Automated Lotus Drink Machine
This is an ESP32 controlled beverage dispensing system designed to automate the preparation of Lotus energy caffeinated drinks with raspberry flavoring by precisely mixing flavored syrup and club soda. The machine uses two independently controlled 12 V peristaltic pumps, paired with FDA compliant food contact tubing and pump components to dispense consistent quantities of each liquid. Users can select their preferred drink strength and syrup to club soda ratio through four physical buttons, with selections and dispensing information displayed on an integrated OLED screen.
The machine plugs directly into a wall outlet through an external power supply and features a USB Type-C programming port for firmware development, debugging, and future updates. Its enclosure is 3D printed using white PLA and incorporates several design features focused on structural integrity and ease of maintenance. These include tangentially arching structural supports, removable top and side panels for convenient access to internal electronics and plumbing, container holders for securing liquid reservoirs, and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
The ESP32 uses its onboard 4MB flash memory to retain user settings, including the selected flavor and estimated remaining fluid levels for both reservoirs. This allows the machine to retain configuration settings even after being unplugged.
Future iterations will focus on improving reliability, monitoring, and dispensing capabilities. Planned improvements include dedicated TX and RX LEDs on the PCB for visual serial communication feedback, a third motor to expand dispensing capabilities, and improved empty container detection by monitoring motor current draw. Additional improvements to fluid monitoring will refine remaining volume estimates using calibrated pump flow rates and motor feedback. The overall goal is to develop a modular, programmable, and maintainable automated beverage dispenser that combines embedded systems, mechanical design, power electronics, and fluid handling into a single integrated machine.
Cold Coaster
Cold Coaster is the WSU IEEE club’s year long project for the 2026-2027 academic school year. Cold Coaster was voted for by the members of WSU IEEE. The motivation behind the project is to cool and keep drinks cold at room temperature. The first prototype is being designed with a Peltier module. A CPU heat sink and fan is being used to dissipate the heat that is generated by the module. The cold side of the module can keep a constant temperature, ~32°F, with the current heat dissipation method. The project plans to progress by testing liquid cooling using he Peltier module.