Robotics Pile Driver 35 (RPD 35)

At Built Robotics, I worked in a small team to design, CAD, and fabricate the Robotic Pile Driver 35 (RPD 35). The RPD 35 is an autonomous solar piling robot, which is able to both carry piles onboard and autonomously pick and drive them into designated locations on a solar site. The RPD 35 is able to more efficiently and effectively install piles than a standard operating crew, as it eliminates the need to distribute piles prior to driving them, and uses onboard GPS to reduce necessary remediation.
 

I primarily worked on the design, CAD, and FEA of the "baskets" and "sleds" seen in the video above. After brainstorming with other engineers on my team and deciding on a general product need, I worked to create original CAD in OnShape. Additionally, I determined the needed FEA testing plans to validate the strength of the designs. Each "sled" supports over 14000 lbs while remaining mostly static when mounted to the excavator. The "baskets" need to withstand the force exerted by the excavator coupler when piles are being picked from the "basket". 

After selection and validating a design, I worked with vendors to modify the design for production and to source needed parts and tools for fabrication.