VOLU Project Case Study
Precision and Safety in Harsh Environments
Client Challenge
The VOLU project required the development of a highly integrated and precise system designed for medical use. The key challenges included:
Safety Mechanisms
Ensuring that all moving parts—grinders, mixers, and sweeping systems—were secured with hardware safety circuits and magnetic switches.
Precision Load Measurement
Implementing ultra-sensitive load cells capable of delivering accurate weight measurements in a harsh industrial environment.
Real-Time Motion Control
Developing precise sweeper and cone movement systems with real-time responsiveness, leveraging optical encoders.
User Interface and Connectivity
Creating an intuitive user interface with an RGB OLED display, control buttons, and rotary encoders while integrating wireless control via BLE and Wi-Fi.
Remote Updates & Calibration
Implementing over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates and a PC-based system for load cell calibration and testing.
Our Solution
Embedded RT delivered a fully functional prototype encompassing custom electronics, firmware, and PC software. Our team designed:

Advanced Safety Mechanisms
- Developed multiple hardware safety circuits to monitor and control grinders, mixers, and device doors using magnetic switches.
- Implemented failsafe mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and potential hazards.

Precision Load Cell System
- Integrated two high-sensitivity load cells with robust noise filtering and real-time data processing.
- Designed a PC-based calibration and testing tool to ensure weight measurement accuracy despite harsh environmental conditions.

Real-Time Motion Control
- Engineered a real-time precise sweeper system for automated material handling.
- Developed a cone movement system featuring an optical encoder for high-precision positioning and motion feedback.

Smart User Interface & Connectivity
- Designed an RGB OLED display with a responsive control interface (rotary encoder + buttons).
- Enabled smartphone control via BLE 5 API, allowing users to monitor and manage the device remotely.
- Integrated USB connectivity for direct PC communication and firmware debugging.

Seamless OTA Firmware Updates
- Developed a Wi-Fi-based HTTPS OTA update system for remote firmware deployment.
- Ensured secure and reliable update delivery to maintain system integrity.

Fully Integrated Electronics & Firmware
- Designed custom PCBs for the main control unit and OLED display interface.
- Implemented a dual-core microcontroller with optimized real-time processing.
- Developed firmware architecture ensuring synchronized operation of all system components.

Impact & Benefits for Future Clients
The VOLU project showcases Embedded RT’s expertise in developing industrial automation solutions with safety, precision, and remote control capabilities. Future clients facing similar challenges can benefit from:
Custom Safety & Control Systems
Reliable, hardware-based safety mechanisms for industrial automation.
High-Precision Measurement Solutions
Noise-resistant load cells and real-time calibration systems.
Real-Time Motion & Positioning Systems
Encoder-based movement control for precise operations.
Intuitive User Interface & Connectivity
Seamless integration of OLED displays, buttons, BLE, Wi-Fi, and USB.
Remote Updates & Diagnostics
Secure OTA firmware updates, reducing maintenance downtime.
Need a Custom Solution?
By partnering with Embedded RT, clients gain access to expert electronics and firmware development, ISO-compliant quality standards, and efficient project execution.