ARGOS successfully conducted the first trial run of the Beta Prototype and completed the MVP.  By connecting the Arduino and eyetracking overlay on the same device, it was possible to control direction of the tablet! The control system also properly changed the speed of rotation and panning. The two noticeable issues wit the system is vibration of the camera and difficulty overcoming gravity in the vertical direction. Both of these issues should be resolved by implementing the spring system. Several component needs to be replaced or modified before the Innovation Expo to increase reliability and speed.

This week, ARGOS has finished printing all of the components needed for the prototype. The group also designed a way to finally mount the prototype to the LEVO stand. Most progress made involved coding the PID controller for which can be easily tested once the remaining components are assembled together. The group plans to have a minimum viable product next week.

Motor amperage, voltage, and torque testing has been completed, and it gave the team the insight to use lower gauge wire since the current was being limited by thin wires. The Unity program has been developed to the point where it can read input from the eye-tracker, display it on an overlay, and send it to the Arduino, which will in turn send potentiometer readings back. Assembling the frame is the next priority.

The group finished developing a prototype for the remote-side. The video displays the Tobii software that tracks where the user is looking. The group has developed a code that can record and send the location. There are some significant issues to this method that the group hopes to address such as how the user cannot use the cursor while it is operating. ARGOS has also now received the software development kit from Tobii that will hopefully allow the eye-tracking to be less intrusive and more flexible.

ARGOS has finally established an alpha prototype for the local side! The video demonstrates the differential drive rotating about the rotation axis as well as the control system that limits it range. Although the group still needs to test the full capabilities of the motors and physical structure.

After a detailed literature review, ARGOS plans to utilize a differential motor for the initial design. The wire actuation design would feature a difficult control system and would lack the benefit of a modular design. The team salvaged previous materials from the previous ARGOS teams. This includes four motors, an Arduino UNO, a LEVO stand, a power supply, and a web-camera, all of which will be valuable for prototyping. A general CAD model for the module was created but will be improved over the coming weeks. The group plans to start technical analysis and research remaining components for the prototype.

ARGOS has narrowed down the selection to two possible designs: a wire actuation system and a differential motor system. Further literature reviews will be conducted to better examine the advantages and disadvantages of each system. The teams has also brainstormed avenues for technical analysis, including motion/simulation, torque, electrical diagrams, and internal stress. The team plans on researching academic papers for each design and examining what components from previous teams can be salvaged.