Sheet 02 · Project Index

Projects

Six mechanisms, from coursework to competition, from concept sketch to working hardware. Each entry below links to the full build: design decisions, hardware, and what broke along the way.

06 Builds
PRJ-01

Adaptive Fin-Ray Gripper

moteus-c1 R1.2 · CAN-FD · mj5208

A compliant, self-conforming end effector built around a CAN-FD servo controller and a from-scratch actuation pipeline. Graduate coursework, BU Gardner Lab.

Fusion 360 Python Motor Control
Read the build
PRJ-02

Fruit-Picking Robotic Arm

6-JOINT · CNC AL 6061 · BOSTON ROBOTICS CLUB

Machined and assembled the arm structure; designed the fin-ray end effector. Took 1st place ($10,000) and the Audience Appreciation Award ($1,000), $11,000 total, at Mass Robotics Form & Function 2026.

CNC Lathe Fusion 360 1st Place
Read the build
PRJ-03

SMOC Thermal Regulator

ESP32-S3 · DUAL-ZONE · SMOC CONTROL

A dual-zone heater platform controlling temperature with Shell Multivariable Optimizing Control, identified from PRBS test data and grounded in the original 1977 LAG literature.

Controls System ID Embedded C
Read the build
PRJ-04

Rotary Vane Pump

ME 559 · TEAM PROJECT · GD&T

A positive-displacement pump built with a three-person team for ME 559: eccentric rotor, sliding vanes, and a full GD&T drawing package with written assembly procedures.

OnShape GD&T Team Project
Read the build
PRJ-05

Rehab Grip-Pressure Sensor

ME 571 · FLEX SENSOR · LCD READOUT

A wearable flex sensor with a live LCD pressure readout, built to gauge finger strength during extremity rehabilitation.

Medical Robotics Wearable Group Project
Read the build
PRJ-06

Pneu-Net Soft Robot

ME 568 · SILICONE · SYRINGE-ACTUATED

A self-propelling pneu-net soft robot, cast in silicone and inflated section by section with hand-driven syringes.

Soft Robotics Fabrication Group Project
Read the build

Want the full parts list, code, or CAD on any of these?

Projectalgardner.com · Portfolio
Drawn byA. Gardner
ScaleN.T.S.
Sheet02 of 10
RevA