This is the fourth in the series of posts about my project, Blubot, a robot that takes care of your raised bed for you. With Blubot, I'm on a mission to make gardening easy, space efficient, and low cost, so anyone, anywhere can start a garden. Check out the first few posts and table of contents here.Â
Last week, I finalized my plan to launch Blubot on 2024 Earth Day. Since Blubot is inspired by FarmBot, I've reviewed the FarmBot documentation, focusing on breaking down the way it was built from the ground up, so I can make my very own version.
FarmBot has two models: Express and Genesis, with Genesis being the more modifiable and extensible. Across both models, the instructions and building process are relatively similar. I've decided to review the Express version is more detail so I can deconstruct the device, understand each module, and decide what functions will translate well for my first prototype of Blubot.
Coding and electrical engineering work comes naturally to me but the mechanical engineering components of FarmBot are new, and therefore more daunting. There are specific-sized screws used in the process, unclear unlabeled 3D printed parts, and unfamiliar engineering terms. I'm realizing the level of mechanical engineering skills required to create Blubot may slow down the project significantly. Perhaps I should ask my friends for help.
Happy Growing!