BARBOTOS v1.0.6 🍸🤖

An intelligent automated bartender robot capable of mixing drinks, dispensing ice, and providing an interactive user experience.

🔗 Try it in Tinkercad!

🎯 Overview

BARBOTOS is a sophisticated drink-mixing robot built around Arduino that can prepare four different beverages (Milkshake, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite) with customizable toppings, ice, and cream. The system features intelligent glass detection, temperature monitoring, and a comprehensive statistics tracking system.

🔧 Hardware Components

Core Control System

• Arduino Uno (Primary) — main system controller
• Arduino Uno (Secondary) — LED effects controller
• 16x2 LCD Display — user interface and status display
• Analog Button Panel — 8-button interface for drink selection and navigation

Dispensing System

• 8x Peristaltic Pumps — precise liquid dispensing
  • Pin 0: Milkshake base
  • Pin 1: Cream
  • Pin 2: Chocolate topping
  • Pin 3: Fruit syrup
  • Pin 4: Caramel topping
  • Pin 5: Coca-Cola
  • Pin 6: Fanta
  • Pin 7: Sprite
• 74HC595 Shift Register (2x) — pump control expansion
• Servo Motor — automated ice cube dispensing

Sensor Array

• Force Sensor (A0) — glass detection and weight measurement
• Temperature Sensor (A4) — ambient temperature monitoring
• Analog Multiplexer (A5) — button input processing

Visual Feedback

• 16-LED NeoPixel Ring — status indication and animations
• Custom LCD Characters — enhanced display symbols

🧠 Software Architecture

Core Classes

BarBotInterface

• LCD Management: Custom character creation, cursor control
• User Input: Multi-format question handling (numbers, yes/no, multiple choice)
• Sensor Integration: Temperature reading, glass detection
• Menu Systems: Settings, statistics, calibration interfaces

CustomHC595<T>

• Template-based Design: Supports multiple shift register configurations
• Precise Control: Individual pin state management
• Bulk Operations: Set/clear all pins simultaneously
• Error Handling: Pin range validation

CocktailMaker

• Recipe Management: Ingredient-specific pouring logic
• Timing Control: Volume-based dispensing calculations
• Ice System: Automated cube breaking and dispensing
• Safety Features: Immediate stop functionality

Key Features

🍹 Drink Preparation

• 4 Base Drinks: Milkshake, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite
• Smart Mixing: Proportional ingredient calculation
• Customizable Toppings: Chocolate, caramel, fruit syrups
• Ice/Cream Options: Automated dispensing with volume compensation
• Glass Size Support: Small (150ml), Medium (330ml), Large (500ml)

📊 Advanced Statistics

• Consumption Tracking: Individual drink counters
• Volume Monitoring: Total liquid dispensed
• Ice Usage Statistics: Cubes dispensed tracking
• Temperature Logging: 16-point rolling average
• Session Persistence: Statistics maintained during operation

⚙️ Calibration & Settings

• Weight Calibration: Automatic glass detection setup
• Volume Configuration: Customizable glass sizes
• Animation Selection: 4 LED ring effects ("Rainbow", "Snake", "Ukraine", "Fire")
• Topping Preferences: 6 fruit syrup options
• Ice Inventory: Manual count management

🎨 User Experience

• Intuitive Navigation: Context-aware button functions
• Progress Indication: Real-time filling animation
• Error Handling: Glass detection, volume validation

🔌 Pin Configuration

Digital Pins

Pin 3:  Servo Motor (Ice Dispenser)
Pin 4:  LCD D4
Pin 5:  LCD D5  
Pin 6:  LCD D6
Pin 7:  LCD D7
Pin 12: LCD Enable
Pin 13: LCD RS

Analog Pins

A0: Force Sensor (Glass Detection)
A1: Shift Register Latch Pin
A2: Shift Register Data Pin  
A3: Shift Register Clock Pin
A4: Temperature Sensor (TMP36)
A5: Button Input Multiplexer

🚀 Operation Modes

Normal Operation

1. Glass Detection: System waits for glass placement
2. Drink Selection: User chooses from 4 options via dedicated buttons
3. Size Selection: Small/Medium/Large glass configuration
4. Customization: Ice, cream, toppings based on drink type
5. Preparation: Automated dispensing with progress display
6. Completion: Ready notification with removal detection

Settings Menu

• Ice Management: Count adjustment and calibration
• System Calibration: Weight sensor baseline setting
• Volume Configuration: Custom glass size definition
• Visual Effects: LED animation selection
• Topping Selection: Default fruit syrup choice
• Information Display: Statistics and system info

📈 Technical Specifications

Performance Metrics

• Pump Rate: 28ml/second base flow rate
• Ice Capacity: 50 cube maximum storage
• Temperature Range: -40°C to +125°C monitoring
• Weight Detection: 0-1000g range with glass detection
• Response Time: <25ms button debouncing

Memory Management

• Efficient Storage: Template-based shift register control
• Minimal Footprint: Custom implementations over libraries
• Statistics Buffer: 16-point temperature history
• String Optimization: PROGMEM usage for static data

🛠️ Assembly Instructions

Circuit Connection

1. Power Distribution: Ensure adequate 5V/12V supply separation
2. Shift Register Chain: Connect 74HC595 modules in series
3. Sensor Calibration: Position force sensor under glass platform
4. Pump Placement: Mount pumps with proper liquid line routing
5. Display Mount: Secure LCD for optimal viewing angle

Software Setup

1. Library Dependencies: LiquidCrystal, Servo (Arduino IDE built-in)
2. Pin Verification: Confirm all connections match pin definitions
3. Calibration: Run weight sensor calibration before first use
4. Testing: Use testPouringSystem() for pump verification

🎯 Project Achievements

This project represents several technical milestones:

• 🏗️ Complex System Integration: Successfully coordinated 8 pumps, sensors, display, and servo
• 📚 Custom Library Development: Built specialized 74HC595 control from scratch
• ⚡ Efficient Resource Usage: Template-based design for minimal memory footprint
• 🎨 User Experience Focus: Comprehensive menu system with intuitive navigation
• 📊 Data Management: Advanced statistics with persistent tracking
• 🔧 Real-world Problem Solving: Addressed hardware limitations through software solutions

🚧 Known Limitations & Future Improvements

Current Constraints

• Simulation Environment: Tinkercad physics limitations affect liquid behavior representation
• Calibration Dependency: Requires manual adjustment for real-world pump variations
• Single-threaded Operation: Sequential operation limits parallel processing

Planned Enhancements

• Physical Implementation: Migration to real hardware with 3D-printed chassis
• Parallel Processing: ATtiny85 integration for background LED effects
• I2C LCD Upgrade: More stable display communication
• Recipe Expansion: User-programmable drink combinations
• Network Connectivity: Remote monitoring and control capabilities
• Voice Interface: Audio feedback and command recognition

📋 Usage Examples

Basic Drink Preparation

// System automatically handles:
// 1. Glass detection via checkGlass()
// 2. User input via askDrink()  
// 3. Customization via askToppings()
// 4. Preparation via cookDrink()

Manual Component Control

CocktailMaker cm;
cm.begin(A1, A2, A3);
cm.startPouring("Coca-Cola", 250);  // Pour 250ml
cm.breakIce();                      // Dispense ice cube
cm.stopPouring();                   // Emergency stop

📜 License

This project is available under the MIT License. Feel free to use, modify, and build your own BARBOTOS — cheers! 🍻

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Created by a 15-year-old maker | BARBOTOS v1.0.6 | 2024

Cheers! 🤖🍸