PrusaBot - ESP32 Camera for Prusa Connect

Introduction

I've made another thing for my PRUSA, a robot, but in this case, it's not just a toy. What characterizes the vast majority of my projects is their practical and functional application. In this case, what I've decided to call PrusaBot-Camera is an ESP32 microcontroller with two integrated modules:

• Camera;
• WiFi with a optimal antenna.

I've been searching for something like this for a while, trying out a few solutions, one of them well-known and created by Mintion (https://www.mintion.net/) using the Beagle camera, which offers a lot but lacks the feature I really wanted, namely connectivity to Prusa Connect.

This device is very affordable and can be found on practically every corner of the internet. The one I used can be found on amazon with the name ESP32-CAM

My search continued until I came across this video by Chris Riley on Youtube, which always shows step-by-step in a very simple way how to prepare things. He provides all the details and information so that anyone with basic computer skills can undertake this project. (DO NOT MAKE THIS WIHTOUT  SEEING THIS VIDEO - VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION THEIR)

If more information is needed check Prusa official blog at: Development of the open-source camera firmware solution from the community for Prusa printers - Original Prusa 3D Printers

This project thus involves three distinct domains:

• 3D printing;
• Computer science; 
• Electronics.

And serves as a basic introduction to each. You may not use the final result later, but believe me, you'll appreciate every moment of the development.

3D printing

I will focus on the domain of 3D printing. Therefore, in this initial phase, I am making available the model with two-color parts, and the final result will be as shown, and for now, is optimized for does who have the MMU.

As you can see from the image, the PrusaBot has some degrees of freedom;

1. It moves its head (although slightly limited by the micro USB cable), 
2. articulates at the hip;
3. rotates at the base.

By removing the cylindrical base, its feet will be attracted to any ferromagnetic materials, thus offering a bit more versatility.
 

A bit of the evolution history of the project

Initially, I was only going to create something similar to what Chris showed, but after finishing it, I thought it would be interesting to transform that "module" into something more anthropomorphic. 

That's how PrusaBot was born, the first "worker" operating externally to the printer. The idea of having a series of robots supporting the printer is something I enjoy imagining and would like to see one day.

3D Printing and assembly

Filament

• PETG (I prefer Prusament)
  • Prusa Orange
  • Galaxy Black
  • White
• Flexible (TPU) 

Other material

• Magnets
  • 2x neodymium magnets with diameter of approx. 10x2,7mm
  • 4x neodymium magnets with diameter of approx. 8x2,6mm
• Glue. The dimensions for this magnets are not, who can I say… very accurate, so its best to have some glue to make sure they stay-in-place. Super Glue or any other strong glue will do.

Note for Bambu Lab's members

Does anything like this makes sense for some of the printers ? Please drop me a message to let me know. Thanks.

Change Log

02/04/2024 - Head back cover with some holes added to help cooldown the module. 

A member raised a concern about the heat generated by these more cheap ESP32 kits, particularly on the camera module. Indeed, they can become slightly warm. However, the PrusaBot camera is positioned to protrude from the head, and the MicroSD slot is exposed to the exterior of the head housing, serving as a heat sink. Personally, I haven't noticed excessive warmth from this module I'm using 24/24, which may be partly due to the numerous vents on the 'head' of the PrusaBot. 

You will find to distinct parts for the back of the head, one with a lot of holes (active) and another one without holes (inactive). File name: PrusaBot_cam2.3mf