01 / What it is
The project
Hydra is a browser-controlled, cable-driven robotic arm that uses one motor with electronically controlled clutches. A Raspberry Pi runs the high-level interface and control service while an Arduino handles timing and encoder-sensitive hardware work.
02 / My part
What I contributed
- Turned dense project notes and system behavior into a maintained technical README that explains setup, architecture, calibration, controls, and safety.
- Mapped the relationship between the browser interface, Flask and Socket.IO service, serial protocol, Arduino firmware, encoders, motor, and solenoids.
- Documented operational safeguards such as watchdogs, limits, calibration requirements, and safe shutdown behavior.
03 / Experience
What I have gained
- Understanding a mixed hardware-and-software system before changing or explaining it.
- Communicating embedded control behavior clearly enough for another builder to set up and troubleshoot the arm.
- Seeing how network commands become physical movement through Python, serial messages, C++, GPIO, and feedback sensors.
- Treating safety documentation as part of the engineering work, not an afterthought.
04 / Now
Where it is going
Current focus
Making the control stack understandable, reproducible, and safer to operate during development.
Next step
Keep the documentation synchronized as control logic, calibration, and hardware behavior evolve.