The team reached a major milestone this week with a strong showing at Prototype Inspection Day 2, where we presented both the vision verification system and the wire insertion assembly. The demonstration was well received, and the team was honored with the 2026 IPPD Exemplary Team Award. This recognition reflects the consistency of our progress and the level of integration achieved across mechanical, software, and verification components. We also had the opportunity to present our system to Heather during her visit to UF, which provided additional valuable feedback and validation of our approach.
On the vision verification side, we began configuring AprilTag integration to further improve detection robustness and spatial consistency within the system. In parallel, we developed detailed, step by step assembly documentation for the vision verification box in a structured format that clearly outlines each stage of the build process. This documentation is intended to improve reproducibility and ensure that future users can reliably assemble and operate the system without ambiguity.
Mechanical and electrical development of the wire insertion system also progressed significantly. We initiated the design of an electronics casing to better organize and protect system components. In addition, we began programming the final set of motors that will be used in the system, including the motor responsible for actuating the clamp onto the nitinol wire and the motors that control motion and rotation along the top rail. These efforts bring us closer to a fully integrated and automated wire insertion process.
Looking ahead, the team will focus on consolidating documentation and preparing final deliverables. This includes completing comprehensive documentation for the wire insertion fixture, covering system design, challenges encountered, and key takeaways. We will also begin drafting materials for the final project poster and developing a storyboard for the project video. On the vision side, we plan to generate and analyze quantitative metrics such as image intensity and sharpness to validate system performance. Additional work will include completing motor programming and finalizing the electronics casing design.
To support coordination and review, we will schedule sessions for code, hardware, and documentation reviews. One open action item for the liaison engineers is to complete the When2Meet scheduling form for these sessions. Additionally, the purchase order for remaining components, including screws, carriages, and carriage rails, needs to be finalized based on the details previously shared.
Overall, the project remains on schedule. The combination of technical progress, successful demonstrations, and recognition at Prototype Inspection Day reflects the team’s readiness as we move toward final integration and delivery.
Here is our team during the PID event!
