====== Week One at DASL : A Journey of Learning and Discovery ====== ===== Photo of the Week ===== {{ :unlv_week_01_00.jpeg?nolink&700 |}} ---- ==== First Impressions and Meeting the Team ==== My first day at the Drones and Autonomous Vehicle Systems Lab (DASL) was exciting. Before our official meeting, I visited the lab, where Mr. Zahir, the lab manager and one of the PhD students , gave us a tour and introduced us to the ongoing projects. The atmosphere and culture in the lab were very different from the labs I had experienced back in Pune, India. During our first meeting with Dr. Paul Oh and the rest of the lab members, My fellow newcomers, Sumant, a final-year mechanical engineering student, and Swarangi, a third-year instrumentation student, seemed more familiar with the technical aspects. As a second-year mechanical engineering student, I felt a bit out of place and worried that I might not get a project to work on. However, Dr. Oh asked us which project we were interested in among the three available: Gasoline delivery through octacopters, F1 autonomous racing car, and Cable-Driven Parallel Robots (CDPR). I chose CDPR because it genuinely interested me. ---- ==== Flight Training of Drones ==== After the lab meeting, Ms. Koreen introduced us to the basics of drone flight, which was genuinely exciting and interesting. She started by teaching us how to fly drones in a simple square pattern, guiding us through each step with patience and expertise. As the drone responded to our controls, I felt a rush of excitement—seeing it glide smoothly through the air in precise lines was satisfying. This hands-on experience with drone flight was a thrill, making me eager to learn more and improve my skills in the coming sessions. {{:unlv_week_01_01.jpeg?nolink&400 |}} {{ :unlv_week_01_02.jpeg?nolink&400|}} ---- ===== Diving into CDPR ===== The very next day, I received a message from Mr. Zahir, who was going to guide me through the CDPR project. He wanted to discuss some terminologies and concepts related to CDPR, and I was overjoyed. This was the start of my journey at DASL, and I couldn't have been more excited. {{ :unlv_week_01_09.png?nolink&500 |}} ---- For the next two days, I immersed myself in learning about CDPR. I familiarized myself with key terminologies like end effector, vector joints, motors, wrench feasible workspace, and kinematics. I also went through various research papers, including: * A Review on Cable-Driven Parallel Robots * Control-Based Tension Distribution Scheme for Fully Constrained Cable-Driven Robots * An Overview of Cable-Driven Parallel Robots: Workspace, Tension Distribution, and Cable Sagging * Motor Theory * A novel design for fully constrained planar Cable-Driven Parallel Robots to increase their wrench-feasible workspace * Development of a Planar Cable Parallel Robot for Practical Application in the Educational Process ---- ===== Designing My First Prototype ===== In addition to learning the theory, I also worked on designing the end effector for the CDPR. I used Fusion 360 for the design and got it 3D printed, which was my first time creating a 3D-printed prototype. The moment I held that prototype in my hands, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. I couldn't help but miss my parents, wishing they could share in this happiness with me. {{ :unlv_week_01_08.png?nolink&800 |}} ---- ===== Cultural Insights and New Connections ===== During the week, I also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Tanseen Chaudhari, the CEO of Fluid Controls. His humility and approachability left a lasting impression on me. This encounter reminded me of the importance of networking and stepping out of my comfort zone to meet people outside of my usual circle. {{ :unlv_week_01_07.jpeg?nolink&400 |}} ---- ===== Cultural Differences ===== One of the most striking differences I noticed between DASL and the labs I had seen in India was the approach to problem-solving and collaboration. Each and every person in the lab helped me whenever I asked for help. Even if they are perfectionist in their work and had an incomparable experience than me ,they are very much grounded ! Lot to learn form them ! ---- ===== Learning and Growth ===== This first week at DASL taught me a lot about myself. I realized that stepping into a new environment can be intimidating, but it's also an opportunity for growth. I learned to welcome the unknown, ask questions, and trust in my ability to learn and contribute. ---- ===== Project Progress and Skills Acquired ===== By the end of the week, I had not only made significant progress on the CDPR project but also acquired new skills in 3D modeling, kinematics, and motor theory. The journey ahead is challenging, but I am eager to continue learning and contributing to the lab's projects. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of DASL and look forward to what the coming weeks will bring.