📍 Duration / Institution
Feb - May 2026, University of Pittsburgh
⭐Tags
Mechatronics
Embedded Control System
HCI &UIUX
Recipe-Driven Beverage Dispensing and mixing Machine
⭐ Situation + Task
Commercial beverage preparation environments require precise fluid ratios to maintain product consistency, yet manual multi-ingredient pouring introduces human error and slows operational efficiency. This project focused on developing a compact beverage dispenser and dynamic mixer that accurately controls ingredient proportions based on predefined recipes. The technical objective was to translate abstract beverage recipes into deterministic multi-actuator control logic, develope a mechatronics-based automated machine prototype from scratch, and build a reliable operational workflow with live user feedback.
⚙️ Action
Built the experimental test bay by assembling an insulated enclosure, integrating sensors, and completing wiring for synchronized thermal measurements.
Developed a full-factorial Design of Experiments (DOE) to evaluate the effects of surface temperature, enclosure size, and plate orientation on convection performance.
Performed design-stage uncertainty analysis to quantify measurement uncertainty and improve the reliability.
Developed sensor wiring, calibration, and synchronized data acquisition workflows using Arduino, MAX31865, and FluxDAQ to collect temperature and heat flux measurements.
📈 Result
Delivered a comprehensive laboratory testing procedure, experimental setup documentation, and data analysis workflow for natural convection characterization.
Established standardized calibration and validation methods to improve measurement repeatability and comparison across test conditions.
Produced a DOE framework enabling systematic evaluation of key thermal parameters and their interaction effects.
