Our Projects.

OxRAM is a project-based society. We have a diverse set of projects for you to choose from! And if you have an idea of your own, we are keen to support it! 
In the past couple of years, all our activities were slowed down due to  COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently in the process of resuming activities and reopening the workshop to everyone. OxRAM is committed to ensuring the safety of its members and strives to provide an engaging project experience despite these trying times. 

Current Projects

Robotic Arm 

In this project we’re building a robot arm using open source, 3D printed parts. Along the way, we’ve built a smaller robot arm to test our fabrication and assembly capabilities. We are now focussing on training with the software “ROS” to control the final arm in some interesting and challenging scenarios. One of our targets it to attach a camera which can give the arm some autonomy via image processing and machine learning! We hope to begin production of the physical arm when people are able to safely return to the hackspace after lockdown - stay tuned!
The project lead Jacques Cloete had recreated a Robot Arm Project software lecture series in video form, which is available to view in the linked page. The Robot Arm Project GitHub repository is also linked.
Below are photos of our lovely team in HT2023 and some exciting progresses!

RoboChess ​

The project aimed to create a fully automated chess board able to move the pieces under the board. The main design constraint of the board was its size, which was required to fit in a small footprint and have a simple interface (no more complicated to use than a pair of wireless headphones!). With 2 hours per week spent on the project, and 30 sessions completed to date, the project has hit the following milestones:
  • 64 hall effect sensor array and multiplexing are fully designed and the smaller array is fully tested and working
  • Fully 3D printed motion system is working, with motion planner doing inverse kinematics to convert from cartesian (x,y) to (θ1,θ2) scara joint angles.
  • Android app is written and interacts with Arduino through Bluetooth module, and LiChess via their API.
  • Magnetic engagement and release system tested to reliably move components
  • Only integration hell remains….

QRONK: Building a low-cost 3D-printed quadruped

The goal of this project is what it suggests: to design, build, and test a quadruped robot. To overcome cost, most components will be 3D-printed and will be controlled using off-the-shelf components such as high-torque hobby servos and commonly used development boards. 
Our initial target is to create a hardware base capable of carrying out basic gait cycles (walking, trotting, squatting etc.) and to carry out basic odometry using rotary encoders and an IMU. Later iterations will see the integration of various other sensors, providing a platform for testing.
Currently, the team is focused on bench testing a first iteration of a 3-DOF leg to note and make improvements on hardware and control. The team is also working on power electronics design as well as simulations and control software in preparation for full robot assembly.

Some Past Projects 

Sumo Bots

Sumo Bots was OxRAM's first robotic competition. Held in February 2020, the challenge was to build small fighter robots capable of pushing its opponents outside the ring. The catch: robots had to be built under a very tight budget. In total, we had 6 teams participate over the course of 2 months producing multiple iterations of their sumobots.  

Robotic Bartender

The first robot that OxRAM built, this was a relaxing summer challenge to build a fully 3D printed robotic bartender, operated using an Arduino and peristaltic pumps. We had a group of 4-5 people working on the bot over the course of a couple workshop sessions, learning 3D printing, Arduino programming and electronics in the process. 

Christ Church Project

As part of a deal with Christ Church College, Oxford, OxRAM created a fully 3D printed of the college catered for blind visiting students. The first model was printed using a beautiful wood PLA filament and is scheduled to be unveiled soon around October so stay tuned for more updates! 

Landmine Detection 

Anti-personnel landmines are small explosives which can be hidden on, or under, the ground with the intention of injuring or killing people. The goal of this project was to research and develop robotic solutions for detecting landmines by sampling dust particles for animal detection.

PacMan : A varsity competition

It is 2090, and robots are now finally coexisting with humans; to find new ways to entertain themselves, humans have developed a liking to watch games play themselves. Your team has been given the difficult task of entertaining these humans by designing a fully autonomous PACMAN able to navigate a randomly generated tree maze and accumulate as many points as possible. The robot must be durable and intelligent enough to avoid the infamous PACMAN ghosts, collect as much food as possible, and withstand inclined ramps. Time and technical skills are essential! Come prepared to be the most successful PACMAN chocolate truffle eater.

Have an idea of your own?

At OxRAM, we want to hear from you! Got a crazy idea but need parts/resources to get started? Looking for a like-minded team to get your idea started? We can help you with that! Just get in touch and we will take care of the rest! 

Find us!

OxRAM Society,
Oxford Centre for Innovation,
New Road, OX1 1BY, Oxford, UK
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