I started by sketching out the base using CAD, adding in the main chessboard grid and servo mounting holes around the edges, so that I could start working on how to incorporate the mechanism.

I also began working on the mechanism. for the moment I have an idea for a gantry system, using an electromagnet to pick up and move pieces from under the board. The challenge will likely be keeping it accurate, to line up with each square without making the board thicker . For the next iteration I will want to work on the gantry layout and how to incorporate a electromagnet, servos and the piece mechanism.