium properly. Much needed considerations and effort was needed to ensure that the aluminium profile that is to be cut, is secured and clamped down before we can proceed in cutting the aluminium profile. If the aluminium profile was not clamped down, it may fly off randomly and injure someone. The speed at which we bring down the cutting blade also has to be regulated such that we do not cut the aluminium profile too quickly and cause damage to the blade.
When it came to troubleshooting issues, one of the issues that we were trying to solve was the support clamp for the wheel axle to the wheel support structure. The support clamp was unstable and was not strong enough to clamp down on the wheel axle. To overcome this issue, we relooked at the design and found that we could add and additional nut and bolt to secure the clamp on the other side, allowing the support clamp to be able to clamp down more strongly on the wheel axle.”

NOAH:

“One of the biggest learning points for me was learning how software and hardware could come together, and how to incorporate the different considerations from each side into designing the software. As the one mainly in charge of the code, I learnt a lot about how Arduino works, and even learnt to code in C++. I also had to modify my code based on different hardware limitations (e.g. servo range of rotation, processing limit of Arduino) in order for the whole thing to work.”

LLOYD:

“Throughout MnT, I learnt how to transform concepts into reality, and that reality rarely matches theory. Hard skills wise, learning to use Autodesk Fusion to conceptualise and model our project has been a fun experience. Seeing the individual components of our project come together is a satisfying experience. Furthermore, learning how to combine different strengths from different members to accomplish a common goal is an important skill that I picked up. I foresee myself putting these lessons and skills in future projects to come!”

BERNICE:

“As a biological science major, I am not often exposed to anything related to engineering or physics, so coming into MnT was a bit of a struggle for me. At the start, hearing my group ideate and design the trolley, there wasn’t much that I could contribute due to my lack of expertise in the field. However, as the project moved along, I started picking up skills around the MnT Lab. One of the first skills being soldering and desoldering of electronic parts together. Another skill I picked up was the assembly of the aluminium frames to clamp and install the wheels. On the electrical side, I also learnt more about the different connections, and how to troubleshoot when testing which component was the issue when something had stopped working. Overall, while it was a steep learning curve, the feeling of accomplishment I felt when our trolley started to run on its own was worth it. Not only did I walk away with a successful project, but I also attained many new skills that are applicable in other aspects of my life.”

ELIJAH:

“The last time I had ever done something as close to this project was in Robotics Club in Primary School, and even then the level of complexity and independence involved in MnT has been challenging, but ultimately fulfilling. From the 3D designs to the intricate electronics and wiring, each part of the MnT project was a new experience, with every problem needing innovative solutions. Overall, MnT has been a refreshing change of perspective, and gave me the opportunity to develop niche skills I wouldn’t have in an ordinary curriculum.”