The most significant risk that we face is getting the precision of the robotic arm to be accurate enough to locate the boxes. We will need the forward and inverse kinematic equations to be spot on along with the sensor data to be able to locate the box correctly. If this isn’t precise enough, the vacuum suction will not be able to pick up the box and our MVP will not need to be achieved. We are going to manage this risk by focusing on significant simulation for the kinematic equation solver and also getting a vacuum suction with strong enough force to be able to pick up objects even if the location of the arm isn’t extremely precise. Our contingency plan might be able to have the robotic arm punch the boxes off the conveyor belt instead of using suction, which won’t need as much precision.
We have yet to test most of our hardware components but we will test them as soon as possible and change our plan based on that.
We made a dummy 3d printed prototype arm that is lacking in electronics.
Our plans for next week are ordering and testing more hardware. As well as developing software.