Over the fall break, our team has worked in preparation of our parts being delivered. Which as of now, we have submitted all the orders for the parts we know we need. We have continued to research and implement the necessary software packages such that we can build our systems quickly when our hardware parts arrive.
The biggest risk right now is running into too many problems when parts arrive and we start putting together our prototypes. We have tried to mitigate this risk by spending our time preparing the software needed to control the system before and over the fall break.
The only change that was made this week was a 3D printer driver board that was acquired to replace the four separate driver boards. Jack made this change which he mentioned in his status report for this week.
Part A: Our system does include global factors. Part of the purpose of our project is to provide chemists with a safer environment to perform in a chemistry lab. Ideally, our system can be used anywhere in the world where one wishes to perform chemistry. Thus, it can keep people safer anywhere around the globe.
Part B: The Third Hand project could possibly have a cultural factor related to worker safety laws. Our product is designed to increase worker safety in chemistry lab environments. Thus, our team must consider the workplace safety requirements in the United States and how it will relate to our robot. Also, we should consider changing our testing strategy to better highlight our robot’s contribution to the safety in chemistry labs.
Part C: The Third Hand could have a environmental factor that should be considered. It is possible to have accidental spills that could leak toxic chemicals in the lab. Chemicals could spill down a drain contaminating the water, or evaporate and pollute the air. Our robot can be used in tandem with a proper work environment for it to prevent spills to harm individuals or the environment.