Matic Robots - Tristan

Overview

Matic Robots is a company specializing in autonomous cleaning robots in Silicon Valley. I was on the mechanical design team, and responsible for the development of the mopping and sweeping systems, as well as packaging design. I worked in a team of 6 engineers with weekly design reviews on progress. I worked there on and off (due to coop terms) for 2 years.

Key Contributions

• DFA/DFM of injection molded components
• Component wear testing
• Assembly jigs and fixtures
• SolidWorks Master Modeling
• Packaging Design
• 3 patents published

Technical Details

Mopping System

I developed custom solvent tank water level sensors for the robot to detect when the cleaning solution is low.

Sweeping System

I designed features into the brushroll to help manage hair tangles and make clearing them easy. I also designed a side brush to sweep along walls (where the main brush could not reach), that was hideable when not in use. Check out the patent!

I also determined the optimal settings and rouines of cleaning system for various floor and debris types. I also developed a untangling routine for the robot in the case of wire tangles. Check out the patent!

Packaging Design

I designed a package that allows the robot to roll out of its packaging autonomously. See: Instagram reel Check out the patent!

Learnings

Working for this company, I learned many prototyping techniques such as advanced 3D printing (with a Carbon 3D machine), chemical molding of soft materials, packaging design using cardboard, and integrated electronics using custom PCBs and firmware. I also learned to communicate with vendors to get custom parts manufactured and source/spec motors.

I also got A LOT of CAD experience working for Matic Robots. Primarily in SolidWorks, I learned advanced modeling techniques and best practices such as master modeling, surface modeling, PDM, draft analysis, weldments and sheet metal modeling.