Barduino project
In this article, I will be introducing a project that I have been working on: an arduino-controlled automated bar. This system uses an Arduino microcontroller to automate the process of mixing and serving drinks, allowing users to easily create their own custom cocktails with the push of a button. Through the use of sensors and motors, the Arduino automated bar can dispense precise amounts of ingredients for the perfect drink.
As a maker and DIY enthusiast, I am always looking for new projects to work on that will challenge my skills and push me to learn more. That's why I decided to embark on the creation of an arduino-controlled automated bar. Not only this project allowed me to improve my knowledge of electronics and microcontroller programming, but it also gave me the opportunity to utilize my 3D printing skills to create custom parts and housings for the system.
While the project is not yet complete, the automated bar is already fully functional :) In the following sections, I will detail the design and construction of the automated bar So sit back, grab your favorite drink, and let's dive into the world of Arduino-powered mixology!
Disclaimer: this is not a tutorial with instructions on how to build your own.
Hardware ⚙️
One of the key goals of this project was to create a visually striking and unique automated bar. While there are many ways to design and build an automated drink-mixing system, I wanted to take a more unconventional approach and create a bar that was not only functional, but also visually appealing. To achieve this, I decided to use a cart system to move the glass from station to station, rather than simply positioning the bottles and dispensers in a static location.
This design decision added an extra layer of complexity to the project, as I had to design and 3D print custom parts to hold the bottles and dispense the liquids, as well as create a motorized cart to transport the glass. However, I believe that the resulting visual impact was worth the extra effort, as the moving cart adds a dynamic element to the automated bar and makes it more interactive and engaging for users.
Now that I introduced the project and explained in which direction I want to go with it, let's have a look at the hardware list required :
| name | qty | decription | link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nema 17 motor | 2 | stepper motor used to move the cart and push the bottle | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000329570564.html |
| Arduino Uno | 1 | microcontroller board used for the project | https://store.arduino.cc/products/arduino-uno-rev3 |
| 12V power supply | 1 | power supply used for the nema motors | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000785393769.html |
| 6 bottle rack | 1 | bottle holder with dosing device | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005002080296290.html |
| Belt and pulley | 1 | used to move the cart | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/32338587732.html |
| Linear guide (1000mm) and carriages | 2 | rail under the carriage allowing it to be moved | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4001252876109.html https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000035223456.html |
| Stepper motor driver drv8825 | 2 | driver used to control the two nemo motors | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/32838150188.html |
| Individually programmable LED ring | 2 | LED ring used under the glass | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000941482846.html |
| coupling piece | 1 | used for the link between the 200mm screw and the nema motor | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000275490774.html |
| 200mm screw | 1 | used to raise the piece that will push on the drink holder | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/32970128435.html |
| endstop switch | 1 | allows to define the return home | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/10000003940152.html |
3D modeling and printing 🖨️
All 3D files can be found here :
- carriage_dispenser.stl
- pulley.stl
- beverage_pusher.stl
- pusher_guide.stl
Glass carriage with space for LEDs underneath and a Nema motor for pushing the drink holder, along with belt attachments for movement:
Piece that allows for pushing on the beverage holder to dispense liquid:
Guide for the beverage pusher:
Support for the pulley and belt:
Wiring ⚡
I apologize for the messy wiring in advance. I initially did not plan to release this project publicly, so the wiring is not as organized as it could be. However, the picture should still give you an idea of the connections made. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. In the future, I will make a proper wiring diagram for the project.
Code 👨💻
Bar controller
You can find all the code and explainations on how the bar controller is working on this github repository : https://github.com/hippiiee/barduino
All the code is written in C++ and is allowing you to move the slider with the glass to the bottle of your choice. It's not totally finished, still need to implement the bluetooth connectivity to allow a user to choose a drink from the mobile application.
Android application
I wanted to be able to create a beverage from a mobile application and I had an old samsung tablet that was no longer used. So I decided to create an android app (in java) for the UserInterface. The code of this project can be found here : https://github.com/hippiiee/barduino-app
The app is not as stable as the bar controller, it's not finished yet. Feel free to modify it if you want to use it :)
The bluetooth communication is not implemented yet and still need development.
Conclusion
The Arduino automated bar was fun and challenging project that has allowed me to improve my skills in electronics, programming, and 3D printing. While the project is not yet complete, the automated bar is already fully functional and capable of serving drinks. In the future, I plan to continue refining and improving the system, with the ultimate goal of creating a fully integrated and user-friendly automated bar.
If you have any questions about the project or would like more information on how to build your own automated bar, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for reading about my project ❤️