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    Testing and Debugging
                        Rigorous testing at every stage – individual components, sub-assemblies, and the complete robot.
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                        Identifying and fixing bugs in the software, correcting mechanical misalignments, and calibrating sensors.
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                        Impact: Thorough testing is crucial for ensuring the robot’s reliability, safety, and performance before deployment.
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                     Monitoring and Control: Staying on Track
                     Throughout the execution phase, the project manager continuously monitors progress, identifies deviations from the
                     plan, and takes corrective actions to keep the project on course. This is like a teacher constantly assessing students’
                     progress and providing guidance.

                     Progress Tracking
                        Regularly checking if tasks are being completed on time according to the schedule.
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                        Using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress (e.g., percentage of code complete, number of prototypes
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                        built, testing success rate).
                        Example: Weekly meetings are held where each team reports on their progress against the scheduled milestones.
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                     Budget Monitoring
                        Tracking actual expenditures against the allocated budget.
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                        Identifying any cost overruns and finding ways to bring them back in line.
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                        Impact: Prevents the project from running out of funds before completion.
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                     Quality Assurance
                        Continuously  verifying  that  the robot’s  performance meets  the defined  quality  standards  through testing  and
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                        inspection.
                        Implementing processes to ensure consistent quality throughout production.
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                        Example: After each batch of robotic components is manufactured, a quality control team inspects them for defects
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                        or deviations from specifications.
                     Risk Response and Problem Solving
                        When  unexpected  problems  arise  (e.g., a  critical  part  supplier  goes  out  of business,  a  new safety  regulation  is
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                        introduced), the project manager leads the team in finding solutions and adjusting the plan.
                        This often involves adapting to new information and making informed decisions under pressure.
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                        Impact: Agile problem-solving prevents major setbacks and keeps the project moving forward.
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                     Communication and Reporting
                        Regularly updating stakeholders (clients, investors, senior management) on project status, challenges, and successes.
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                        Ensuring clear communication within the project team to resolve issues and maintain alignment.
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                     Project Closure

                     Once the robot  is  successfully developed,  deployed,  and meets  all its  objectives,  the  project  formally concludes.
                     This involves final documentation,  handover to  operations teams,  and  a  review of lessons  learned  to  improve
                     future projects.

                     In essence, Project Management is the overarching framework that brings together all the highly specialised technical
                     aspects of robotics. It transforms a brilliant technological vision into a tangible, successful, and impactful robotic system
                     by  ensuring meticulous  planning, efficient  execution,  continuous  monitoring,  and  effective  problem-solving,  thereby
                     aligning with the systematic and outcome-oriented approach emphasised in modern education.

                                                                                                                           43
                                                                                        Introduction to Robots: What Exactly are They?

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