Wall-E Prototype IEnvironmental Impact and Ethical Challenges

Team: 1Zelun TieHang Xie

Xin JinRanmin Chen

Overview

The design project Wall-E Prototype I is an intelligent automated trash collecting robot with obstacle detection capability. The robot responses to either user’s direct manual control, or the object tracking software, to locate and collect the targeted trash object.

Environmental Impact Analysis(Impact)

5in * 6in PCB containing hazardous materials (Heavy metals: Lead, mercury, and copper. Organic Chemical: plastic,  flame retardants)

Rechargeable battery (Ni-Mh Battery has shorter life cycle due to faster self discharging)

Industrial Plastic deck on robot (Not biodegradable)

Environmental Impact Analysis(solution)

Simplify PCB (smaller PCB and less traces, ie. Eliminate extra traces for headers)

Trade in policy and Partner up with recycling company (eg. Intercon Solutions) to recycle PCB, battery and plastic deck.

Prolong battery life by using better low self-discharge cells and introducing more power efficient components.

Ethical Challenges(Issues)

Current open packaging solution is less costly but also less faulty proof.

Prototype I has no warning tags.Prototype I has only been tested under the

“least hazardous” conditions.

Ethical Challenges(Solutions)

Full closure packaging when commercialize (reduce potential user injury and protect robot)

Testing in various hazardous environments (eg. Moisture, Heat, Cold)

Warning tag if not able to improve design.Over achieving safety and performance

standards to meet military qualifications (MIL-STD)

Replacement policy and repairing servicesInteresting user guide video (making the user

want to read the user manual)

Questions