Question 1

What Is This Project, Specifically?

Accepted Answer

WaffleBot is a fully autonomous waffle maker — text it an order and it delivers a waffle, start to finish. The system uses 4 mechanisms (batter mixer, dispenser, iron, and ejector) coordinated by a text message API. Currently the team is building the dispenser and heating system; the batter dispenser and software are planned for future semesters.

WaffleBot makes breakfast effortless — and our team’s work rewarding. The goal is a fun, passion-driven project that builds real-world skills. No prior experience needed, just a willingness to learn.
 We may not solve world hunger, but we will solve your hunger… at breakfast time..

Question 2

Why Should I Join?

Accepted Answer

This project provides a light-hearted way to get involved in product creation and innovation in all steps of development. You will be able to build marketable skills like ideation, problem solving, product development and designing for consumer if you are interested in engineering and design and/or research and marketing if you are interested in the social side.

It is also very flexible to your schedule and availability, so you can get involved even if you don't have 10hrs a week, but it still is a commitment and that is important to consider. 
Our hope is to facilitate a place to be passionate and work with others to achieve a common goal.

Not all projects need to solve world hunger; some can just solve our hunger... for waffles. 
Who doesn't love a waffle?!

Question 3

What Skills are Needed?

Accepted Answer

Disclaimer: You do not* need to be a specialist in any of these fields INTEREST in learning and PASSION are the only skills required.

Electrical Engineering, Ex. Wiring a motor to a Raspberry Pi

Design Engineering, Ex. Creating a frame that allows for full functions of the bot

Leadership/ Project Management, Ex. Leading people to create the frame of the bot

Art and Design Aesthetics, Ex. Designing the frame of the machine to be aesthetically pleasing while not disrupting its function

Code ,Ex. Creating a code to interpret Text Messages through an API

CAD, Ex. Designing a mount to connect the waffle maker to the frame

Marketing and Social Sciences, Ex. Planning an event to get user feedback on the bot and have students make their own waffle

Question 4

I'm not Sure if my Major is Applicable to the Project, Can I Still Join?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all interested people are welcome. This project aims to allow people to explore different disciplines that they are interested in and not be restricted to what they are already doing in their major.
Of course, if you are interested in aspects that apply to skills in your major that's great and not an issue.

Question 5

What is IDPro?

Accepted Answer

ID Pro stands for Interdisciplinary Projects and is run through the engineering education department. 
"The Interdisciplinary Projects (IDPro) program at Virginia Tech bridges classroom learning and real-world application through multi-semester projects. Students from various majors collaborate on industry, research, or service-learning projects, gaining invaluable professional skills and experiences. IDPro offers mentorship, resources, and industry engagement, empowering students to tackle real-world problems and develop as professionals. Our program also welcomes potential clients and partners to collaborate with us, providing guidance and benefiting from innovative solutions crafted by talented, interdisciplinary teams"

Question 6

What is the Time Commitment?

Accepted Answer

This project is run through a variable credit class 1-3 (Enge 2964) and credits are chosen by you on the time you have in your schedule. For each credit you are expected to do 2 hours of work outside of class. 
The class is on Monday, Tuesday, OR Wednesday (depends on schedules of team members) from 5:30-7:20pm. It consists of a 20-30 minute lecture and then group project work.

Question 7

What and When is the Class?

Accepted Answer

The class is on Monday, Tuesday, OR Wednesday (depends on schedules of team members) from 5:30-7:20pm.
 It consists of a 20-30 minute lecture and then group project work.
"Weekly assignments are directly derived from lecture slides, ensuring practical relevance. Throughout the semester, teams will prepare written reports, papers, posters, and presentations, receiving feedback from the teaching team to polish their work before showcasing it."

Question 8

What is the Grading System of the Class?

Accepted Answer

"Students are graded as a team through performance evaluations conducted three times per semester. These evaluations include updates on team progress, individual contributions, and checks to ensure sufficient support for the team. When applying, you can select your preferred credit load (1, 2, or 3 credits), grading option (A-F or Pass/Fail), and enrollment level (2964 or 4964). By default, new IDPro students will be automatically be enrolled in ENGE 2964 for 3 credits in the A-F grading modality; please note in the application if you would prefer different enrollment options. Key deliverables include weekly progress reports, a planning report, a design review presentation, two performance evaluations, a final report, and a final showcase."

Autonomous Waffle Maker- VT

This is a variable credit class (1-3) through IDPro. We will create an autonomous waffle machine controlled by a text command. 8am class? Hello 7:59 am waffles!

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