SaltTerra | Devpost

Robot

SaltTerra: Reimagining Winter in Toronto

We're driven by a simple idea: Toronto winters can be better. We're focused on reducing the environmental impact of road salt, and we believe there's a smarter way. That's why we built SaltTerra.

What SaltTerra Does: Approach

SaltTerra is a smart robot designed for sustainable de-icing. It's about targeted action, not just spreading salt. Our controlled dispensing system minimizes waste, applying salt precisely where it's needed. Think micro-dosing for icy patches. Remote operation allows for targeted deployment, and we're developing autonomous navigation so SaltTerra can proactively address trouble spots.

How We Built SaltTerra: Resourcefulness and Innovation

Building SaltTerra was a great learning experience. We started with a scaled-down prototype. We're resourceful, so we used sustainable materials – even repurposed aluminum cans! Our custom soda can mechanism is key to our salt storage and dispensing system. An ESP32 with a web server provides smart control and remote access.

Challenges: Learning Through Innovation

Building SaltTerra presented some interesting challenges. Fine-tuning the salt dispensing mechanism with our DIY approach required some creative problem-solving. Integrating sensor-based autonomous start within the hackathon timeframe was a stretch, but we made solid progress. Time was a factor, so we prioritized and worked efficiently as a team.

Accomplishments: A Step Towards Sustainability

We're proud of what we achieved. SaltTerra is a working prototype demonstrating a practical approach to sustainable de-icing. It features controlled salt dispensing, remote control, and a basic autonomous start function. Our soda can mechanism showcases resourceful design. SaltTerra embodies our commitment to a greener future for winter maintenance.

What We Learned

This project was a valuable learning experience. We gained practical robotics skills, from building and programming to microcontroller and sensor integration. We learned to think creatively and optimize resources. We deepened our understanding of sustainability-driven engineering and the importance of iterative design. And we strengthened our teamwork and collaboration skills.

What's Next for SaltTerra

We're excited to continue developing SaltTerra. We envision enhanced autonomy using advanced sensors and intelligent route planning. We want to scale up the prototype for broader applications, from sidewalks to city streets. We'll refine the salt dispensing mechanism for optimal precision and engineer SaltTerra for real-world durability. We believe SaltTerra has the potential to improve winter maintenance in Toronto, and we're eager to see what's next.