NU - SmartTree

During Spring quarter, SmartTree achieved significant milestones! We mostly completed our base foundation structure, finalized our modifications to our solar panel mounting method, designed our benches, and made progress on our electrical system. We also displayed SmartTree at Northwestern’s Engineering Week project showcase!

To finish our bottom structure, we caulked the gaps between our wood panels. This was done for the aesthetic as well as waterproofing and protection of the electrical system from the environment. We also attached the lid pieces by mounting brackets through drilled holes. Once we finished all this, we were able to fit together the entire bottom assembly! All that’s left is mounting the two other flanges for the two other poles.

We also finished our modifications to our solar panel mounting method. We ended up 3D printing custom-designed brackets out of nylon to improve their strength and make them compatible with our specific solar panels.

On the design side, we designed our benches and began to design our tables. The benches will be simple wooden benches with two benches on two sides of SmartTree, resulting in a total of four benches. The tables will fold out using standard folding shelf brackets strong enough to support laptops and other objects placed on the tables by students. We also made some progress on our electrical system layout and are ready to test our solar panels!

Looking ahead, we’re excited to receive our SmartTree merch after applying for and receiving the MSAB grant from Northwestern! We will also be manufacturing our benches and tables in the Fall, as well as testing our solar panels and manufacturing other parts of the electrical system.

SmartTree is headed by PMs Thomas Hoang (thomashoang2025@u.northwestern.edu), and Fiona Ireland (fionaireland2026@u.northwestern.edu). Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or interest!