Footsteps is an entertainment product inspired by fireflies. Conceived by a Japanese Company, this nature inspired product consists of multiple 1ft x 1ft tiles which can be installed on the floor or on walls to deliver a fun experience.

Axiom was responsible for complete re-design and cost optimization of Footsteps. This original product was designed and deployed at a cost $1100 a piece. The brief for Axiom was to redesign the system for a target cost of sub $200 per tile

This engagement started with a preliminary feasibility study and spanned the full complement of Axiom’s services. Upon establishing technical and commercial feasibility, the product (Hardware, firmware, mechanicals) underwent a radical design change to meet the targeted cost structure. This new design was prototyped, all the systems were integrated and tested.

Subsequently multiple prototypes were developed for testing. Axiom identified and managed a Electronics Contract Manufacturing partner and an Injection molding partner to deliver batches of the finished system for test deployment in Japan.

• The new application was based on distributed computing architecture to realize the philosophy of each LED to live like a single firefly
  
• The redesigned system used Microchip’s 10F series microcontroller, the worlds’ smallest controller
• The complexity of nature mimicking randomness was realized using smart firmware developed specifically taking into account the low memory, low processing power of the small microcontroller
• Developed a multi layered PCB of 300mm x 300mm with matt black finish for optical performance
• PCB ground plane optimization for integrity of signal and power lines
• Intuitive plastic and glass based enclosure was developed to address modularity, scalability and ruggedness to bear the grind of a dance floor.
• Custom power supply design and development for large installations
• Developed rapid functional prototypes for consumer testing

Result :

• The product was realized at the target cost and were deployed in many locations across Japan and China

Core Competency Leverage: