I offer to implement it with python, it is working on raspberry very fine and we can achieve fast development pace with it.
I have raspberry pi 3 and stepper motor shield and can buy other parts quickly. So I'm able to test it from start. Also, I can start development right now.
For storing trial results I can use sqlite or mysql. Recorded photo/video will be saved in plain files. For interfacing with your MacBook I offer to implement http interface accessible via Wifi.
About time schedule. I will create first working version within 1-2 days, it will do logic of trials, pre-training and training, so you can see project in action and make correction to algorithms if needed. I need small payment after this first stage, to be able to buy some parts I don't have (lcd and pi camera). On the second stage all other functions will be implemented, I think it will require about 5 days (I will send you updates each 1-2 days). After this you will be able to test fully functional application on your hardware and I will fix any bugs found.
Questions I currently have.
There is start button (white one, right?), but how pre-training/training/trial mode should be selected?
Is it needed to identify chimps before start? And if yes, how? Or this should be done only after trial/training completed?
Software should save for each session: video of full session, cues shown, all buttons pressed by chimp with exact timestamps, right?
I have more questions, but there is limit for this text )
Oleksandr