Suction Climbing Robot Prototype

Four-legged climbing robot prototype using Arduino control, mini vacuum pumps, and stepper-driven motion. Work focused on suction release control, wiring integration, and bench-level debugging.

Wall-climbing robot prototype on whiteboard test surface
Prototype test on a smooth whiteboard surface during powered runtime.

My Role

Focused on suction release control and system integration, including solenoid-vent release design, wiring and power integration, and debugging uneven suction behavior during live tests.

System Architecture

Stepper-driven legs with vacuum-pump suction feet controlled by an Arduino Mega. The controller coordinated attachment, detachment, and locomotion sequencing across the four legs.

Challenges

Primary challenge was inconsistent suction release timing between legs, likely caused by airflow resistance, leakage, and uneven vacuum distribution across the suction network.

Electrical Integration

Bench testing focused on voltage stability, transient load behavior, and current draw across the motor, pump, and solenoid subsystems.

My Role

Focused on suction release control and system integration, including solenoid-vent release design, wiring and power integration, and debugging uneven suction behavior during live tests.

System Architecture

Stepper-driven legs with vacuum-pump suction feet controlled by an Arduino Mega. The controller coordinated attachment, detachment, and locomotion sequencing across the four legs.

Challenges

Primary challenge was inconsistent suction release timing between legs, likely caused by airflow resistance, leakage, and uneven vacuum distribution across the suction network.

Electrical Integration

Bench testing focused on voltage stability, transient load behavior, and current draw across the motor, pump, and solenoid subsystems.

Underside Layout

Underside view showing suction mounting and early prototype wiring layout.

Underside view of climbing robot prototype showing suction mounts and wiring layout
Early underside layout showing suction mounts and wiring integration.