Tech Symposium

Foot-Powered Nebulizer | Respiratory disease is a widespread problem in displaced communities, where nebulizer devices are among the most effective methods of treatment. These devices typically rely on electricity to power coils or compressors that aerosolize medication for inhalation and delivery to the lungs. However, in areas without readily available electricity, traditional methods of powering inhalation devices become inaccessible. Absolute Stability's solution is to develop a human-powered device that delivers the correct dosage for effective respiratory treatment while maintaining a simple, easily reproduced, and maintainable design to empower under resourced communities.

ISR Junctional Tourniquet | Junctional hemorrhage, occurring at sites such as the groin and neck, remains a leading cause of preventable death in trauma settings. Current tourniquet designs are often bulky, time-consuming to apply, and difficult to position correctly. Our team aims to develop a lightweight, rapidly deployable junctional tourniquet optimized for the femoral, aortic, and subclavian regions to improve time-to-occlusion and ease of use. This device offers faster, simpler bleeding control, reducing complications and improving survival chances in critical situations. Using CAD modeling and biomechanical analysis, it applies targeted compression to quickly stop bleeding, enhancing the survivability of military personnel and first responders.
Sponsor: U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research

BEAST: Biomechanical Evaluation Apparatus for Soft Tissues | The BEAST is a novel and innovative testing system designed to bridge a critical gap in biomechanical research by enabling controlled, constant-velocity compression of soft tissues at physiologically relevant strain rates, something rarely achieved in existing testing platforms. Utilizing a belt-driven actuator with an integrated release mechanism, BEAST achieves precise compression velocities between 2–5 m/s while maintaining safety and repeatability. The data collected from this apparatus will advance the development of accurate computational models, guide material design for biomedical implants, and deepen understanding of tissue behavior in trauma and surgical applications.
Sponsor: Morteza Seidi, Ph.D., P.E.

Arctic Wound Stabilization Device | Traumatic injuries sustained in cold or arctic environments pose significant challenges for emergency care providers, as low temperatures can worsen tissue damage and complicate wound management. This project focuses on developing a system to improve the treatment of traumatic limb injuries under these conditions by integrating thermal regulation and pressure distribution principles. The design process incorporates research on biomedical materials, heat transfer mechanisms, and ergonomic optimization to ensure functionality, portability, and safety. Through progressive analysis and evaluation, the project aims to enhance clinical outcomes and support personnel operating in extreme environments.
Sponsor: Teja Guda

Cryo Staple Removal Tool | Nitinol staples can be challenging to explant during revision procedures because their super-elastic fixation resists deformation. Cooling the staple induces a reversible transformation toward the martensitic phase, reducing clamping force and enabling easier removal. This project will design and prototype a handheld device that rapidly cools the staple while minimizing lateral thermal spread to adjacent tissue. The anticipated impact is a less traumatic, safer extraction with lower required forces, improved suitability for minimally invasive techniques, streamlined workflow, shorter operative time, and reduced collateral tissue damage.
Sponsor: Don Petersen

RowEase | RowEase presents a customized rowing system developed for a QL+ veteran sponsor with a transtibial amputation who previously enjoyed rowing. The design integrates a modified transtibial socket and an adjustable footrest attachment that securely interfaces with below-the-knee prosthetics. Using mechanical design principles, 3D modeling, and user-centered prototyping, the system minimizes behind-the-knee pressure and enables the full range of motion required for rowing. Constructed with lightweight composites and precision-fitted contours, the design approach can be adapted to improve comfort and performance for other transtibial amputees in seated sports.
Sponsor: Quality of Life+

LymphLink | Heart failure patients often experience lymphatic dysregulation, resulting in lower extremity and pulmonary edema. Historically, access to the thoracic duct was achieved through surgical cannulation under local anesthesia. While functional, this invasive approach is no longer in clinical practice and underscores the need for a minimally invasive, durable, device-based method to safely access lymphatic drainage. EAZI Solutions introduces Lymph Link, a subcutaneous port that provides direct and simplified thoracic duct access, offering a novel therapeutic approach to enhance lymphatic drainage, improve fluid management, and treat lymphatic congestion in heart failure patients.
Sponsor: Dr.Feldman Cardiovascular Research Laboratory

Advancing Endometriosis Diagnosis with Affordable Point-of-Care Technology | Endometriosis is a chronic, incurable condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide, often resulting in severe pain, infertility, and delayed diagnosis. To address the lack of accessible screening options, our team is developing a compact, affordable , non-invasive testing device that utilizes urine samples to provide rapid, color-based feedback. The system detects characteristic chemical signatures associated with endometrial inflammation and hormonal imbalance, displaying clear visual indicators that users can interpret easily. This approach aims to empower individuals to monitor their reproductive health and seek medical guidance earlier, improving overall awareness and management of endometriosis.
Sponsor: Dr. Teja Guda

K9Align | Dogs experiencing rear-end muscle atrophy often struggle to squat and maintain balance when using the restroom, leading to discomfort and increased reliance on handlers. This project focuses on the development of an assistive device to support dogs when attempting defecation. The system provides stability and balance while the dog squats, minimizing the risk of falls and reducing the need for handler assistance. The K9Align is designed to be lightweight, easy to clean, and adjustable to accommodate different dog breeds. The primary objective is to enhance mobility and independence for dogs experiencing muscle weakness while reducing physical strain on their handlers.
Sponsor: Novothelium

Smart Junctional Tourniquet | The BaTS (Base and Tightening Straps) Smart Junctional Tourniquet is an AI-enabled, ultrasound-guided device designed to improve hemorrhage control in challenging anatomical regions such as the neck, groin, and armpit. By integrating ultrasound imaging with machine learning, the system assists users in accurately locating and occluding major blood vessels without requiring advanced medical training. The BaTS prototypes demonstrate comparable occlusion times to traditional junctional tourniquets when tested on ultrasound-compatible femoral phantoms. Combining AI guidance and automated tightening mechanisms, the BaTS offers a promising, field-deployable solution for rapid and effective hemorrhage control at the point of injury.
Sponsor: United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Soft-Robotic Laryngoscope Control System (SR-LCS) | In airway management, every second counts, and failed intubation can lead to serious complications. At SEALS, we're redefining airway management with a next-generation laryngoscope that brings robotic precision to intubation. Our device houses the control system aimed to pneumatically control the Novel Endotracheal Tube System from the Medical Design Innovations Lab: a multi-channel tube that inflates distal air channels to steer within the anatomy of the upper airway. By integrating automated air control, this next-generation laryngoscope enables clinicians to guide the tube's curvature with unmatched accuracy where visibility is limited, reducing trauma and ensuring safer, smoother airway access.
Sponsor: Dr. Lyle Hood

Skanner | Skanner is a handheld multispectral imaging device designed for the noninvasive detection of melanoma and other skin abnormalities. The device integrates optical imaging with AI-driven analysis to differentiate malignant from benign lesions through pigment characterization and subsurface light scattering. Using multispectral light capture and deep learning, Skanner delivers rapid, accurate diagnostic feedback. Its compact, rechargeable design ensures portability and ease of use for primary care providers. By minimizing operator dependence and enhancing diagnostic precision, Skanner advances early melanoma detection, improves patient comfort, and streamlines clinical workflows for accessible, efficient dermatological assessment.

VITA Horse Anti-Cribbing Device | The VITA Horse Anti-Cribbing Sleeve delivers a humane and effective approach to mitigate cribbing behavior in horses through a multi-sensor detection and feedback system. By integrating stretch-based muscle sensing, inertial motion tracking, and acoustic monitoring, the device identifies cribbing-specific neck muscle contractions and characteristic noise patterns while distinguishing them from normal behaviors such as grazing or drinking. Real-time data processing executed on an embedded microcontroller enables precise behavioral recognition and triggers a gentle vibration stimulus designed to interrupt cribbing without causing discomfort. Engineered with lightweight, flexible materials that ensure comfort and stable sensor contact, the VITA sleeve supports long-term wear and reliable performance in equine environments. As a low-power, rechargeable solution, it enhances animal welfare, reduces the risk of complications associated with cribbing, and offers a practical, non-invasive alternative to traditional cribbing collars- advancing modern stable management through responsive and animal-friendly behavioral intervention.

Space Injury Detection & Rehab Device (SIDR Device) | Current treatments for crush injuries aboard the space station focus on immobilization and medication, offering minimal means for injury detection and rehabilitation. In microgravity, muscle and bone atrophy occur rapidly, making recovery even more difficult. To address this challenge, our team is developing an integrated injury detection and rehabilitation device for use in microgravity. The system detects muscle damage, stabilizes the affected area, and delivers targeted therapeutic rehabilitation to promote recovery. By enabling immediate intervention and minimizing reliance on external assistance, this device enhances astronaut safety and mission sustainability.
Sponsor: Teja Guda

Space Injury Detection & Rehab Device (SIDR Device) | Current treatments for crush injuries aboard the space station focus on immobilization and medication, offering minimal means for injury detection and rehabilitation. In microgravity, muscle and bone atrophy occur rapidly, making recovery even more difficult. To address this challenge, our team is developing an integrated injury detection and rehabilitation device for use in microgravity. The system detects muscle damage, stabilizes the affected area, and delivers targeted therapeutic rehabilitation to promote recovery. By enabling immediate intervention and minimizing reliance on external assistance, this device enhances astronaut safety and mission sustainability.
Sponsor: Teja Guda

Design and Development of a Compact High-Performance Pump for Portable Medical Suction Devices | This project focuses on the design of a compact, high-performance pump intended for future use in portable medical suction devices. Current market options that meet ISO standards are often too heavy, too large, or do not provide the desired flow rate that will satisfy the sponsor's specifications. The goal is to develop a lightweight and efficient pump that delivers a strong power-to-motion ratio while maintaining compliance with ISO requirements. By prioritizing size reduction and performance optimization, the design aims to enable the next generation of portable, reliable, and medically approved suction technology.
Sponsor: Medical Design and Innovations Laboratory

Cooling Bench | San Antonio's extreme summer heat creates unsafe conditions for people waiting at bus stops and other public outdoor spaces. Our team is developing a Cooling Bench that leverages the city's district cooling water network to provide localized relief. The bench incorporates a compact heat exchanger and tubing system to circulate chilled water beneath the surface, drawing heat away from the body while moderating surrounding air temperature. Current efforts focus on thermal load estimation, hydraulic integration, surface temperature management to prevent condensation, and finite element thermal analysis to evaluate material performance, with the goal of delivering a scalable, community-focused solution for urban heat mitigation.
Sponsor: Anna Morton Rivera, P.E. - UT San Antonio

Cooling Bus Stop Station/Cooling Unit | To combat extreme heat exposure for San Antonio's public transit riders, Nueva Engineering is developing an innovative, energy-efficient cooling bus stop. In partnership with SAWS, VIA, COSA, and UTSA, our design provides direct thermal relief by integrating a unique hydronic cooling system. This system leverages the city's existing SAWS chilled water return line, routing the chilled water directly to an air handler unit. A centrifugal blower forces ambient air across the heat exchanger, and the cooled air is then distributed to passengers through a vent system. An occupancy-based control system ensures low energy consumption.
Sponsor: UTSA

Dynamic and Adaptive Big Gun Irrigation System | The Dynamic and Adaptive Big Gun Pivot Irrigation System aims to modernize agricultural irrigation by replacing the fixed Big Gun sprinkler with a modular, automated design. The system dynamically adjusts spray angle, range, and pressure based on field conditions to optimize water use and improve crop yield. Designed for compatibility with existing center pivot systems, the prototype integrates servo-driven components for precision control and durability in outdoor environments. This innovation seeks to reduce water waste and energy consumption while preparing for future AI-based automation in smart farming.
Sponsor: Hatch Tank

Dynamic and Adaptive Autonomous Big Gun Crop Irrigation Sprinkler System | This project proposes the development of an autonomous traveling irrigator that combines adaptive spray control with automated mobility. By integrating AI Imagery Identification, control algorithms, and a mobile platform, the system will deliver water more precisely and efficiently, responding in real time to field conditions. The goal is to create a next-generation irrigation solution that reduces water and energy use by at least 10%, improves crop coverage, and remains cost-effective and compatible with existing farm infrastructure.
Sponsor: Hatch Tank

DISCO Infrared Optics Purge System | Dark interstellar molecular clouds are cold, dense, and UV-shielded yet sustain complex organic chemistry through barrierless reactions. Studying these processes requires custom chambers and FTIR setups, with purge boxes (PBs) enclosing sensors and optics while removing contaminants using nitrogen gas. Current PBs suffer from misalignment, poor chamber fit, and contamination during refills, reducing measurement accuracy. This project applies Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) to develop chamber-specific PBs that maintain functionality, minimize contamination, and improve usability. The resulting designs enhance sensor integration, sustain nitrogen purging, and enable more reliable, efficient laboratory measurements.
Sponsor: Southwest Research Institute

Functionally Graded Ceramic 3D Printer Setup | This project is the development of an adaptive and automatic resin circulation system that will allow for liquid resin 3D printers to create multi material functionally graded ceramic prints with little to no human interaction. Modern printers struggle with printing ceramic based resins due to high viscosity and settling time, and also require manual cleaning when changing resin material, limiting the printer's efficiency. The proposed system will include a custom vat design with inlet and outlet ports, peristaltic pumps, a built in recoater, resin depth sensor, and controller to time and automate all functions.
Sponsor: Dr. Kunal Kate

Compact Wind Tunnel | The project aims to design, manufacture, and test a portable, low-cost wind tunnel for research and classroom demonstrations at UTSA. The system will control airflow velocity and temperature gradients to produce laminar or turbulent flows, incorporating visualization and data acquisition tools to measure temperature, velocity, drag, and lift. The test chamber will feature modular mounts for various artifacts and allow for future modifications, including vertical angling up to 90 degrees, ensuring flexibility and usability for aerodynamic experimentation.
Sponsor: Kunal Kate

Roll Set Side-Loading Rail and Motor-Driven System | This project focuses on developing a side-loading roll handling system designed to enhance workplace safety and efficiency in industrial roll loading operations. The system eliminates the need for workers to manually guide or handle heavy rolls, reducing the risk of pinch, crush, and strain-related injuries. By integrating mechanical automation and safety-focused design, the project ensures precise roll alignment and streamlined operation. Simulation and testing confirmed improved load handling stability and worker protection, demonstrating the system's potential to significantly improve operational safety standards.
Sponsor: Steel Dynamics, Inc.

AQUILO | Modifications to an existing ultra-high vacuum chamber will be designed and built to perform tests on the PBR-10 water thruster.
Sponsor: Southwest Research Institute

Patient Cooling Tent | There is a growing unmet need for effective, portable solutions to prevent and manage hyperthermia in high temperature environments such as emergency response, disaster relief, military operations, athletics, and outdoor labor. Current cooling methods are ice packs, fans, and shaded rest areas are often inadequate for rapidly reducing core body temperature in extreme heat or humidity. This project addresses this gap through the development of a portable cooling tent, designed to provide an enclosed, actively cooled environment for hyperthermia prevention and recovery.
Sponsor: UT Health

Reusable Pyrolysis Oven System for Regolith Processing (REPUR) | This project presents the design and development of a reusable pyrolysis oven system for thermal processing of planetary regolith to support future lunar and Martian missions. The system enables stepwise heating of regolith samples up to 1000 °C within a sealed cylindrical chamber capable of maintaining pressures down to 10⁻² hPa. The prototype integrates a pressure-resistant sealing mechanism, precision heating elements, and a manual removal system to allow multiple use cycles. Designed to meet NASA lunar mission constraints, the system minimizes mass and power consumption while enhancing operational efficiency, reusability, and sustainability for future flight applications.
Sponsor: Southwest Research Institute

Counterfeit Bolt Detection System | Sandia National Laboratories often purchases bolts from outside suppliers, which creates the risk of counterfeit parts that could cause mechanical or safety failures. Existing testing methods are destructive, slow, and require large, expensive equipment. Our project focuses on designing a portable, non-destructive system that uses torque testing and computer vision to quickly verify if a bolt meets Sandia's specifications. The device measures bolt size, strength, and material properties to give a simple pass/fail result in under one minute. Lightweight and powered by a standard outlet, the system offers a fast and reliable way to detect counterfeit bolts.
Sponsor: Sandia National Laboratories

Lunar Regolith Trenching Robot | This project proposes the development of a vibro-mechanical lunar trenching system designed for autonomous cable deployment on the Moon. Adapting terrestrial vibratory plough technology, the system will address the challenges of the Moon's ultra-fine, dry regolith, low gravity, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Integrated into a single rover platform, the system combines a vibrating cutting blade, cable handling, autonomous navigation, and an active backfill mechanism. It will dig 5–10 cm-wide, 10–20 cm-deep trenches, lay up to 500 meters of Lunar cable, and restore the regolith in one continuous pass under simulated lunar conditions.
Sponsor: Astroport

Multi-Directional Fatigue Testing Rig​ | This project focuses on developing a Multi-Directional Fatigue Testing Rig that replicates realistic biomechanical conditions for ACL Reconstruction studies. In ACL injuries, grafts are fixed within bone tunnels along the tibia and femur using orthopedic screws. However, current testing setups fail to mimic realistic physiological loading. The proposed rig securely holds tibia and bone block models from 0° to 120°, simulating knee flexion. Designed to endure cyclic loading while maintaining precise alignment and minimizing slippage, the system provides a reliable, controlled platform for evaluating ACL graft and Orthopedic Screws' strength and performance under realistic fatigue loading conditions.
Sponsor:  Dr. Kunal Kate

Reheat Optimization | The project focuses on developing a reversible reheat coil system in collaboration with Friedrich Air Conditioning. The design integrates a reheat coil as a secondary heat exchanger to improve indoor humidity control and overall system performance during high cooling or heating demand. The system operates in both refrigeration and heat pump modes using a reversing valve and solenoid-actuated flow control. It is fully compatible with Friedrich's existing manufacturing processes, utilizing standard copper tubing and components, while allowing automatic mode switching for higher BTU capacity and functionality.
Sponsor: Friedrich Air Co. (Rheem)

T.A.L.O.S | Wearable robotics is an emerging technology with vast potential. This senior design team, comprised of Sebastian Cabellero, Brandon Manz, Tamer Aljamal and Archer French in conjuncture with the ISABEL lab of UTSA, intend to present a multi-functional exoskeleton arm consisting of a shoulder with 2 active degrees of freedom (DoF), multiple passive DoF and an elbow with 1 DoF. It will be series elastic actuator (SEA) driven, with the intent to both amplify the wearers force/torque output, as well as, impede the wearers movement to combat maladaptive tissue remodeling in situations of deloading on the musculoskeletal system. This project will fully go towards ISABEL lab affiliates and future research.
Sponsor: Dr. Binghan He

Visual Inspection, and Defect Classification | The purpose of this project is to design, fabricate and test an inspection system that will allow a visual scan of the known defects of various metal parts of distinct shapes and lengths. Where it will then use the integrated imagine capture system paired with a trained AI algorithm to auto detect the future parts for defects, giving it an automatic inspection system.
Sponsor: Self sponsored, Dr singh.

Motorized Podium Maneuvering System | This project is to design and create a motorized system to maneuver an anti-ballistic podium in a high stress crisis situation. The current issue is that existing products require manual movement and lack the mobility necessary for these situations. The solution is to create a system that will allow the podium to be maneuvered by a motor so that the user does not need to physically exert themselves while staying safely behind the podium. This will be intended to be used in most situations involving an active threat such as shootings.
Sponsor: David Malouff

Furnace Camera Enclosure | This project is the third iteration of a high temperature camera housing that is expected to record video into a furnace at 2200 °F ( 1204 °C) while maintaining a surrounding ambient temperature of 86 °F (30 °C) for a minimum duration of 4 hours. The capability of panning the video recording to the top and bottom of the furnace is desired. Thermal Strategies is taking an optical relay approach to decrease the thermal transmission and meet the desired capability through an actuating mirror using a control system.
Sponsor: SWRI (Fire Technologies Department)

Augmentive Lower Limb Intelligent Exoskeleton (A.L.L.I.E.) | There is a need for a lightweight and modular lower-limb exoskeleton capable of augmenting human leg strength while ensuring comfort, safety, and stability during use. XORUNNERS were tasked with building an affordable, lightweight, modular exoskeleton which could be used as a base of research for ISABEL. The Augmentive Lower Limb Intelligent Exoskeleton, or ALLIE for short, is XORUNNERS' response to ISABEL's request. The minimum requirements for ALLIE were to be lighter than 15 pounds, have at least 2 DoF, and to have a real time operating system through which the exoskeleton can be controlled.
Sponsor: Intelligent Systems And Bionics Engineering Lab (I.S.A.B.E.L)

UAV Ground Control Station and Launcher | This project aims to design a compact, cost-effective launcher that provides sufficient lift for takeoff in various environments while including a workstation for real-time monitoring, control, and data management. The goal is to improve launch efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall mission performance. This is accomplished by providing power and angle adjustments to the typical elastic launcher design. Additionally, the inclusion of a customizeable workstation computer with flight controls and long range telemetry will increase the range of utility of UAVs. This project is in collaboration with the Thermal Soaring UAV project, which hopes to increase the endurance of surveying UAVs with novel navigational techniques.

Thermal Surveying UAV | The Thermal Soaring UAV is a large, fixed-wing aircraft designed for the surveying industry, capable of extended flight time by using naturally occurring thermal columns in tandem with integrated solar panels to recharge its battery during flight. By combining thermal energy harvesting with solar recharging, the UAV significantly reduces power consumption and increases endurance for long-duration missions. The design incorporates aerodynamic optimization, advanced materials, and autonomous soaring algorithms inspired by projects such as ALOFT and ArduSoar. This system aims to demonstrate efficient, sustainable, and reliable aerial surveying with minimal reliance on ground-based power resources.
Sponsor: American Drone Company

Thermal Soaring Endurance UAV | The Thermal Soaring Endurance UAV develops a long-endurance fixed-wing UAV that harvests solar energy and rides thermal air columns to execute large-acre agricultural surveys with thermal imaging. The target application is the farming industry, where persistence, low-cost coverage to spot irrigation leaks, crop-stress hotspots, livestock heat signatures, and equipment issues—missions where battery-only drones lack range. The aircraft pairs lightweight structure, flexible solar film with MPPT, RTK navigation, and a stabilized thermal/EO payload. Onboard Jetson processing filters hotspots and geotags them, while power- gated subsystems and mode-based control (soar, loiter, survey, climb) maximize endurance.
Sponsor: American Drone Company

NextAxis | The NextAxis is a high-temperature 5-Axis 3D printer that introduces a multi-axis additive manufacturing system capable of tilting and rotating the print bed to reorient parts during fabrication. This expanded motion enables printing on multiple planes, reduces or eliminates support structures, and enhances part strength and surface quality. By overcoming the limitations of fixed-axis printing, our design aims to make additive manufacturing more efficient, precise, and material conscious. Traditional three-axis printers, which struggle to create overhangs or complex geometries without support material, are surpassed by the NextAxis's advanced motion control and geometric flexibility.

Nueva Nueva Dashboard | The Nueva Nueva Dashboard aims to validate sensor data to inform strategies for creating more comfortable, walkable corridors along Nueva Street, located in downtown San Antonio. This area is currently underutilized due to environmental conditions that discourage pedestrian activity. The project involves developing an interactive dashboard that integrates data from environmental sensors to provide analytics related to urban cooling and walkability. Sensors include temperature, humidity, pedestrian count, solar irradiance, air flow, and vehicle traffic cameras. All collected data will be securely stored in a centralized database, with an intuitive interface for administrators to view and analyze trends. Built-in analytical tools will allow users to compare data across different dates and identify potential improvements to enhance urban walkability.
Sponsor: Anna Morton Rivera, P.E.

Distributed Sensor Network for Urban Mobility and Climate | UTSA's Office of Energy and Sustainability seeks to establish baseline data along Nueva Street to evaluate how future cooling strategies influence urban comfort and pedestrian behavior. The Distributed Sensor Network project addresses this by deploying solar-powered sensor units that autonomously collect data on temperature, humidity, irradiance, and pedestrian and vehicle activity. Designed for long-term operation, each unit transmits data wirelessly to a central hub, providing critical insight into how infrastructure modifications influence microclimate conditions and public space usability, supporting data-driven approaches to sustainable urban design.
Sponsor: UTSA Real Estate & Property Management

Robotic Hand and Arm for Drone Applications | In collaboration with the UTSA Unmanned Systems Laboratory, the Automata Manus Project focuses on the design and development of a 3D-printed robotic arm and hand capable of performing delicate, human-like tasks such as grasping an egg, turning a page, and lifting a cup. Powered by the Osiris board—originally engineered for drone control and now reconfigured to drive the arm's servos and sensors—the system demonstrates the potential for unifying robotic and aerial control under a single intelligent platform. The project emphasizes lightweight materials, precision motion, and adaptive control to enable safe, efficient, and versatile task automation, laying the foundation for future aerial manipulation systems.
Sponsor: Youngcan Cao

Scaled-Down Physical and Digital Replica of a Distribution System | The Scaled-Down Physical and Digital Replica of a Distribution System project focuses on designing and developing a compact physical and digital model of an electrical distribution grid. Sponsored by CPS Energy's System Operations & Reliability team, the model serves as an interactive platform for technology demonstrations, operator training, and Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) visualization. By replicating automated switching, fault detection, and service restoration, the project enhances technical readiness, education, and community engagement through a safe, hands-on environment for learning grid automation.
Sponsor: CPS Energy

Universal Flight Control System​ | The USL Drone Universal Flight Controller is a modular flight‑control board that plugs into a wide range of drone airframes and connects to a companion app for simple, reliable operation. This aims to reduce cost and complexity when mixing parts from different vendors and to accelerate field deployment for education, research, and industry. It achieves this through a plug‑and‑play hardware stack, open interfaces, robust telemetry, and layered safety with expansion ports. The demonstration will showcase cross‑airframe compatibility, stable flight, and rapid setup, lowering barriers to advanced UAV use.
Sponsor: Unmanned Systems Lab

Hemorrhage Detection Application | The Hemorrhage Detection Application is an Android-based application that connects body-worn sensors to stream and retrieve physiological signals such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure in real time. The application is designed to be simple and user-friendly, providing easy-to-understand, real-time feedback to help users detect early signs of critical conditions such as hemorrhage, shock, and other trauma-related issues. This system aims to support faster decision-making for both medical and non-medical personnel to improve outcomes in emergency situations.
Sponsor: United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

StitchMe | StitchME is an intelligent wound-closure device designed to assist in rapid, safe, and precise skin repair. Our system integrates an AI-powered vision module with a robotic gantry to analyze wounds and dispense medical-grade skin adhesive with surgical accuracy. Unlike traditional manual methods, StitchME automates the closure process to reduce human error, procedure time, and infection risk. By combining real-time imaging, AI assessment, and precision control, StitchME aims to make wound care faster, safer, and more accessible for medical professionals.
Sponsor: MakerSpace

Direction Finding Software Defined Radio (DF/SDR) | This project develops a low-cost, flexible SDR system for real-time direction finding across the 70 MHz–3 GHz spectrum. It integrates a custom switching antenna array, RF front-end, and FPGA-based signal processing to estimate bearing angles. A tailored software interface enables signal visualization, demodulation, and control—supporting research and defense applications in dynamic RF environments.

Blaid | Junctional hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death in combat, often occurring where standard tourniquets fail. To address this, the Rowdy Rapid Response team, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, developed Blaid, a Junctional Tourniquet Automation Android App. Blaid integrates PyTorch-based AI, live ultrasound imaging, and wireless connectivity to provide real-time feedback on placement, pressure control, and vessel occlusion. Its automated guidance and intuitive interface enable faster, safer, and more accurate hemorrhage control, improving medical response and survivability in high-stress combat conditions.
Sponsor: U.S. Army Institute of Sugrial Research [USAISR]

Close Proximity Flood Detection System | The Close Proximity Flood Detection System (CPFDS) is a real-time alert system that utilizes a distributed network of microcontrollers to monitor rising water levels and provide early flood warnings. Flooding poses a serious risk to communities, especially those with limited access to comprehensive monitoring systems. The CPFDS integrates ultrasonic and air temperature sensors, GPS location data, and a camera to deliver alerts directly to a central hub with a siren and floodlight to immediately notify users and first responders that a flood event is occurring.
Sponsor: David amori

SunSpot | The SunSpot is a compact, on-site solar assessment device designed to measure and optimize solar panel performance. Through a mobile-friendly app, it collects key data such as solar efficiency, power output, and optimum inclination. Addressing the lack of affordable on-site solutions for consumer and low-end commercial markets, the system employs UV sensors and an onboard computer to automatically determine and adjust panel angles for maximum sunlight capture. The Sun Spot enables homeowners and professional installers to evaluate and enhance solar panel efficiency both before and after installation.
Sponsor: Dr Guo

Low-Light Detection Rover | Low-light Detection Rover is an autonomous rover system built for nocturnal wildlife monitoring. Current nighttime observation methods are limited, often resulting in incomplete data. To solve this, the rover integrates infrared sensors, LiDAR, and a dual-mode day/night camera for reliable environmental perception. Advanced AI algorithms process sensory data in real time to detect, classify, and count animals in the dark. By enabling continuous, accurate, and automated monitoring during nocturnal hours, the system enhances ecological research and conservation. This innovative solution allows researchers to better understand animal behavior, track population changes, and gather critical data even in low-visibility nighttime conditions.
Sponsor: N/A

MyoPack Wearable EMG and Pyroelectric Device​ | The MyoPack Wearable EMG & Pyroelectric Device is designed to enhance physical therapy by detecting and visualizing muscle activation in real time. Targeting patients recovering from injuries such as spinal or lumbar trauma, the device uses multi-channel EMG and pyroelectric sensors to map muscle coordination and reveal imbalances early. Its lightweight, belt-worn design features Bluetooth connectivity, LCD visualization, and affordable components. By integrating embedded firmware and data analysis software, MyoPack aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes, reduce reinjury risk, and accelerate patient recovery through immediate, data-driven feedback.​ ​

System of Ultra Sound property analysis | The Phantometrics is developed to address the lack of standardized methods for measuring the attenuation coefficient of ultrasound phantom materials across multiple frequencies. Currently, research laboratories must create their own processes and testing methods, leading to inconsistent results. The Phantometrics provides a low-cost, easy-to-use, and accurate system for ultrasound property analysis. By maintaining fixed testing conditions, it ensures consistency and repeatability when gathering data across a frequency range using multiple phantoms. The system operates by receiving a waveform signal, transmitting an ultrasound wave through a piezoelectric transducer, capturing the reflected waves with the same transducer, and processing the resulting signals to display relevant acoustic property data.
Sponsor: United States army institute of surgical research

YetiLink | YetiLink is an FPGA-based system that connects satellites under test to ground support equipment by converting high-speed LVDS telemetry into standard Ethernet data. Built on a Microchip PolarFire FPGA, it handles data rates up to 655 Mbit/s with adjustable speeds and supports both HDLC and CCSDS protocols. The system ensures reliable, error-checked communication and provides real-time monitoring through a Linux-based GUI. YetiLink improves spacecraft testing by offering a fast, accurate, and scalable interface for validating satellite telemetry before launch.
Sponsor: Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

Neuro-Eye Selector | The Neuro-Eye Selector (NES) is an assistive, hands-free computer control device developed to enhance accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities and appeal to technology enthusiasts. It integrates eye-tracking and brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies, allowing users to move a cursor using eye movements and perform click actions through brain signal detection. Unlike existing systems, the NES is affordable, lightweight, and easy to set up, offering both Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity. With a battery life of 6–8 hours and built-in calibration software, the NES provides a practical, portable, and user-friendly solution for hands-free computing.
Sponsor: Michael Ruffalo

methanolysis of PET using Deep Eutectic Solvent | Petroleum-based plastics are among the most widely used polymers due to stability and durability, which contributes to long-term environmental persistence. PET, a petroleum-derived polymer used in textiles, packaging, and manufacturing, poses a significant waste challenge. This project focuses on the recycling of PET through methanolysis, a depolymerization process that operates under mild reaction conditions and produces high yields of valuable monomers such as DMT and EG. Methanolysis was selected for its efficiency, low purification requirements, and compatibility with DES catalysts such as DBN/Phenol, offering a sustainable pathway to close the PET life cycle through chemical valorization and circular reuse.

Sustainable PVC Recycling: Oil Production through Pyrolysis | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the third most produced synthetic plastic worldwide, widely used in construction, medical devices, and consumer products. However, recycling PVC is challenging due to its high chlorine content and harmful additives. This project aims to reduce chlorine content and develop an environmentally safe recycling process to maximize resource recovery. In Aspen Plus, the process begins with pretreatment—shredding, separation, friction washing, and dechlorination—to clean and isolate PVC. The material then undergoes pyrolysis followed by distillation to separate the final products, primarily oil. The plant is designed to operate continuously, yielding approximately three tons of oil daily.
Sponsor: n/a

Gasification of Plastic Solid Waste | The mission of Team GSD is to investigate and design a process that will convert a mixed plastic waste feed into a profitable product. The composition of the mixed feed was chosen based off literature analyzing plastic solid waste makeup. Our process will first use pyrolysis, also known as thermal cracking, to start the breakup process of the long carbon changes found in plastics. This will give something known as a pyrolysis oil, which will then be sent through a gasifier where the bonds will be broken down further leaving us with syngas which is often used to produce ammonia and methanol and as a fuel source.

Recycling of Nylon-6 | The objective of this project is to develop a sustainable and industrially viable process for chemical depolymerization recycling of Nylon-6 waste to caprolactam, with a huge priority on the recovery of high purity monomers suitable for recycling in pure polymer production. This project supports global sustainability goals by focusing on high performance plastic that is widely used but rarely recycled effectively. Here, we aim to study chemical recycling routes, namely acidic hydrolysis, in place of thermal depolymerization, based on their technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental acceptability.

Fluidized Bed Pyrolysis of Mixed Plastic Feedstock | A fluidized bed pyrolysis system will thermally convert a mixed plastic feed stock of 40-45 wt% polyethylene, 40-45 wt% polypropylene, and 10-20 wt% polystyrene into pyrolysis oil, a plastic-derived hydrocarbon liquid fuel, that will used in fuels or chemical feedstocks. The process is designed to achieve a high hydrocarbon yield of 60-70 wt% liquid, a non-condensable gas yield of 25-35 wt%, and a solid/char fraction yield of less than 5 wt%. A commercial mass flow output of 20,000-100,000 tons per year is assumed with the non-condensable gas being recycled for the process heating and the solid/char requiring disposal.

Thermal Pyrolysis of Municipal Plastic Waste | Pyrolysis is a process to convert plastics into useful petrochemical feedstocks for fuels. We are aiming to turn plastics into usable feedstocks for gasoline range HC, diesel range HC, BTX, naphtha, olefins aromatics and lubricants. The liquids produced have a gasoline-range fraction (light naphtha, C5-C12 hydrocarbons), a kerosene range( ~C10-C16, overlapping with jet fuel), and a diesel range (up to C20 or so). The plastics are heated in an oxygen-free environment and broken down into pyrolysis oil, combustible gas and residual char. Plastic pyrolysis is usually a continuous process at high temperatures (350-600°C).

Closing the Loop: Using Methanolysis to Recycle Plastic Waste | A treated feedstock of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) will be broken down to its molecular level (chemical depolymerization) through methanolysis, a process particularly effective in recycling PET. In methanolysis, PET reacts with methanol at elevated temperatures and pressures, chemically breaking down the long polymer chains to yield dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene glycol (EG). These recovered monomers can be purified into marketable monomers and repolymerized into virgin quality PET and be made into better end-use applications as opposed to mechanical recycling alone.

Develop and Benchmark NPU-Accelerated IT & Security Applications on Two Dell AI PC Architectures | Our project presents Birdwatch, an innovative AI and IT security system that leverages the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in modern Dell AI laptops to run pre-trained large language models (LLMs) for real-time network monitoring and analysis. Birdwatch inspects network packets locally and uses advanced LLM reasoning to generate natural language summaries of network behavior—enhancing privacy, responsiveness, and enterprise reliability. A built-in AI chatbot supports IT and AI operations, answering complex questions about performance and system insights. By shifting workloads to the low-power NPU, Birdwatch frees the CPU and GPU for productivity tasks, delivering a seamless blend of efficiency, intelligence, and conversational capability on modern AI hardware.
Sponsor: Dell Technologies

NerVANA | Abstract: The Electromagnetic Therapy Glove delivers Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy through integrated copper coils to relieve wrist pain and stimulate nerve regeneration. Designed to assist individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries, the glove promotes improved blood circulation and reduced inflammation through targeted electromagnetic stimulation. A rechargeable lithium battery powers the compact system, while an intuitive interface and medical-grade materials ensure comfort, safety, and daily usability. This wearable, drug-free solution offers an affordable and convenient alternative to conventional pain management methods such as medication, bracing or surgery.

Charge Cycles | The Charge Cycles E-Bike offers a sustainable and efficient transportation solution by integrating a pedal-powered generator into the existing E-bike drivetrain. By utilizing an axial flux generator to convert mechanical to electrical energy, effective range can be extended through a dynamic power supply that functions as a secondary battery to power the motor as needed. This design improves efficiency through energy recovery, while ensuring optimal performance and usability. An E-bike implemented with this system is ideal for commuters and eco-conscious cyclists, providing a practical, and more efficient alternative to traditional models while supporting the transition to cleaner mobility solutions.
Sponsor: William Stoner

Hypervue AI Sports Tracking Camera | Our team is developing a portable AI Sports Tracking Camera designed to automatically follow athletes and record gameplay without manual camera control. The system uses an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano to perform real-time object detection and tracking, while an ESP32 microcontroller controls servo motors for smooth pan-tilt motion. The user interfaces with a custom app which uses a token-based system to ensure consistent, scalable, and accessible visuals across devices. Providing live viewing, cloud video storage, and remote-control features, this project offers users an accessible way to capture professional-quality footage on any standard tripod.

Manus Nova | This project presents the design and implementation of a modular electromyography (EMG) sensor system capable of predicting finger position in real time. The system employs multiple surface EMG sensors to capture muscle activity from the forearm, which is then processed through a modular hardware and software architecture. Each sensor module performs local signal conditioning, amplification, and filtering before transmitting data to a central processing unit. The collected EMG signals are fed into a trained machine learning model that maps muscle activation patterns to corresponding finger positions. The modular design allows for scalability, simplified maintenance, and flexibility in electrode placement, enabling adaptation to various users and use cases. Experimental results demonstrate that the system can accurately infer fine-grained finger movements, providing a foundation for advanced prosthetic control, human-computer interaction, and rehabilitation applications.

NeuroStep | NeuroStep is a smart shoe insert that detects the risk of foot ulcers, especially in diabetics. These ulcers, caused by neuropathy or poor circulation, often go unnoticed. NeuroStep uses multiple force sensors to assess foot pressure during a 30-second walk. The data, calibrated to body weight, is sent via Bluetooth to an app for processing. Users can view results and export them for doctors. This easy-to-use system helps detect early warning signs, enabling timely intervention and reducing the risk of severe complications, improving overall foot health.

Project Title: FlexSense / Project: Trauma Sensor Sensor | The FlexSense project is a trauma sensor array designed to enhance injury detection and reduce response times for rapid medical intervention for military applications. The system integrates a wire mesh and piezoresistive force sensor array mounted on an armor plate within a vest. The wire mesh detects penetration events, while the force sensors register impacts and concussive blasts. Data is processed by an embedded microcontroller system and transmitted via LoRaWAN. The data is displayed in real-time, providing immediate location and injury information on a dashboard interface.
Sponsor: Chad Webster

palletPortal | Shipments received on pallets are typically stretch wrapped, making barcode scanning difficult. Prior to shipment, workers often need to remove the wrap and manually scan each product’s barcode with a handheld device. This process is time consuming, expensive, and often results in damaged packaging and goods. Pallet Portal addresses this issue through an automated dual archway design that uses a series of cameras to capture barcode images for all goods on a pallet without removing the wrap. The system employs a supervised learning AI algorithm using PyTorch, YOLO, OpenCV, and pyzbar to identify and decode barcodes.

Qura Band | The QURA Fitness Band is an affordable, compact, wearable device designed to help users track and improve their overall health. It monitors key vital signs, including heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), respiratory rate, and body temperature, providing real-time feedback through an easy-to-use mobile application. Unlike competitors, QURA prioritizes affordability, accuracy, and cross-platform compatibility without requiring costly subscriptions. The band empowers users to make informed health decisions by integrating advanced sensors and AI-driven insights. Our goal is to provide accessible, personalized health tracking for fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and anyone seeking to take better control of their wellness management.

The Counter Current Hemodialysis Device | Stored blood is a modern resource that has saved countless lives and is a key component in life-saving procedures like blood transfusions. However, when blood is stored outside the body, potassium and citrate are released over time, which can prove deadly in large quantities. The USAISR endorsed our project, the CCF, to develop a countercurrent hemodialysis device so blood can be safely stored for longer. This device uses a dual pump system and filter to reduce unwanted toxins by creating a counterflow between the dialysate and blood, allowing diffusion of citrate and potassium out of the blood and into the dialysate.
Sponsor: Cellphone Repair

Point of Care Device | The Point of Care Device is designed to assist combat medics by providing real-time respiratory analysis for patients experiencing hemorrhagic shock during blood transfusions in the field. Housed in a compact, lightweight enclosure, the device uses a microcontroller interfaced with flow, oxygen, and carbon dioxide sensors to measure breath composition and volume. Readings are displayed on a front-facing OLED for quick reference, allowing medics to determine when sufficient transfusion has been achieved. Additional features include removable battery packs, capacitive navigation buttons, and active “dead-air” removal to ensure accuracy and reliability. The design emphasizes portability, data precision, and cost-effectiveness for field deployment.
Sponsor: Evan Ross

Taiji Toy Custom Collection Process Automation | The TaijiToy Custom Tailored Collections project uses AI to automate and streamline the order process for the online store, Taiji Toy Custom Collection. Our new system replaces the slow, manual method, making customer ordering significantly faster and easier. Our full-stack application includes a JavaScript front-end for requests, with a Node.js server connecting to the AI. From there, a PHP backend manages data and sends it to an SQL server for order completion. The result is personalized order creation that is fully automated, reducing manual work and improving the customer's experience.
Sponsor: Steve Brown

Automated Plant Care System | The Smart Hydroponics System is a self-sustaining, automated platform designed to simplify indoor gardening and ensure healthy plant growth. The system eliminates the guesswork of environmental control by automatically maintaining ideal growing conditions for each plant. An embedded ESP32 microcontroller continuously tracks key factors like water pH, nutrient concentration, and temperature in real time, sending this data to a cloud server. The server applies plant-specific parameters to make precise adjustments — adding nutrients or pH buffers as needed and adjusting the grow light’s brightness and height. Through an intuitive dashboard, users can easily monitor progress, receive important alerts, and step in only when human input is required.

FLAZ Lift | The FLAZ Lift is a custom-designed recumbent trike lift developed for a veteran’s pickup truck, in partnership with Project Serve. This device enables safe, efficient loading and unloading of a recumbent trike using a rotating arm, arm extension, and an electric winch. Controlled wirelessly via remote, the lift minimizes physical effort while maximizing accessibility and ease of use. Designed with durability, safety, and user independence in mind, the FLAZ Lift provides a compact, reliable solution tailored to the specific needs of adaptive mobility and veteran support.
Sponsor: Project S.E.R.V.E.

Flight Dynamic Visualizer - 2 | The Flight Dynamics Visualizer (FDV-2) is a project contracted to SwRI by the Airforce Academy for cadets to learn about data recording on their flight systems and general avionics. This second-generation device, developed by the BlackBox Systems team, will provide real-time visualizations of the forces acting on an aircraft during various flight conditions, demonstrating the impact of changes in speed, altitude, and orientation. Equipped with advanced sensor technologies and an intuitive interface, the FDV-2 enables cadets to explore complex aerospace engineering concepts through practical, hands-on experience. This tool is designed to be portable and user-friendly, making it ideal for facilitating a comprehensive learning experience allowing cadets to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled environment.
Sponsor: Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

The Blind Genie | The Blind Genie device is a motorized system designed to retrofit existing blinds, enabling cordless operation through a bottom-mounted enclosure housing a controlled spool mechanism. This retrofit window blind controller would be an affordable option to make every day ordinary window blinds fully automatic and responsive. The system integrates a NEMA 8 stepper motor with an integrated 10:1 Gearbox, microcontroller, double spools, guiding pulleys, and a cord-driven lifting mechanism to smoothly raise and lower the blinds.
Sponsor: N/A

Lil’ Lungs Pediatric Solutions | The project is to design adjunct devices to improve pediatric chest tubes. Chest tubes are inserted into a patient's chest wall and positioned into the pleural space to evacuate fluids from inside a patient's chest, which is often done post thoracic surgery. This device will be designed to attach to premade pediatric chest tubes to help alleviate common issues providers have with the device, including: accidental tube removal caused by patient movement and inadequate securement methods, and line kinking which prevents proper suction and causes fluid buildup inside the chest.
Sponsor: Medical Design and Innovations Lab

In Process Quality Visual Control System for Military Chin-Strap Production | This project focuses on improving the accuracy and accessibility of a fabric spool cutting machine used in the production of chin straps for military helmets. The existing system produced inconsistent fabric lengths, leading to material waste and inefficiencies. To address this, Team GearWorks designed and implemented a low-cost, camera-based measurement and quality control system integrated with a Raspberry Pi. The upgraded machine features a custom-built fabric tensioner, automated sorting mechanism, and an operator-friendly interface designed to accommodate visually impaired operators. Through systematic testing and process improvements, the redesigned system enhances cut-length consistency, reduces rework, and improves overall production reliability while maintaining affordability and simplicity for the manufacturer.
Sponsor: Analisa Roland

B.E.T.A. | The purpose of the project is to meet customer needs and requirements by devising a low-cost load sensor attachment designed to monitor activity and workload to lower the cost and frequency of maintenance schedules. The attachment will use a load sensor to measure the load and then transmit data wirelessly via Wi-Fi to a system for analysis. This system will display only whether the drum is full or empty, any drums containing less than 50-gallons will be determined as empty. By automating this identification process warehouses and manufacturing facilities will better manage the workload in each forklift by enhancing proactive maintenance, preventing unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

none | Creating a poster for presentation at the tech symposium.
Sponsor: n/a

Wave energy generator | The purpose of this project is to research and develop a charging station for underwater drones by means of gyroscopic power generation. The project will be placed into a body of water that is subject to wind. As the wind deposits energy in the water as waves, our project harnesses that energy.
Sponsor: Dr. Gonzalez

Next Generation Molten Metal Safety | The Roadrunner One Engineering group will build upon the 2024 Team Auto Rotating Caster project by fully deploying an Auto rotating bottom pouring casting device. This system, remotely controlled and capable of automatic rotation. The project will focus on improving user safety by allowing remote pouring, as well as minimizing the risk of injury and molten metal exposure. Additionally, the quality of the final product will be enhanced through the precision offered by the bottom-pour technique, which will be demonstrated through mold cooling rate surveys and compared against predicted cooling rates. This project will address key industry challenges like safety, efficiency, and precision in casting operations. The material being used for demonstration at the symposium is gallium. Due to its low melting point and non-toxic nature gallium is safe for demonstration at the symposium.
Sponsor: Dr. Axler

InfraRedy for The Road | This project presents the design and development of a thermal enclosure built to protect and cool a thermal camera used for testing vehicle components under high-temperature conditions. The enclosure features an integrated cooling system designed to regulate internal temperatures while allowing accurate thermal readings. Through prototype testing like temperature control, material comparison, and humidity evaluation, the system’s effectiveness and reliability are analyzed. The goal of this project is to ensure the camera operates safely and efficiently in extreme environments, supporting more accurate data collection during long-duration vehicle testing.
Sponsor: International Motors,LLC

CNC Plasma Tube Cutter | Designing and Manufacturing a CNC tube cutter for the use of the UTSA Formula Society of Engineers student organization to be used for manufacturing their chassis tubes in house.
Sponsor: UTSA FSAE

Lilypad | Lilypad is an autonomous system designed to provide wireless charging solutions for underwater vehicles through solar power. The design integrates solar panels with a compact battery system to ensure consistent energy storage and delivery in marine environments. Developed through iterative testing and practical engineering methods, the project emphasizes reliability, sustainability, and adaptability. While simple in form, the system effectively demonstrates how innovative design and renewable technology can support long-term underwater operations with minimal maintenance requirements.
Sponsor: Cody Gonzalez

Hyperthermia Control System | A vest designed to prevent combat soldiers from getting hyperthermia by utilizing an endothermic reaction to create a cold fluid that runs through a series of channels via a pump.
Sponsor: Dr. Lyle Hood

Mokume Gane Engineering Analysis | The project consists of stacking different nonferrous metals together, forge welding them, and twisting them to achieve a twisted Damascus like pattern. Once this has been achieved, various tests will be achieved to determine if the materials bonded correctly and to check for durability, corrosion resistance, tensile strength, and impact resistance. This would ensure that the process went smoothly allowing for scientific confirmation of the fusing of materials. A group of materials will be heat treated alongside the original to compare the results of said treatment.

Low Altitude Hypersonic Glide Vehicle | This project aims to design a low-altitude unpowered hypersonic glide vehicle capable of gliding at Mach 5–8. This project aims to achieve a high lift-to-drag ratio and utilize lightweight thermal-protected structures for sustainable hypersonic flight without onboard propulsion. The design integrates stability, control, and manufacturability analyses to meet gun-launched or wind-tunnel-testable conditions, optimizing range, affordability, and system robustness in challenging hypersonic flight conditions.
Sponsor: N/A

Long Stroke Reciprocating Drive | The purpose of this project was to design a friction testing apparatus to revive the withdrawn ASTM D2877 standard. This standard was designed to test lubricants on slideway systems that have high loads at low linear speeds. This device will help develop lubricants for this type of mechanical application within the manufacturing industry and many others.
Sponsor: SwRI

Robotic Loading Manipulator | This project is jointly sponsored and funded by Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) ballistics department and Protection Engineering Consultants. The purpose of this project is to remove the human bottleneck of loading approximately 300 µm spheres into barrels for use in small-scale ballistic testing. To remedy this bottleneck, the A-Team has been tasked with creating an autonomous loading system that is not only faster at loading each sphere, but more precise and allowing the engineers to expedite their testing timelines. The apparatus will not only autonomously load each sphere into the barrels, but they will be greased prior to loading and a picture will be taken to explicitly show the engineer each sphere has been loaded properly.
Sponsor: SwRI , PEC

Liquid Bi-Propellant Rocket | The UTSA Liquid Bipropellant Rocket Senior Design Project aims to design, build, and test a pressure‑fed liquid rocket engine using safe, storable propellants and a compact ground test stand. The system integrates a bipropellant feed, injector assembly, combustion chamber, and nozzle designed through thermofluid analysis and iterative modeling. The project emphasizes hands‑on propulsion testing and data acquisition to evaluate engine efficiency, injector performance, and thrust output. This effort establishes the foundation for future in‑house liquid propulsion development at UTSA and advances student experience in aerospace propulsion systems.
Sponsor: Dr. Daniel Pineda

Roadrunner Stop Gas Station & Car Wash | Roadrunner Stop Gas Station & Car Wash is a new commercial development located on the northwest side of San Antonio. It has been strategically placed on one of the city's busiest corridors, Bandera Rd., to meet the growing demand for reliable fueling services. This project will take place on a 2.00-acre site that will feature a self-serve 12-pump fuel station, a convenience store offering snacks and more, and a fully automated car wash on the back end of the property. The development is designed to provide an efficient and modern experience for residents and commuters.

Development of Alamo Plaza | The development of Alamo Plaza is located along the newly constructed Alamo Ranch and Galm Parkway intersection, and it will feature a 45,000 square foot building and a 1.04-acre park with multiple amenities. The 45,000 square foot building will help invite commercial and retail businesses to set up shop in the growing area of Alamo Ranch. The park will feature amenities such as a hiking trail in the shape of the historical Alamo, four sports courts, and a playground. The purpose of this project is to introduce attractions to Alamo Ranch’s growing community.

Development of Sideliners Grill | Landmark Civil Solutions is excited about the opportunity to play a role in transforming 19100 Redland Road in San Antonio, TX, into the future home of the proposed Sideliners Grill. We see this project as more than just a development and as a chance to help create a vibrant destination where the community can gather, enjoy delicious food, and build memories. Our team takes pride in being part of projects that not only meet technical standards but also add value and character to the surrounding area.
Sponsor: n/a

West San Antonio Public Library | The West San Antonio Public Library project involves designing the civil engineering scope of work for a 15,000-square-foot single-story facility and associated parking lot located along N. Ellison Drive in San Antonio, Texas. The site will include outdoor areas featuring a concrete patio with benches and walkways, as well as landscaped green spaces for picnics and a playground. The library itself will feature open reading and study areas, private study rooms, computer labs, a multipurpose room, and office spaces for staff.

Mesquite Square | Third places are informal public gathering spaces that exist outside of the home and workplace, playing a vital role in fostering community connection, social interaction, and civic engagement. These spaces are often characterized as accessible, welcoming spaces that act to serve the immediate community they are located within. The Proposed Mesquite Square development will serve as a community hub that does not pertain to work or home. Much of the surrounding area consists of commercial and residential development. Situated at the southeast corner of Potranco Road and Ingram Road, this location will consist of a restaurant and bar with a large gathering space in between, bringing about a unique alternative to the many common retail and fast-food developments along Potranco Road. Although driveways and a parking lot will be integrated with this location, the proposed development will also aim to make it more accommodating for other modes of transportation to and from its location. Pedestrian walkability from nearby residential areas will be provided, and there is an existing VIA bus stop along the north end of the development.

Leon Valley Baptist Church Recreation Center | Lone Star Engineering is assisting Leon Valley Baptist Church in developing a new recreational center that will serve both the congregation and the surrounding community. The facility will feature indoor basketball and pickleball courts, multipurpose rooms, offices, locker areas, and outdoor amenities such as tennis and sand volleyball courts. Designed with ADA accessibility, fire safety, and weather resilience in mind, the project emphasizes long-term usability and comfort. The site layout supports future expansion while strengthening connectivity along Grissom Road, aligning the church’s vision with community engagement and sustainable development.

César Chávez Multi-Development Phase 1 | The César Chávez Multi-Development Phase 1 project is a mixed-used commercial and residential development located at 1206 Cesar Chavez Blvd. in San Antonio, Texas. Designed by Marvel Engineering Consultants, the projects consists of the first half of a four-story commercial and apartment building and a 120-space parking lot across a 3.53 acre site. The building consists of retail spaces on the first floor and residential units above. Phase 1 of this projects includes grading, utility design, drainage planning, permitting, and traffic control.

STEM Academic Development Center “Innovation Labs” | The proposed development will be located on a vacant 10.86-acre parcel at the corner of Eisenhauer Road and King Arthur Drive in Windcrest, Texas. The site is currently undeveloped and offers flat terrain suitable for construction. The project will feature a modern STEM facility inspired by the Maker Space at UTSA. What sets this project apart is its unique role to serve as both an educational hub and a community resource. This groundbreaking facility is designed to inspire creativity, innovation and collaboration amongst the youth in the local community. Innovation Labs will go beyond the traditional classroom by offering hands on learning in robotics, coding, engineering design, and other STEM focused activities.

Smart IoT Based Battery Management System (BMS) | Powerlink has developed a compact Smart Battery Management System (BMS) for multi-cell Li-ion packs with integrated app and database support. It provides real-time monitoring of cell voltages, pack current, and temperatures; accurate state-of-charge/health estimates; automatic cell balancing; and fast protections for over/under-voltage, over-current, and thermal faults. The mobile app displays live telemetry, configurable alerts, and basic tuning, while a secure database records trip and diagnostic data for historical analysis. Powerlink is mechanically and electrically integrated into an e-scooter using clean harnessing and drop-in mounting, enabling on-vehicle demonstration of startup/shutdown sequencing and fault handling.​
Sponsor: N/A

Force and Moment Roadway Reconditioning Station | This project presents the design and evaluation of the Force and Moment Roadway Reconditioning Station, developed to enhance belt maintenance efficiency by reducing total downtime from six hours to three. The system integrates a structural frame and support assembly engineered for stability, safety, and ease of operation. Testing conducted in Fall 2025 focuses on validating the mechanical integrity and ergonomic performance of the Base, Vertical Support, Drums, and Horizontal Support components. A future phase scheduled for Spring 2026 will incorporate and assess the heating subsystem, completing the station’s development toward full operational functionality.
Sponsor: Continental

M.A.S.S. (Multi Axial Seal Spreader) | Team 10 was tasked by Valkim technologies to develop a mechanism to work in conjunction with Valkim Technologies’ pre-existing pneumatically operated arm and rover, with the purpose of opening the secondary seal on external floating roof oil tanks, to inspect the primary seal of said tanks. The mechanism designed is the Multi Axial Seal Spreader (designated the M.A.S.S.), a mechanism designed to insert into the secondary seal with the help of an actuator, expand the seal with the help of two internal airbags, and inspect the primary seal using a zone 0 certified camera.
Sponsor: Valkim Technologies