One of the biggest risks we face is the weight of the pistons. They are heavier than expected, which may affect the robot’s structural integrity. To address this, we plan to use a combination of smaller and larger pistons to lift the platform without compromising stability. If this approach is not feasible, we have two contingency plans. The first option is to use two boards instead of one to support the piston mounts. The second option is to reduce the number of pistons on the platforms to decrease overall weight. These solutions will help maintain the structural integrity of the robot while ensuring the pistons function as intended.
Another risk is the delayed delivery of parts. To mitigate this, we are working with the components we currently have and actively following up on pending deliveries to keep progress on track. While waiting for critical components, we prioritized tasks that could be completed with available materials to minimize downtime. This approach will help prevent significant disruptions to the overall project timeline.
A minor design change was made to improve stability. Initially, the robot was designed with four columns, but we increased it to six to better support the boards, pistons, and platform. This adjustment ensures the structure is strong enough to handle the load and reduces the risk of mechanical failure. However, this change also introduces a challenge: reduced space between the first and second board, which may make it more difficult to access and repair electronic components like the FPGA. As a result, we may need to disassemble parts of the robot when making adjustments. While this adds complexity to maintenance, the improvement in structural integrity outweighs the drawbacks.
Due to delays in part deliveries, we have pushed back the completion of the full design of the wheelbase, as the wheels have not yet arrived. Similarly, the FPGA system has been delayed since some components are still pending. To maintain progress, we are focusing on assembling and testing available parts while waiting for the remaining components. When the delayed parts arrive, we will focus on integrating them promptly to get the project back on schedule.