This week the CaffeGators received a deconstructed espresso machine from their sponsor, Newell Brands. The team can’t wait to start working on it to learn more about the internals of the machine and brainstorm more ideas on how to integrate the physical prototype into the machine. Seamless integration of the prototype and machine remains the main short term goal for the CaffeGators. As for the AR application, the team continues to make progress on the app’s development. Next week the CaffeGators will make a final decision on which prototype design to pursue for the rest of the semester. See you next week!

Image Below: current design ideas on how to integrate one of our prototype ideas into the machine

This week the CaffeGators presented their plan for semester two to a panel of IPPD coaches. The CaffeGators gave the panel a refresher on the milestones they accomplished in semester 1 and a detailed discussion and plan of what needs to be done in semester 2 to be ready for the Final Design Report and Presentation in April. The feedback that the CaffeGators received was insightful, highlighting the need for the team to make concrete tough decisions soon in order to stay on track and complete the project. The team must choose essential features of the AR app as well as which prototype to continue to pursue in semester 2. The CaffeGators have eagerly accepted the feedback and have adjusted their plan for semester 2 accordingly to ensure priorities and goals will be met. In addition to the QRB1, the CaffeGators have successfully set up machine tracking with the AR application (shown in the image below)! The CaffeGators are excited to keep developing and refining this feature. Next week, the CaffeGators will be receiving a deconstructed espresso machine from Newell Brands, which will help the team modify the current prototype designs to integrate them into the machine. Til next week!

This week the CaffeGators met to work on the QRB1 and complete more experimental trials. Team members made 8 cups of medium roast espresso altering the leveling of the puck, the water quality, and the grain size. Extraction %, pH, and taste were observed for each trial and variable combination. The purpose of these extra trials was to compare the results to the DOE trials conducted last semester using the Resident Coffee dark roast espresso beans. Analysis of the results is currently being conducted. Below is a screenshot of one of the trials we conducted and its extraction % (EXT) measured using the mobil application for the refractometer. As for the QRB1 progress, the team is working hard and excited to get critical feedback from the panel of coaches on Tuesday.

This week the CaffeGators met with their coach and discussed the next two weeks and the upcoming QRB1 deadline. Iterations and further concept and AR development/evolution are the main goals to accomplish for the QRB1. 3D prints will be provided for the QRB1 as well. Next week the CaffeGators will meet with their liaison to give an update on their progress. The semester is picking up, and the CaffeGators are ready for the QRB1 sprint to get closer to the Final Design Report (FDR) finish line.

Below is a worksheet the team completed this week to plan for the QRB1.

The CaffeGators are back on campus and ready to get back to work. Syllabus week was a success. The team is getting adjusted to their new schedule and the new expectations of the spring semester. In class, the team worked on a January work schedule and a critical path plan, which is shown below.

As syllabus week comes to an end, the team is ready for the long weekend and to begin meeting with our liaison and coach. This semester will require a hard work and determination, and the CaffeGators are ready to tackle any challenges they may face. See you next week!

This week the CaffeGators have been working on their Senior Level Design Review. We presented in front of our peers and received feedback on our presentation. Next week, we will be presenting at the SLDR event to our sponsor. We have chosen a design to continue testing and developing in semester 2. The Augmented Reality application has been progressing and will be a main focus at the beginning of semester 2. In the SLDR presentation, we will outline and discuss our semester 2 goals, risks, testing plans, and manufacturing plans. We are currently updating the report and presentation to be ready for next week. We can’t wait to show off what we’ve been working and wow our audience and sponsors (and also show off our barista skills!)