The Conundrums
Dare to Snare
Project Summary | Project Information |
|---|---|
The Robotic Drum Assist is a system that allows any student to participate in music education using a basic drum set. Music education is a requirement in New York State, and is widely accepted as being an integral learning experience for fostering creative thinking and expression. However, some physical disabilities don't allow for the use of most kinds of instruments. As it stands, most teachers use a hand-over-hand method to play instruments with students, which makes students dependent on teachers and caregivers in their classes. This system is intended to help those with physical disabilities that inhibit music participation, but who would be able to control a robotic assist to interact with various percussive instruments. The assist will be primarily controlled through easy-touch buttons, which will be able to support students with multiple types of disabilities. The goal is to deliver a functional prototype for use in high school music classes that would allow students to play independently. The designed interfaces will be adaptable to the desired state of playing and support the independent control of tempo for a drum set consisting of a snare drum, bass drum, and hi-hat. The device will be safe, portable, and compatible with standard instruments and all users, allowing for easy set-up and take-down for use with different groups. There will be options for completely independent generation of beats and rhythms through interaction with the button interface. Ultimately, this device will increase music accessibility and interactivity for everyone, creating valuable new opportunities for education and expression. | Project Title: Project Number: Start Term: End Term: Faculty Guide: Primary Customer(s): Sponsor (financial support): |
Team Members
| Member | Major | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofía Quiñones | Electrical Engineering | Testing and Verification Lead | SQ4484@RIT.EDU |
| Irfan Punekar | Computer Engineering | Customer Relations and Aesthetics Lead | IRP5775@RIT.EDU |
| Yasha Pavlovskiy | Electrical Engineering | Head of Control Systems and Interface | YXP2378@RIT.EDU |
| Hannah Van Fleet | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Lead and Head of Purchasing | HLV1590@RIT.EDU |
| Josh Abrams | Computer Engineering | Technical Lead and Documentation Manager | JSA5034@RIT.EDU |
| Mehmet Koksal | Electrical Engineering | Lead Electrical Hardware Engineer |
Information
Work Breakdown: By Phase
MSD I & II | MSD I | MSD II |
|---|---|---|
Integrated System Build & Test Customer Handoff & Final Project Documentation (Verification & Validation) |
Work Breakdown: By Topic
Project Management | Design Tools | Design Documentation | Implementation | Validation | Presentation & Dissemination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Problem Management Communication & Minutes | Mechanical Drawings Electrical Schematics Software Diagrams Manuals | Mockups Test Fixtures Prototyping Test Plans | Analysis Results Simulations Test Results | Design Review Documents Technical Paper Poster Imagine RIT Exhibit |
For drawings, schematics, diagrams, and flowcharts, see the individual phase pages. Documentation is currently organized with the context of the phase they were produced in. A comprehensive list of documentation materials will be ready during MSD II as documentation is finalized and prototyping clears up lingering questions.
Acknowledgements
- We would like to thank our customer and partner, Molly King, for her support and enthusiasm throughout this project.
- We would like to thank Steve Pellow, Jeff Pelz, and Dan Phillips for providing access to some RIT resources regarding eye-tracking technologies.
- Special thanks to Jeff Slawson at WKBW for featuring our project as a local story and giving accessibility a spotlight in the community.
