.draw - Illuminated Robotic Whiteboard

Project Overview:

The .draw project showcases robotics, automation, and creative design through a custom-built, automated drawing and erasing whiteboard robot. This project leverages a combination of mostly 3D-printed components, and custom electronics from the SparkFun XRP DIY Kit.

Why This Project?

.draw is not just a functional robot; it’s a demonstration of how accessible technology can be used to automate and enhance creative processes. Whether you're an educator, artist, or tech enthusiast, .draw offers a platform for exploring the intersection of art, design, and robotics.

Key Features:
• Automated Drawing and Erasing: .draw has the ability to draw and erase designs on a whiteboard using 2-axis motor control and a marker/eraser system driven by a Servo.
• Drawing .SVG Designs: I've achieved this by using a Python script to convert an SVG path to JSON coordinate data, which is then saved onto the XRP board. 
• Able to Calibrate and Home axes: Preliminary calibration of marker/eraser set angles and axes homing are both in the works - some sample MicroPython code will be added in a future project update.
• Ability for Dynamic Lighting: Integrated LED strip provide the numerous opportunities for ideas - change the color on a whim, or code it based on the .draw's status, with whatever you are doing, etc. 

Parts needed for the Project/how to assemble:

Please read the detailed Assembly_Guide_.draw for more information on parts, wiring electronics, and a step-by-step guide on how to build this.

1.  SparkFun Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) - DIY Kit

• XRP Controller Board
• Custom Line Follower Board
• Servo (Sub-Micro Size)
• 2x Hobby Motor with Encoder
• 2x Flexible Qwiic Cable - Female Jumper

2.  8x10” Frame Glass (from any photo frame, only the glass is needed)

3.  Linear Rail and Bearing Set

• 4x LM8UU linear ball bearings
• 2x 8mm diameter x 260mm length steel linear rails
• 2x 8mm diameter x 300mm length steel linear rails

4.  GT2 Timing Belt

• 2 Meters length, 6mm height, 2mm pitch

5.  WS2812B LED Strip

• 1 Meter length, 5050SMD LEDs, 100 LEDs per meter, DC5V powered

6.  DC Barrel Jack Splitter

• 1x DC Female to Male Y Adapter (2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel jack)

7.  5V 10A Power Supply

• AC100-240V to DC 5V, 10A 50W, 5.5 x 2.5mm barrel jack connector

8.  Female DC Connector Plug to Screw Terminal

• 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel jack

9.  Electronics Wire

• 18-24 AWG cable (lengthen servo, motors, and line follower cables)

10.  Heat Shrink Tubing

• For insulating and protecting soldered/crimped cables

11.  M3 Screw Assortment

• 10mm-35mm lengths with nuts

Future Updates:

I will be providing some sample code which covers some of the basics like marker/eraser calibration, axes homing, and draw functionality.

What filament did I use?

Frame: California Filament Black PETG

Base + other parts: IEMAI PETG Smoke Gray Transparent

Motor Mounts, covers, etc: REPRAPPER PLA Matte Red/Blue

Motor & Idler Pulleys, Marker Holders, etc: Ender PLA Red