Hulk Smash

Hulk Smash
solid work and 3d printing
step motor

Inspiration

As university computer engineering coders, we consistently face significant pressure. Our project serves as a constructive outlet during leisure time, providing an opportunity to alleviate stress when life becomes challenging, allowing users to engage in smashing on a wooden board.

What it does

Our hardware hackathon project, part of the "Make U of T" initiative, is centered around the theme of uselessness. The project comprises a model that permits users to partake in a smashing activity, resulting in the acquisition of a symbolic "bgrad" (breakgrade). In addition to this feature, we have seamlessly integrated a leaderboard accessible on a website, introducing a competitive element to the overall experience. Moreover, we enhance user interaction by incorporating an audio detector that dynamically adjusts the spinning speed based on the user's volume. This utilization of sound technology contributes to a more controlled and satisfying smashing experience.

How we built it

Our innovative hardware hackathon project, developed as part of the "Make U of T" initiative, seamlessly integrates Arduino Uno and Due microcontrollers, a step motor, 3D printing, a driver, buttons, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to deliver a captivating user experience. The project features a dynamic spinning mechanism controlled by the step motor, with 3D-printed components using solidwork ensuring precision and customization. User interaction is enhanced through tactile buttons, and an LCD display facilitates input of names and real-time score tracking. Leveraging web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, we created an intuitive leaderboard accessible on a website. The real-time communication between hardware and web components is achieved through Socket.io, powered by a Node.js backend, ensuring a synchronized and immersive experience for participants engaging in the smashing activity. This multifaceted approach combines precision engineering with cutting-edge software development to deliver a unique and engaging project.

Challenges we ran into

Challenges we ran into during the development of our project included difficulties in achieving faster spin speeds for the step motor, crucial for implementing our desired audio-controlled slowing mechanism. After encountering initial challenges, we successfully addressed this issue by integrating battery holders to enhance the driving power, enabling a quicker pulse and ultimately facilitating the dynamic control of the spinning speed. This solution not only resolved our technical challenge but also contributed to an optimized and responsive user experience, aligning with our project goals.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Our team takes pride in successfully overcoming challenges and achieving a seamless integration of hardware and software components for the Hulk Smash project. Addressing the initial hurdle of controlling the step motor's speed, we implemented an innovative solution by incorporating battery holders to enhance driving power. This accomplishment not only ensures optimal performance but also aligns with our commitment to delivering a dynamic and user-friendly experience. The incorporation of diverse technologies, from 3D printing to real-time communication through Socket.io, showcases our team's versatility and ability to create a well-rounded project.

What we learned

Throughout the development process, our team gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of hardware integration and software collaboration. Overcoming the challenge of achieving the desired spinning speed for the step motor taught us the importance of creative problem-solving and adaptability in a project. Additionally, the integration of battery holders for improved pulse control deepened our understanding of hardware optimization. We also refined our skills in web development, utilizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create an intuitive leaderboard accessible to users. Overall, the project has been a rich learning experience, enhancing our technical proficiency and collaborative skills.

What's next for Hulk Smash

Looking ahead, the Hulk Smash project holds exciting possibilities for further refinement and expansion. We aim to explore additional features and enhancements, such as incorporating advanced sensors for a more responsive smashing experience. Furthermore, we plan to optimize the project for scalability, potentially exploring opportunities for integration with virtual or augmented reality platforms. The feedback garnered from user interactions with the leaderboard will inform future updates, ensuring continuous improvement and user satisfaction. As we move forward, our team is enthusiastic about evolving the Hulk Smash project into an even more engaging and innovative experience.