VEGIES

Versatile External Gear, Interfaces, and Experimental Subsystems or “vegies” is a conceptual framework for user-fabricated hardware that can integrate with BREADS-compatible systems. This includes DIY sensors, actuators, and tools made through various fabrication methods like 3D printing, digital manufacturing, and component modification. Conceptually, these are used by the BREADS hardware domain and would be considered as “below” BREADS in the hierarchy (VEGIES -> BREADS -> FROOTS -> PROTINS -> SUGIRS).

Overview

VEGIES (Versatile External Gear, Interfaces, and Experimental Subsystems) is a forward-looking concept for extending FEAST capabilities through user-fabricated hardware components.

This is a conceptual framework intended to inspire future development and community contributions.

What is VEGIES?

  • Pronounced like “veggies”
  • Represents off-board, user-fabricated hardware compatible with BREADS systems
  • Encompasses DIY sensors, actuators, and tools created or modified by users
  • Supports various manufacturing methods:
    • Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
    • Digital fabrication
    • Modified commercial components
    • Custom-built devices

Potential Implementation Ideas

Sensing Solutions

Temperature & Environmental

  • Handmade thermocouples
  • Thermistor/RTD assemblies in waterproof housings
  • Environmental test enclosures with integrated temp/humidity sensing

Chemical & Analytical

  • DIY pH/ORP/EC probes
  • Optical turbidity sensors (LED + photodiode in 3D printed housing)
  • Electrochemical cells with swappable electrodes
  • DIY cuvettes for colorimetry
  • Low-cost microfluidic chips (acrylic/PDMS)

Physical Properties

  • Capacitive soil moisture sensors (etched foil/PCB)
  • Printed/milled strain gauge structures
  • Homemade load cells with flexures
  • Textile-based biosensors
  • Contact sensing with conductive gel patches

Actuation & Control

Motion Systems

  • 3D-printed linear actuators (screw drives/sliders)
  • DIY stepper/brushed motors (recycled components)
  • Printable mechanical positioning systems

Fluid Control

  • Custom solenoid valves (3D printed bodies)
  • Servo/solenoid micro-dispensers
  • Magnetic stirrers
  • Vibratory actuators (scrap coils)

Support Infrastructure

Mounting & Integration

  • Modular sensor mounts
  • Probe holders (3D printed)
  • Custom wire harnesses
  • Pogo-pin adapters
  • Breakout jigs