Autonomous robotic glass cleaning platform

Autonomous Robotic Glass Cleaning Platform

Custom embedded control electronics, sensing, and remote operation for a robotic glass cleaner.

This industrial development project involved evaluating existing robotic glass cleaning platforms and developing a revised embedded control system for a selected base platform. My work focused on custom electronics, firmware development, power management, sensing, motor integration, and remote control.

The project progressed through product analysis, initial design, prototype development, functional testing, design refinement, and final system integration. The custom controller was designed to interface with the robot's existing motors, sensors, connectors, and mechanical structure.

To respect contractual intellectual property and confidentiality obligations, circuit details, component selections, PCB files, firmware, internal test data, and manufacturing documentation are not presented publicly.

Role Embedded Systems Engineer and PCB Designer
Period 2015 to 2018
Project Type Private Industrial Development Project
Focus Embedded Control and Robotic Product Development
Embedded Systems Custom PCB Firmware Development Power Management Sensor Integration Motor Control Bluetooth Control Infrared Control Hardware Testing

My Contributions

My responsibility covered the development and integration of the embedded control system, from initial platform analysis through prototype testing and final technical handoff.

  • Reviewed comparable robotic glass cleaning products and evaluated potential base platforms.
  • Analyzed the selected robot's electrical, mechanical, sensing, and control requirements.
  • Designed a custom embedded controller and PCB compatible with the robot's existing motors, sensors, wiring, and connectors.
  • Developed embedded firmware for motion control, sensor monitoring, command processing, and operating modes.
  • Integrated power management and electrical interfaces for the controller, sensors, communication modules, and robotic loads.
  • Added wireless mobile control and infrared remote operation.
  • Built and tested the prototype, performed hardware bring-up, debugged electrical and firmware issues, and refined the design based on test results.
  • Prepared technical documentation and supported the final system handoff.

System Architecture

The system architecture separates sensing and user commands from embedded decision-making, motor control, and power distribution.

Inputs

01 Edge and Position Sensors
02 Bluetooth and Infrared Commands
03 System Status and Safety Feedback

Embedded Control

04 Custom PCB and Embedded Controller
05 Control Logic and Safety Decisions

Outputs

06 Motor Drivers
07 Drive and Cleaning Motors
08 Robot Motion and Cleaning
Power External Power Input, Voltage Regulation, Power Distribution, and Short-Term Battery Backup

Custom Embedded Controller

The replacement controller coordinated sensor inputs, remote commands, motor operation, and system status. The PCB was designed around the physical and electrical constraints of the existing robot.

Power and Interface Design

The electronics supported the different voltage and current requirements of the controller, sensors, communication interfaces, and robotic loads while maintaining compatibility with the original wiring and connectors.

Control Interfaces

The platform supported wireless operation through a mobile interface as well as infrared remote control. Both command methods were integrated into the embedded firmware and robot operating logic.

Prototype Development

The development process included assembly, board bring-up, firmware testing, motor and sensor integration, functional validation, troubleshooting, and iterative design improvements.

Engineering Results

The project produced an integrated replacement controller that supported the robot's existing hardware while adding new control and communication capabilities.

Custom Controller A purpose designed embedded controller replaced the original electronics while remaining compatible with the existing robotic platform.
Remote Operation The robot supported both wireless mobile control and infrared remote operation.
Integrated Hardware Processing, power management, sensing, communication, and motor interfaces were combined within one control system.
Prototype Validation The system was assembled, tested, debugged, refined, and validated on the complete robotic platform.