One of the most significant risks to the success of the project is delays in the physical assembly of the system, particularly the integration of the motors, gears, and structural components. Although much of the initial software development has been completed, meaningful system testing depends on the mechanical components being installed and functioning properly. Without the motors and gearing mechanisms in place, we cannot fully validate the motion control, actuation, and overall system responsiveness of the shade system. Mechanical integration also presents challenges such as alignment issues, mounting stability, and ensuring that the motors provide sufficient torque to move the canopy reliably.
To manage this risk, we’re prioritizing the completion of the remaining mechanical tasks so that the hardware and software subsystems can be integrated as soon as possible. The focus for the current phase of the project is completing the mounting brackets, canopy fabrication, and the full physical assembly of the arm, joints, canopy, and motors. These tasks are distributed across the team to ensure steady progress and reduce the likelihood of delays caused by a single point of failure. By accelerating the physical assembly process by having more people helping, we will be able to begin integrated system testing earlier and identify potential issues before the final stages of the project timeline.