The QC Bot is an autonomous payload transport vehicle, capable of co-occupying and navigating human spaces; it has been Vecna's primary robotics focus for the past two years. The robot uses a wide suite of sensors to understand its surroundings, and then create dynamic maps that can adjust when obstacles present themselves. It has a configurable storage space, can self-dock to recharge, and has multiple authentication layers to verify users before allowing access to sensitive cargo. In early versions of the concept, I designed the 'podium' piece of the robot, including the user interfaces and storage mechanisms. In later versions, I designed the sensor suite and many of the base components
On this project, I:
» Led development of concept and system architecture through three full design iterations in a 4 year period to bring the robot from concept sketch to customer-deployed commercial product
» Adapted design as focus shifted between functionality, DFM, DFA, serviceability, and cost tradeoffs
» Was the end-to-end designer of navigation sensor package, traction system, and hardware touch points
» Iterated with UX team to create an approachable look, intuitive intent display, and ergonomic interaction points
» Built engineering documentation package, assembly instructions, BOM, and managed production ECO’s
» Managed vendor relations to ensure Vecna received accurate parts manufactured to our prints from both external and internal shops. Vetted vendors with site visits, engineering exchanges, and qualifying parts
