Embedded Development of ESP32, CAD Work, Website Development
3D Printing, and More
Another Automation is a personal venture I am currently pursuing in my free time, driven by my deep passion for automation. I have always been captivated by the concept of creating something once and having it operate indefinitely, with minimal maintenance. This idea resonates with me profoundly, whether applied to software or physical systems. A quote I encountered years ago has stayed with me and perfectly encapsulates my philosophy: "Treat the root of the problem, not the symptoms." For instance, if I were tasked with pressing a button every 108 minutes to prevent a catastrophic event, I wouldn’t spend my life performing this repetitive task. Instead, I would design a machine to do it for me—building it once and solving the problem permanently.
I have come to realize that automation, as it stands today, is largely accessible only to large corporations and factories. The technology offered by traditional companies like ABB is prohibitively expensive, limiting its use to industrial giants. However, I firmly believe that automation should be democratized and made accessible to everyone. With the rapid advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, I am convinced we are moving toward a future where this is possible. Because automation has always resonated so deeply with me, I want to contribute to this evolution, which is why I founded Another Automation. The mission is simple: to make automation accessible to individuals and small businesses, not just large factories.
Development Process
To begin, I sought out a repetitive task that remains largely unautomated for many companies. One such task is order fulfillment in e-commerce. While giants like Amazon have automated their warehouses, countless smaller e-commerce businesses—such as those selling protein powders, supplements, or other products—still rely on manual labor to pick, pack, and ship orders. This is the market I aim to address. However, as a solo developer, I needed to identify a product that would be feasible to automate as a starting point. After careful consideration, I concluded that Swedish nicotine pouches, commonly known as snus, were the ideal candidate.
Snus is a popular product in Sweden, with numerous e-commerce platforms selling a wide variety of flavors and brands. Despite the diversity in flavors, all snus products share a consistent form factor: they are packaged in cylindrical cans, typically measuring around 70mm in diameter and 25mm in height. This uniformity makes snus an excellent candidate for automation. My goal is to develop a machine that can automatically fulfill snus orders, streamlining the process for small e-commerce businesses.
CAD Engineering
This project is multifaceted and requires a diverse skill set. In my spare time, I am designing and building a machine capable of automating the shipping process for snus orders. To achieve this, I have had to learn and apply computer-aided design (CAD) to create custom parts for the machine. Combining CAD with my existing expertise in coding and electronics, I am developing a system that can dispense snus orders efficiently. Currently, I am working on SnusDispV4 (the fourth iteration of the snus dispenser) and ConveySnusV1 (the first version of the conveyor belt). While there is still much work to be done, I find the process incredibly rewarding.
Embedded Programming
The machine’s moving parts are controlled by electronics, specifically ESP32 microcontrollers, which require embedded programming. I write the code to control stepper motors, integrate sensors, and manage the machine’s operations. I am also developing a central controller software to oversee the dispensers and ensure seamless functionality.
Website Development
To demonstrate the machine’s capabilities, I have built a prototype website that connects to the machine, allowing users to select the number of cans to dispense and initiate the process with a single click.
Conclusion
What makes this project particularly fulfilling is the tangible progress I can see and touch. Unlike traditional software projects, where the end result is confined to a screen, this endeavor involves a physical machine that I can observe in action. Watching the machine move, dispense cans, and perform tasks is incredibly satisfying and provides a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond what I’ve experienced with purely digital projects.
In summary, Another Automation is a passion-driven initiative aimed at making automation accessible to a broader audience. By combining skills in CAD, embedded programming, electronics, and web development, I am working to create a machine that automates the fulfillment of snus orders. This project not only aligns with my love for automation but also allows me to contribute to a future where automation is within reach for individuals and small businesses alike.