Spiderbot Schedule

 By Kristine Abatay – Project Manager

In true undergrad fashion, the completion of Spiderbot is behind schedule. An image of the updated schedule is posted below, along with the allocation of tasks for the group members in the Gantt chart below it:

 

As anticipated, the printing of 3D parts for Spiderbot had to be pushed back with the increasing need of 3D printed parts from other projects. We are very satisfied with the turnout of our pieces, so many thanks to Manufacturing Division Manager, Ali Etezadkhah for his hard work and for offering his 3D printer in the first place.

Difficulties were encountered with the initial casted Spiderbot component (the tibia). The original casted pieces were much too heavy for the servo motors to handle, so our manufacturer worked hard to develop a modified method that would produce pieces that were lighter in weight. Unfortunately, this hard work caused manufacturing dates to be pushed back as well.

Servo tests were initially not properly run, which caused the breakdown of one of the servos that needed to be tested. The completion date of this task was later due to availability of the group members and our designated systems engineer, as well as a modification of the nature of the overall test for proper testing late in the game.

Due to unforeseen issues that occurred with prototype Chop Suey, coding of Spiderbot has also been pushed back to an extremely optimistic and risky completion date that will truly be a test of the group’s determination and work ethic.

Many lessons have been learned as a result of these unfortunate delays. A majority of these delays were caused by hurdles that needed to be overcome in order for proper materials studies and tests to be conducted, which is a good reason for delay.