Project Description
I’m looking for a freelance robotics/mechanical engineer to help build a small ambient companion robot prototype called Madison Orb v1.
This is an early-stage, hands-on prototype project focused on creating a calm, premium-feeling robotic presence — not a toy robot or research platform.
The overall concept, industrial design direction, behavior philosophy, and initial STL reference files are already defined. Updated design references and prototype specifications are available.
Key Design Direction (UPDATED)
The project has evolved from a basic mobile robot into a more refined ambient companion concept with:
egg-shaped enclosure design (not a perfect sphere)
glossy black front visor
single expressive LED light ring (instead of cartoon eyes)
matching ambient LED band around the body
calm, minimal interaction design
hidden front caster wheel for improved balance and smoother turning
quiet, slow movement prioritized over speed
The goal is to create something that feels emotionally present through:
light,
motion,
orientation,
and subtle behavior
—not exaggerated animations or toy-like expressions.
Robot Capabilities
The prototype will:
move using a dual-wheel drive system + hidden front support wheel
detect basic environmental input (distance/proximity)
respond with simple movement and expressive lighting
run structured behavioral states (idle, listening, calm, docking, etc.)
support basic voice interaction/audio output
This is still a practical prototype build project — not a high-complexity robotics or AI research system.
Scope of Work
Hardware Integration
Set up Raspberry Pi 5 (or recommend alternative such as ESP32/Jetson/Arduino where appropriate)
Integrate:
2x quiet DC gear motors
motor driver
battery pack
proximity / ToF sensors
LED ring + LED light band
speaker + microphone array
optional camera support
Mobility & Stability (UPDATED)
Implement:
smooth forward/reverse movement
controlled turning
stable low-speed movement
support for hidden front caster wheel design
Important:
Movement should feel calm and intentional — not fast or aggressive.
Light Expression System (NEW)
Implement coordinated lighting behaviors between:
front expressive light ring
body LED band
Examples:
listening
thinking
calm
charging
docking
happy/engaged
The ring and body band should work together as a unified visual language.
Basic Behavioral Logic
Support structured states such as:
idle
attentive
reacting
repositioning
docking
resting
(No advanced AI required at this stage — structured logic/state behavior is sufficient)
3D Printed Enclosure
(UPDATED)
Review and improve existing STL reference files for:
component fitment
mounting structure
wheel/caster integration
serviceability
shell assembly
wire routing
Optional:
assist with printing recommendations/material selection.
Documentation
Provide:
wiring diagrams
setup notes
organized readable code
basic assembly guidance
BOM (preferred)
Goal
Deliver a functional v1 prototype that:
moves smoothly and reliably
feels stable while turning
demonstrates expressive light behavior
supports basic interaction
is physically assembled and testable
Polish is NOT the priority.
The priority is validating the physical design, movement feel, and ambient interaction concept.