Scribblz — Wall-Drawing Robot

Overview

Scribblz is an autonomous wall-climbing robot that navigates vertical glass and draws on it from user input. It combines a custom suction system, an omni-wheel drivetrain for holonomic motion, a servo-driven marker lift, and computer-vision auto-docking. As the electrical lead, I owned the custom PCB, power distribution, sensor integration, and the safety systems that keep a robot reliably stuck to a window.

The challenge

Sticking to vertical glass while drawing precisely means the electrical system has to deliver stable power to high-current motors, run multiple sensors, and fail safe — because a power glitch means the robot falls.

My contribution

• Custom PCB with robust power distribution and integrated motor drivers.
• Sensor interface circuits for the vision and docking subsystems.
• Redundant safety features and clean signal routing for precise motor control under load.

The team organized everything around three pillars: Purpose (a real use for wall-climbing robots), Novelty (something genuinely new), and Longevity (easy to maintain and reuse).

What I learned

This project leveled up my PCB design, power electronics, and system-integration skills — especially designing for high-current loads and building safety in from the start. Working across electrical, mechanical, and software subteams taught me how much good hardware depends on clear interfaces between people, not just components. Most of our best decisions came from iterating through real prototypes that surfaced problems no simulation predicted.

For full CAD, schematics, and the bill of materials, see the complete project website.