PROJECTS 

KPM V1 — Basic Motion (Failure-Driven Start)

• Built: Wheeled robot using Arduino Uno + L298N motor driver
  
  

• Problem: Robot repeatedly crashed into objects
  
  

• Lesson: Movement without sensing is useless → autonomy requires perception
  
  

• Programmed basic motion: forward, backward, left, and right

• Established initial wiring and control logic

 KPM V2 — Speed Experiment (Intentional Failure) Performance Upgrade

• Attempt: Added rear propulsion fan to increase speed
  
  

• Problem: High power drain, negligible speed gain
  
  

• Decision: Removed fan; Added a high-RPM rear propulsion fan to increase thrust

• Improved overall movement performance

• Lesson: Engineering values efficiency over brute force solutions

KPM V3 — Sensor Intelligence 360° Navigation System

• Upgrade: Ultrasonic sensor mounted on servo with “look-before-move” logic
  
  

• Problem: Detected walls but missed floor-level obstacles Programmed a scanning system so the robot checks surroundings before moving

• Fix: Learned importance of sensor placement and chassis geometry
  
  

• Lesson: Mechanical design directly affects software performance
  
  

KPM V4 — Reliability & Real-World Improvements

• Power Redesign: Dual-battery isolation (motors vs logic/sensors)
  
  

• Result: Eliminated voltage drops and sensor interference
  
  

• Physical Redesign: Lowered front chassis; added LED lighting
  
  

• Outcome: Stable, reliable navigation in low-light environments
  
  

KPM V5 — Advanced Modular Recon Robot (Current)

• Current Work: Design-focused iteration
  
  

• Goals:
  
  

  • 4-wheel drive platform
    
    

  • Quick-swap base (wheels ↔ caterpillar tracks)
    
    

  • Modular components inspired by F1-style fast replacement
    
    

  • Camera module planned
    
    

  • Upgraded to a 3D-printed chassis for strength and precision

  • Integrated a rotating camera for environmental monitoring

  • Added dual control systems:

    1. Bluetooth smartphone control

    2. Long-range infrared control

• Focus: Maintainability, usability, and rapid repair

Multi-Sensor Safety Glove (Human-Centered Design Project)

Initial Concept — Smart Jacket (Failed Prototype)

• Designed a full wearable jacket with embedded sensors

• Identified major issues:

  1. Fragile wiring

  2. Difficult to wear and use quickly

• Not practical for real-world situations
  
  

Final Design — Safety Glove

Features:

• IR sensors on fingertips for directional sensing

• Ultrasonic sensor on back of hand for distance detection

• Flame sensor on pinky for heat detection

Key Improvements:

• More natural interaction using hand movement

• Stronger and more reliable wiring

• Designed for real-world use instead of just a prototype

• Outcome: Fast to deploy, durable, intuitive UX

• Lesson: Technology must adapt to users, not the other way around
  
  

Engineering Approach

• Build → Test → Identify Problems → Improve → Repeat

• Focus on both performance and usability

• Turn simple ideas into more advanced systems through iteration