The Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) is renowned for its strong programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each year, the university's senior design showcase highlights the innovative projects of its graduating seniors. This event provides a platform for students to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, while also giving industry professionals and the general public a glimpse into the future of technology and innovation.
The senior design showcase is a culmination of the students' undergraduate studies, where they work in teams to design, develop, and implement solutions to real-world problems. The projects are diverse, ranging from medical devices and robotics to sustainable energy and aerospace engineering. The showcase is a testament to the university's commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences and preparing them for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Here are five of the top innovative projects showcased at the Florida Tech senior design exhibition:
Project 1: Smart Contact Lenses for Diabetic Patients
A team of biomedical engineering students designed smart contact lenses that can monitor glucose levels in diabetic patients. The lenses are equipped with tiny sensors that track glucose levels in the tears, providing real-time feedback to the wearer. The device is connected to a mobile app, which sends alerts to the patient's healthcare provider if glucose levels exceed a certain threshold. This innovative project has the potential to revolutionize diabetes management and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
How it Works
The smart contact lenses use a small sensor to detect glucose levels in the tears. The sensor is connected to a tiny microcontroller that processes the data and sends it to the mobile app via Bluetooth. The app provides real-time feedback to the wearer, allowing them to take corrective action to manage their glucose levels.
Project 2: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for Marine Conservation
A team of mechanical engineering students designed an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for marine conservation. The AUV is equipped with sensors and cameras that monitor water quality, track marine life, and detect ocean pollution. The device can operate for hours, collecting valuable data that can inform conservation efforts and help protect marine ecosystems.
Features and Benefits
The AUV is designed to operate in shallow waters, making it an ideal tool for monitoring coastal ecosystems. The device is equipped with:
- Water quality sensors to track pH, temperature, and salinity levels
- Cameras to monitor marine life and detect ocean pollution
- GPS and navigation systems to track the device's location and movement
- A rechargeable battery that allows the device to operate for hours
Project 3: Prosthetic Limb for Amputees
A team of biomedical engineering students designed a prosthetic limb for amputees that can be controlled by the wearer's thoughts. The device uses electroencephalography (EEG) sensors to detect brain signals, which are then translated into commands that control the prosthetic limb. This innovative project has the potential to revolutionize prosthetic technology and improve the quality of life for millions of amputees worldwide.
How it Works
The prosthetic limb uses EEG sensors to detect brain signals, which are then processed by a small computer that controls the device. The wearer thinks about the desired movement, and the device responds accordingly. The prosthetic limb is designed to mimic the natural movement of the human arm, providing a more intuitive and natural experience for the wearer.
Project 4: Sustainable Energy Harvesting System
A team of electrical engineering students designed a sustainable energy harvesting system that can generate electricity from kinetic energy. The device uses piezoelectric sensors to harness energy from vibrations, which is then converted into electrical energy. This innovative project has the potential to provide a sustainable source of energy for remote communities and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Features and Benefits
The sustainable energy harvesting system is designed to be compact and portable, making it an ideal solution for remote communities. The device is equipped with:
- Piezoelectric sensors to harness energy from vibrations
- A power converter to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy
- A battery to store excess energy for later use
- A monitoring system to track energy production and consumption
Project 5: Aerospace Engineering Project: Reusable Rocket
A team of aerospace engineering students designed a reusable rocket that can reduce the cost of access to space. The rocket uses a novel propulsion system that allows it to return to Earth after launching a payload into space. This innovative project has the potential to revolutionize the space industry and make space travel more accessible and affordable.
Features and Benefits
The reusable rocket is designed to reduce the cost of access to space by:
- Using a novel propulsion system that allows the rocket to return to Earth after launching a payload into space
- Minimizing the amount of fuel required for launch and re-entry
- Reducing the risk of launch failures and improving overall safety
We hope you've enjoyed this showcase of the top 5 innovative projects from the Florida Tech senior design exhibition. These projects demonstrate the creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving skills of the next generation of engineers and innovators. As these students graduate and enter the workforce, they will bring new ideas and perspectives to their fields, driving innovation and progress.
We invite you to share your thoughts and comments on these projects. Which one do you think has the most potential to make a positive impact on society? Share your feedback in the comments section below!
What is the purpose of the senior design showcase?
+The senior design showcase is an annual event that highlights the innovative projects of Florida Tech's graduating seniors. The event provides a platform for students to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, while also giving industry professionals and the general public a glimpse into the future of technology and innovation.
What kind of projects are showcased at the senior design exhibition?
+The projects showcased at the senior design exhibition are diverse and range from medical devices and robotics to sustainable energy and aerospace engineering. The projects are designed to address real-world problems and demonstrate the students' skills and creativity.
How do the students benefit from participating in the senior design showcase?
+Participating in the senior design showcase provides students with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills and creativity to industry professionals and the general public. The event also provides students with valuable feedback and networking opportunities, which can help them launch their careers.