December 23, 2024 Software and Hardware Update

This will transform the background and text colors of the whole app to be a little easier on the eyes and provide a sleeker experience. We hope you like it!

UI overhaul

To pull off dark mode we actually had to do quite a bit of refactoring of the app’s CSS, class names, and layout throughout. It was basically a form of Spring cleaning that was about 10 years overdue 😅

We’re now making use of CSS variables and far fewer overrides. We also moved away from heavy use of custom margins, padding, and absolute positioning in favor of CSS grids and flex boxes, allowing for more pixel perfect alignment and consistency with less code.

This all resulted in a net deletion of thousands of lines of code and a better foundation for consistently styling components going forward. Plus, things look better all the way from the panels to the login page!

Miscellaneous

• We removed the old /featured page which was used to highlight shared sequences before we integrated this list directly into the sequences panel.
• Upgraded many dependencies and have started used React Testing Library.
• Improved our 3D promo page to support Genesis v1.8 visualizations.
• Have continued work on integrating the 3D Farm Designer into the app.

Genesis and Genesis XL v1.8

We’ve now passed off nearly all of the required CAD models, 2D part drawings, and pre-assembly instructions to our manufacturing partner to produce the first batch of Genesis and Genesis XL v1.8 machines. Here’s what’s coming in v1.8:

• FarmBot Genesis is now even faster to assemble and has a more refined appearance thanks to semi-translucent extruded cable carrier supports along the gantry main beam and up the Z-axis. These new components better conceal FarmBot’s wiring while also providing a professional diffused look for the LED strip at night.
• All-new track, gantry column, and gantry main beam aluminum extrusions significantly reduce weight throughout the machine to improve movement speed and reliability while also providing a more polished appearance.
• The vacuum pump has been relocated to the cross-slide to improve Z-axis movements and reduce interference with plants.
• The UTM has been upgraded with more powerful countersunk ring magnets to provide a greater holding force for all tools.
• New hardstop dampeners reduce metal on metal noise during homing and find axis length operations.
• Many plates and brackets have been refined to use less material without compromising on strength.
• Smaller cable carriers throughout the machine reduce overall size and weight, improving reliability of movements along all three axes.
• An updated electronics box and Pi adapter board move all LED indicator and some auxiliary push button functionality to the interior.
• The entire kit is now shipped in a single box, reducing the product’s weight, carbon footprint, and the likelihood of incurring damage from transit.