GutterBot Capstone Project

For my Capstone Senior Design project, my team of six built an automated robot to clean gutters, aiming to eliminate ladder use, reduce injury risks, and simplify the task for homeowners. We completed the project within six months on a $3,000 budget, combining off-the-shelf components with custom 3D-printed parts and laser-cut wood.

My primary role was designing the deployment subsystem. I utilized SolidWorks FEA to ensure the design stayed within material stress limits and focused on using off-the-shelf parts for cost efficiency and easy repairs. The final system enables users to hook the robot onto gutters with an extending pole, lift it using a winch, and position it securely.

I also helped coordinate deliverables and timelines between subteams, managed our team’s budget and communication with advisors, and assisted subteams as needed. I also was responsible for the design and construction of a six-foot mock roof test rig we used to analyze the robot’s debris-removal capabilities and performance. This rig allowed us to identify strenghts and weaknesses in performance to be considered in the future.

In Spring 2025, our group plans to further develop the prototype, building on the framework established in Capstone. This project showcased teamwork, system integration, and engineering problem-solving, with promising applications to improve safety in home maintenance.