One of the most significant risks to the project at this stage is the mechanical integrity of the system, particularly the weight constraints and the strength of the arm supporting the umbrella. As we continue assembling the physical structure, we are evaluating whether the current materials and design can reliably support the motors and canopy under expected loads, including environmental factors. To manage this risk, we are testing the structure incrementally and assessing whether reinforcement or material changes are needed. If the current design proves insufficient, our contingency plan is to adjust the arm design by using stronger materials or modifying the geometry to better distribute load, even if this slightly increases weight.
Another potential risk is ensuring smooth integration between the hardware and software subsystems. While major components such as user detection and BLE-based motor control are now functional independently, integrating them into a cohesive system introduces complexity. To mitigate this, we are prioritizing early integration testing as soon as physical assembly allows, so that issues can be identified and resolved well before final demonstrations.
There have not been major changes to the overall system architecture or high-level design requirements, but minor adjustments are being made to the mechanical design as we better understand real-world constraints. These changes are necessary to ensure the stability and durability of the system in a beach environment.
The project schedule remains largely on track. While some time was spent resolving hardware setup and debugging issues, progress in parallel across mechanical assembly, vision, and communication subsystems has kept the team aligned with key milestones. As integration begins, we will continue to monitor progress closely and adjust task distribution as needed.