project objectives
The goal of this project was to create a functional paintball-painting robot. We hoped to create amazing, beautiful images on a medium sized canvas (4x4 ft.) using up to 3 different colors of paintballs. In addition, we hoped to process the images and paint "intelligently" instead of pixel by pixel.
Safety
We have worked with the Babson Public Safety officers very diligently and extensively to ensure that we cause no harm in this project. We have determined a safe space to test our project outside of the Large Project Building beyond the Babson Hollister Lot. Our canvas is a simple self-standing flat with supports with no risk of the paintballs traveling through. We will hang large pieces of butcher paper on top of the canvas to paint onto.
Additionally, there are several mechanical stops throughout the pan tilt system preventing extreme angles of marking in both pan directions and both tilt directions. In addition, several kill switches are present preventing extreme angles in both pan directions and the downwards tilt direction. Furthermore, we have a dead man switch for ultimate safety standards. The marker itself also has a cover for the trigger so that there it no possibility for it to get accidentally pressed. Even if all other safety mechanisms fail, we placed a cover on the marker barrel that the paintball can not knock off on its own.
Additionally, there are several mechanical stops throughout the pan tilt system preventing extreme angles of marking in both pan directions and both tilt directions. In addition, several kill switches are present preventing extreme angles in both pan directions and the downwards tilt direction. Furthermore, we have a dead man switch for ultimate safety standards. The marker itself also has a cover for the trigger so that there it no possibility for it to get accidentally pressed. Even if all other safety mechanisms fail, we placed a cover on the marker barrel that the paintball can not knock off on its own.