Tecto

Tecto: The Self-Stabilizing Table Inspiration

The Bay Area is home to numerous fault lines, making earthquakes a frequent concern. In Silicon Valley, where engineers and students work with delicate electronics, even a mild tremor—or someone bumping into a table—can cause fragile parts to fall and break. We were inspired to create Tecto, a self-stabilizing 3D-printed table designed to restore balance in moments of instability. Our goal was to help students and innovators feel secure in classrooms and labs, even during unexpected movement.

What It Does Tecto automatically stabilizes itself during sudden movement or shaking. Using an accelerometer, it detects side-to-side acceleration. This data is processed by the ESP32 microcontroller, which then sends commands to servo motors at the base of the table legs. The servos adjust in real time to counteract the motion, keeping the tabletop level and preventing objects from falling.

How We Built It Hardware ESP32 microcontroller (for control and processing) ADXL345 accelerometer (for motion detection) Micro servo motors (for movement and correction) 3D-printed frame and table base Software C++ code written in Arduino IDE I²C communication between the ESP32 and accelerometer PID-style servo control logic to counteract acceleration forces

We integrated the accelerometer readings with the servo feedback loop to create a responsive system that reacts instantly to movement.

Challenges We Ran Into Calibrating the accelerometer to filter out noise and vibration from normal table movement. Ensuring servos reacted smoothly without overcompensating or oscillating. Designing a stable 3D-printed frame that could support both weight and motion. Managing precise timing between sensor readings and servo responses. Accomplishments That We’re Proud Of Successfully created a working prototype that reacts to real-time motion. Built a compact, low-cost earthquake-resistant table concept. Developed a system that combines mechanical design, electronics, and software seamlessly. Demonstrated that stability and safety can be achieved through smart design.

What We Learned How to interface sensors (like the ADXL345) with the ESP32 using I²C. Techniques for real-time motion compensation with servo motors. The importance of mechanical design in hardware projects involving motion. How to iterate quickly under time pressure and synchronize hardware with software.

What’s Next for Tecto Integrating machine learning to predict and adjust for movement patterns. Adding a gyroscope for more accurate 3D motion detection. Expanding the concept to desks, lab benches, and equipment platforms. Exploring partnerships for use in schools, labs, and high-tech workspaces.

Built With

• cad
• esp32
• hardware