Fall 2024 Tech Symposium

Smart Wound Care Device | There is a need to optimize and monitor the healing process for chronic wounds, particularly for Type II diabetic patients. Chronic wound healing is often derailed by a hostile wound environment. This includes bacterial growth, byproducts that cause a lower pH, a sudden high rise in temperature, tender tissue, and more. These wounds fail to heal after a minimum of 4 weeks post-injury, as a result, constant and reliable monitoring is the key to putting the patient back on track for recovery. Our approach includes a multifunctional device that provides patient comfort by reducing the need for constant dressing changes and uncomfortable therapies.

Adjustable Trail Rescue E-Bike Litter | Rapid and safe patient extrication is crucial for survival in search and rescue emergencies. To address this, the Adjustable Trail Rescue E-bike Litter - a lightweight, innovative solution is designed specifically for rough terrain and narrow pathways. Unlike traditional litters, ATREL places the patient in a stable, adjustable seated posture, reducing space requirements and enhancing maneuverability with a focus on minimizing manual lifting and ensuring functionality for the average male mountain biker population. Rigorous durability and safety testing will ensure its reliability. This project aims to revolutionize patient extrication on mountain bike trails, improving outcomes.

head and neck active cooling collar | The head and neck, active cooling collar, it’s a cervical collar that is placed during ER transport or rapid response services, it will reduce the severity of head and neck, trauma, and will help in reducing the severity of heart attacks.

Sternal Reduction Instrument System | When performing sternal closure after thoracic surgery, maintaining the correct alignment and compression of the sternum is crucial for proper healing. However, current sternal reduction systems face significant challenges in maintaining this alignment and compression during the placement of implants.​ There is a need to ensure proper alignment and stability of the sternum during sternal fixation procedures to reduce the risk of complications such as dehiscence, malunion, and nonunion, ultimately enhancing patient recovery and outcomes.​

A Blood Filtration System for Prolonged Storage | Blood is a vital but limited resource, with a significant number of blood units discarded annually due to expiration. Therefore, there is a need for a reusable medical device that can support a new method of anticoagulating whole blood for prolonged storage and eventual transfusion. This project aims to develop a reusable blood filtration device that exchanges calcium and/or potassium ions with sodium using a chelating ion exchange resin. Additionally, the device will allow for a whole blood unit to be anticoagulated at a time, with a smooth integration with current medical equipment.

lymphatic drainage system | This project focuses on the lymphatic system, a critical part of the immune and circulatory systems that helps remove toxins, waste, and excess fluids from tissues. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and defending the body against infection. This project seeks to develop an efficient way to drain excess lymphatic fluid from the body, in patients with breast cancer and Congestive heart failure.

Novel Endotracheal Tube System | Securing the airway is crucial in emergency rescues, especially in combat zones. The endotracheal tube design, unchanged for nearly a century, is problematic due to its temperature-sensitive PVC material and the need for multiple pressure cuff inflations, which can damage the trachea. Effective intubation often requires head and neck repositioning, not always feasible in emergencies, and extensive medical training. There is an urgent need for a new airway introducer that reduces time, steps, and tools required, enhancing efficiency and safety in emergency airway management.

Improving Intermittent Catheterization for Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction | Neurogenic bladder dysfunction patients, including those with conditions like spinal cord injuries, Spina Bifida, and Parkinson’s disease, often rely on intermittent catheters 5-6 times a day to manage bladder emptying. Many of these patients have limited dexterity, making catheter insertion challenging and sometimes leading to complications. There is a need to improve the intermittent catheter insertion for neurogenic bladder dysfunction patients with limited dexterity to enhance user independence and minimize complications. Our design addresses this by creating an innovative catheter that offers better handling and grip, making the insertion process smoother and more accessible for those with reduced hand mobility.

Sample Collection Device for Pap Smear | Women’s health is underprioritized in healthcare, exemplified by the pap smear exam. Outdated instruments are painful and uncomfortable for 58.8% of women, potentially decreasing screening compliance. In 2024, 50% of cervical cancer cases occur in women not routinely screened. Early detection improves treatment outcomes, with 90% of early-stage diagnosis resulting in 5+ year survival compared to 20% for late-stage cases. Of the 12,500 cervical cancer cases in 2021, nearly 30% resulted in mortality, highlighting early detection screening importance. Our team strives to address the need for more comfortable and efficient pap smear sample collection procedures to encourage patient screening compliance.

Skin Traction | We need to reduce skin damage and apply and distribute force appropriately when using skin traction. The current use of Buck’s traction lacks portability, is not antibacterial, lacks standard weights, tears skin, creates an angle instead of parallel force, and has uneven distribution of load. We intend to adjust current designs through changing material to reduce rates of infection, changing how the device mounts to beds to improve portability, and changing how the device is structured to address shear force issues. These design concepts are well within the team's capabilities.

Male Contraceptive Device | The current landscape of male contraceptives is limited with men primarily relying on condoms or vasectomy; options that either require diligent use or are considered permanent. Designed to be low-maintenance and effective without daily intervention, the VasGuard aims to obstruct sperm travel through the vas deferens while allowing users to regain fertility upon removal of the device. Our innovative device taps into an expanding market, offering men a reliable, reversible, and long-term solution that empowers them to take control of their reproductive health while simultaneously reducing the reliance on female-focused contraceptive options.

Electrolytic Oxygen Delivery System | With an expected increase in the global market size by $15B, oxygen delivery systems are becoming more widespread. Current systems, such as oxygen tanks and concentrators, face significant challenges with portability. Issues like travel restrictions, bulkiness, and the hazards of pressurized oxygen impact the quality of life for users. OxyGen Technologies has identified a need for a supplemental, portable, and lightweight oxygen delivery system that eliminates the dependency on pressurized oxygen tanks. We will collaborate with BioSure Professional to standardize a supplemental oxygen delivery system that relies on electrolysis, the splitting of water into oxygen using an external electrical current.

MedVisor | In the past year, over 600,000 patients suffered preventable harm during surgery which resulted in 200,000 fatal deaths. Cadavers are widely used in current medical practices to allow students and professionals to practice surgical procedures. While augmented reality has been applied in pre-op planning, current technologies lack specialization in surgical procedure training. To address this, we are developing an affordable augmented reality headset aimed at replacing cadaver-based training and reducing patient risk. The device allows medical students and professionals to practice reinforcing fundamental surgical skills using real-time anatomical visualization; by enhancing skill retention, improving decision-making, and elevating the standards of medical education and practice.

Good In Progress | The need for accessible pediatric wheelchairs is critical worldwide. In 2023, the market in the U.S. was valued at 2.33 billion USD, with projections reaching 3.63 billion USD by 2030. Outside of the U.S., the WHO reports that only 3% of individuals in low-income countries have access to mobility-assistive devices. For children, these wheelchairs provide essential independence, inclusion, and development opportunities. To meet this need, our project is developing a modular pediatric wheelchair tailored to each child’s unique physical and medical needs. The design emphasizes accessibility and customization, ensuring broad usability both in the U.S. and globally.

USAISR Urinometer | Effective urine monitoring is essential in managing fluid resuscitation, particularly for burn patients, where precise urine output is critical in preventing life-threatening hypovolemia. Yet, existing urinometers are often impractical in unstable environments, lacking portability, accuracy, and real-time functionality. Our project addresses these limitations with an advanced, field-ready urinometer that provides continuous, real-time updates every 10 minutes, weighs under 1.5 kg, and operates across extreme temperatures. With an IPX7 rating, over 24 hours of battery life, and compatibility with standard medical systems, this solution offers a resilient, reusable, and portable option for reliable fluid management in challenging environments.

FPGA Code Compliance Checker | For consumer bases such as students and even businesses who have tight budgets, coming across affordable, simplistic software resources for code compliance is hard to come by. Through our project, we aim to alleviate the problem of scarcity by making our product available via the web; while also solving the problem of simplicity by creating a user-friendly interface where individuals of all experience levels can use our website. On our site, the user will be able to paste their code and after execution, the user will be prompted with any errors that are in their code and what/where they are.

Automated Ultrasound | The Automated Ultrasound project, sponsored by the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR), identifies internal injuries, namely hemothorax and pneumothorax injuries, in remote combat environments. The project consists of a tablet, an application that guides the user during lung scans, a portable ultrasound probe, and an AI model displaying an injury probability score. The project will integrate a portable ultrasound probe connected via Bluetooth, a tablet, an app, and the AI model. A user-friendly interface will guide personnel through each step of the chest scan, offering visual cues, quality checks, and an injury likelihood percentage.

Ground Penetrating Radat Imaging System | This project focuses on developing a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system that operates within the 800-1600 MHz frequency range for subsurface imaging. The goal is to create an affordable and portable solution for detecting underground utilities, pipes, or ancient structures at archaeological sites. The design involves using a Jetson Nano microcontroller to process signals transmitted and received by the radar’s antennas, with the data being filtered, amplified, and analyzed in real-time for clear and accurate subsurface detection.

ODD | The issue at hand is when detecting gum disease there is a manual examination that is time-consuming and creates delayed results. This device will allow more time-efficient results and can accurately detect gum disease. The O.D.D. oral detection device is an AI-driven image analysis and real-time detection device that captures high-resolution images of the gums. This device will essentially reduce the time patients spend on their results and the whole process by having a camera housing attached to a foam mouthguard that will scan and capture pictures and view the results afterward to save time for treatment outcomes.

AI Habit Tracker | The AI Habit Tracker (A.H.T.) is a system that tracks a users’ behaviors to create a profile for the intended personnel. Nowadays, there is a rise in demand for a secure system to track motion, ensure safety as well as security. The answer to this demand is to capture habits to create profiles for users that will enhance security while also being able to detect discrepancies. With the use of AI learning alongside sensor modules, it is now possible to provide real-time monitoring and accurate data capturing thus maintaining security and providing insight on user habits.

Rechargeable Power | This project aims to address the environmental and cost challenges posed by the frequent use and disposal of alkaline non-rechargeable battery packs in quarry lubrication units. To offer a more sustainable solution, a new rechargeable battery pack is under development, designed to endure multiple charge cycles over its lifespan. Complementing this innovation, there are plans to create a custom-built charging station, capable of charging multiple batteries simultaneously, ensuring both safety and convenience. Together, these technologies will significantly reduce the environmental impact created from disposing thousands of battery packs per year, while also cutting energy costs for quarry operations.

Compact Cooler-Heater Device for Extracorporeal Life Support | Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a critical life support system for patients with severe heart or lung failure, but current heater/cooler devices have significant limitations such as size, complexity, and portability. This project aims to develop a compact, battery-operated ECMO device with an intuitive interface. Healthcare providers will be able to adjust temperatures and monitor real-time data like flow rates and patient vitals. The device will offer improved heating/cooling stability, stronger pump control, and essential safety features like a kill switch, ensuring greater reliability and patient care.

K9 Drone TEaming for SAR | Our project focuses on developing a drone-based system to assist search and rescue operations by guiding trained search and rescue dogs. The drone, controlled by the handler, is equipped with a laser pointer and camera gimbal to direct the dog remotely. The dog wears a GPS-enabled device, allowing the drone to maintain proximity while the handler uses a custom interface for precise control. This system enhances the efficiency of search and rescue missions by providing real-time guidance without needing the handler to be physically close to the dog.

Automatic Night Sky Monitoring System | The city of Bee Cave desires for a more efficient solution to monitoring their night skies so that they can maintain minimal light pollution in their skies. Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Dark Sky ECE’s solution is to create an automated, self-sustaining monitoring system. This system will deploy several measuring sites, with each site powered by batteries that are charged by solar energy. Using high-quality image capturing, light pollution sensors, and weather sensors, each of these devices will automatically record, process, and transmit this data wirelessly to a central control center which can then be analyzed in order to examine the health of the night skies.

The Archivist | The Archivist is a high-speed trading card scanning machine that is capable of processing up to 100 cards per minute. This machine is connected to a custom online server that stores comprehensive data on each card, including its image and identifying markings. Using Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) and correlation analysis, the system accurately extracts and matches card features to identify the card type and relevant data. Once identification is complete, the card is transported precisely up the hopper and sorted into one of the several bins, categorized according to pre-set classification thresholds. The database is managed by an SQL server that integrates with bash scripts to communicate with the TCGPlayer API, ensuring that the SQL database is dynamically updated with real-time price data.

Filament Recycling | This project addresses the design costs and material waste associated with 3D printing by developing an affordable filament recycling system. The solution is a compact and user-friendly device that efficiently processes used or failed 3D prints, transforming them into high-quality reusable filament. Designed as an all-in-one solution, it incorporates shredding, melting, extruding, and spooling mechanisms, making it accessible for home users and small businesses alike to effectively reduce waste while significantly lowering their material costs, promoting sustainability in the 3D printing community.

Ecohcharge EV | The EcohCharge EV project addresses the critical issue of limited access to real-time information on EV charging station availability, a pressing challenge in densely populated areas where charging demand often exceeds supply. The solution to this problem is a vehicle detection system utilizing a machine vision camera, complemented by a secondary infrared sensor as a fail-safe. This system is designed to monitor charging spot occupancy, accurately detect vehicles regardless of their charging status, and relay real-time data to a mobile app. The design prioritizes reliability and user-friendliness, aiming to optimize charging times and improve the efficiency of existing EV infrastructure by providing timely and accurate information on charging station availability.

BreathEasy: The Digital Inhaler | The BreatheEasy: Digital Inhaler is a smart, user-friendly device designed to enhance asthma and respiratory care. Featuring a rechargeable battery, it includes three essential sensors: an environmental sensor to monitor air quality, a flow sensor to verify proper inhalation, and an accelerometer to remind users to shake before use. With ergonomic finger grooves for comfort, the inhaler connects to a mobile app via Bluetooth, providing real-time feedback, sensor data, and battery status. This seamless integration empowers users with precise usage, medication management, and improved control over their respiratory health.

Dark Sky | The City of Bee Cave, designated as a 'Dark Sky Community,' has consistently maintained high-quality night skies. To support their goal of preserving this status, the city seeks a more efficient method to monitor night skies. Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Dark Sky ECE's solution is to develop an automated, self-sustaining monitoring system. This system will deploy multiple measurement sites, each powered by solar-charged batteries. These devices will autonomously record night sky data and transmit it wirelessly to a central control center

NASA Student Launch 2025 | The NASA Student Launch Competition is a contest where students are tasked with delivering proposals, design reviews, and presentations of an original rocket design. The rocket must reach an apogee of 4,000-6,000 feet and transmit flight data to a NASA receiver over the 2M-band radio transmission frequency.

Fabric Relaxing Machine | Textile operations require some pre-processing of raw fabric rolls before they are turned into garments. This process is known as fabric relaxation and involves unrolling these commercial rolls of fabric, laying them to rest and releasing the tension stored within the weave from when the roll was spun in the factory. Currently, our sponsor does this entirely by hand. With over 60% of their workforce having some level of vision-loss, they are requesting us to design a machine that can automate this process to improve efficiency and introduce accessibility for the machine to be operated by someone with vision loss.

Design and Analysis for a Metal 3D Printed Turbine Blade for a Jet Engine | The senior design project aims to study, design, and analyze a 3D Metal-Printed turbine blade for a jet engine. Traditional manufacturing methods such as investment casting or sand casting, are widely used for turbine productions, whereas 3D metal printing offers potential cost reduction and shorter lead times, especially for complex geometry. The team will utilize and implement UTSA’s metal 3D printer to design the turbine blade with imbedded cooling ports. Deliverables will include a detailed SolidWorks model, an FEA and CFD analysis. Furthermore, the functionality parameters will be derived based on the analysis.

Electric Starter for Large Bore Engines | The increased interest in independence from fossil fuels to combat global warming has created the need for an electric starter that can start a large bore gas engine. Large bore engines use compressed air to drive ring gear starters but large compressors are required, which use a large amount of electricity that can be difficult to provide in remote areas. The main goal of the project is to design an electric starter that can provide the 70,000 ft-lbs of torque at the driveshaft of the engine to start it, as well as maintain the engine at 60 RPM.

Automated Part Inspection and Defect Classification System | The scope of this project is to create an automated part inspection and defect classification system. The mechanics of this system involve a part loading system paired with a part positioning system to automatically manipulate workpieces for inspection. This system will achieve movement about two linear axes, and 3 rotary axes (X,Y,A,B,C). Parts are inspected by use of a stereo microscope on a boom stand, with option for manual operation, or automated image capture. This allows for the bulk inspection of a variety of parts for surface defects in an environment with low or no tolerance for failures.

Fatigue Inspection Tester | Sandia National Laboratories faces challenges with small-diameter springs due to manufacturing defects and inaccurate fatigue testing. Current methods do not replicate real-world conditions, causing inconsistencies in load, displacement, and frequency. This project will design a compact, portable device to accurately simulate the stress springs experience during actual use. It will test multiple springs simultaneously, mimicking real displacement and frequency patterns. Cameras will capture images from three angles before and after testing to analyze deformation. Combined with time/load and time/displacement data, this will improve predictions of spring fatigue life and enhance product quality.

I.C.E. Analyzer | Lancer Worldwide is a company that produces post-mix carbonated beverage dispensers and related products. An integral part of many post-mix beverage dispensers is ice storage and delivery (dispensing). Ice storage bins on top of beverage dispensers house agitators and various delivery mechanisms that must be optimized to ensure maximum ice quality at the point of delivery to the customer. In order to quantify improvements made to ice agitation and delivery mechanisms, this team was tasked with the design and production of a piece of test equipment that will quantify the "quality" of ice samples collected from a beverage dispensing unit. The "quality" of ice pertains to the amount of degradation and changes in physical properties it has experienced through the storage, agitation, and delivery processes within the dispenser.

Optimizing Condensate Usage to Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency​ | This project addresses the inefficient condensate distribution in Friedrich air conditioning units, where a “slinger ring” is currently employed to spread condensate across the condenser coil. This traditional approach fails to achieve even distribution, limiting the system’s potential for optimal heat transfer. The project’s primary goal is to develop innovative methods for more effective condensate transfer onto the condenser coil and design an integrated subcooling loop. This loop will enhance heat exchange between the refrigerant and condensate, significantly improving system efficiency while ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulations, and cost-effective manufacturing.

Performance Testing of a General-Purpose Lunar Vehicle | This senior design project aims to develop an experimental framework to assess the performance of a lightweight lunar vehicle for regolith transportation. The vehicle will be configured with four-wheel drive, each motorized, and capable of navigating varied terrain, including slopes up to 20 degrees and rocky surfaces. The project will involve designing, fabricating, and testing a platform to measure driving power, energy consumption, and drawbar force in simulated lunar conditions. Instrumentation will capture key performance data, providing insights crucial for future lunar infrastructure development under NASA's Artemis program.

Secure Registration & Titles Kiosk | This project proposes the current development of a secure and convenient kiosk for handling title and registration services, with the capability of dispensing license plates. This kiosk will integrate advance technology to streamline the registration process allowing users to complete transactions quickly and efficiently reducing lines at the DMV or other local offices. This kiosk will be robust in material including surveillance systems to deter tamping or theft ensuring the safety of sensitive information. This kiosk design prioritizes accessibility to every individual and aims to modernize vehicle registration services while obtaining security protocols.

Digital Extender | The digital extender project aims to enhance medical intubation by providing real-time visual and haptic feedback. Designed to improve safety and reliability, the device aids healthcare professionals during intubation procedures, helping reduce risks associated with poor visibility or difficult access. Sponsored by UT Health and mentored by Dr. Lyle Hood, the Degrees of Freedom is working to develop a tool that supports medical personnel with accurate and responsive intubation guidance, ultimately improving patient care and medical outcomes.

PowerPole Wind Turbine | The PowerPole Wind Turbine is omni-directional, hubless, vertical axis with the capability to be mounted to the un-utilized space of a utility pole and connected directly to transmission lines will greatly improve our current dependence on more classical methods of power generation while reducing our carbon footprint. The U-Turbine will utilize omni-directional inlets to focus incoming air regardless of direction and increase its velocity along with its energy potential. The final goal is to design a power generation application to produce a functional prototype that can be studied and distributed to all areas with steady wind flow that require power distribution.

Portable Cooling Unit | The objective of the portable cooling unit is to provide a life-saving solution for individuals suffering from active heat injuries, such as heat stroke – a medical emergency that can be fatal if an individuals’ core temperature is not rapidly reduced. Our mission is to create a unit that not only minimizes the risk of fatalities, but is also more user friendly, offers faster cooling, and delivers a more sustained cooling effect compared to the portable cooling units currently in the market.

Compact Cooler-Heater Device for Extracorporeal Life Support | Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is the process of pumping and oxygenating blood outside the body giving the lungs and heart a chance to heal after a traumatic event. The blood needs to return to the body at a desired temperature. Our device provides water to the oxygenator to warm or cool the blood as necessary. The device must pump water at the desired flow rate while accurately recording the flow rate and temperature of the water. The device will be light weight, portable, and battery operable for emergency situations outside of a hospital setting.

Hand-Held Frisbee Golf Launcher​ | ​The goal of this project is to develop a hand-held frisbee golf disc launcher for Quality of Life Plus (QL+). ​The task is to create a frisbee disc golf launcher for veterans and first responders tied to the Craig Hospital and River Deep Alliance who are interested in playing the sport but need the advent of technology to enable it. ​The goal will need to account for a wide range of disabilities for all our clients to ensure the product is user-friendly. ​

Strong Arm/Hand | The Strong Hand/Arm project seeks to add back lost dexterity to the hands and arms of veterans and first responders who have suffered spinal cord or other nerve damage. The device fits over the hand and wrist, needing some assistance to be fully equipped. The Strong Hand/Arm uses a combination of straps and rachets to grasp onto objects the user wants to use. It works by first placing the object in the hand of the user and then locking it into place with the various mechanisms around the hand and wrist.

Lucky Lane Bowling Alley | This report analyzes the construction progress of developing a 2.89-acre parcel of land to construct a bowling alley complex. The complex, along with its associated amenities and parking, is planned for the northern corner of the intersection of E Loop 1604 N and Schuwirth Road. The development falls within the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of San Antonio and is situated within Bexar County. The driveways providing access to the bowling alley development will be positioned at E Loop 1604 N and Schuwirth Road.

Southwest Business Center | The Southwest Business center is located at 2902 SW Loop 410, Our project will feature two strategically designed office buildings, thoughtfully positioned around a central bioretention pond. Our project site is 5.7 acres of undeveloped land with native grass, trees, and range-like vegetation. Our site is within the City of San Antonio (COSA), Bexar County, Texas and is currently zoned as C2, Commercial use. By incorporating low-impact development (LID) practices throughout the site, we aim to minimize our ecological footprint, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable land use.

Cathedral Rock Park: Harmony Grove | The project envisions the transformation of a 17-acre lot into a dynamic multi-use park that serves as a vital community hub while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Central to this design is the integration of expansive green spaces, which will provide areas for relaxation, recreation, and outdoor activities. Additionally, the park will include a small amphitheater, designed to host community events such as concerts, movie nights, and seasonal festivals. This space will encourage social interaction, cultural expression, and community cohesion, making the park a focal point for gatherings and celebrations.

Greenhouse Cafe | Green House Café is a planned development featuring a 6,250 sq. ft. greenhouse-style dine-in restaurant, offering a unique dining experience with comfortable seating. Blending the ambiance of a greenhouse with a restaurant setting, the café will include an outdoor play area for families. The development also features a 68-space parking lot for convenient guest access. Located off Culebra Rd., adjacent to commercial buildings and residential apartments, the café is ideally positioned to attract a wide range of patrons from the local community.

Road Runner Fitness | A development firm has identified an opportunity in the real estate market to build a new 20 fitness gym, called Roadrunner Fitness, on the far west side of San Antonio. This opportunity derives from the client's desire to include a full-size basketball court in the gym, which will set Roadrunner Fitness apart from the other gyms, as there is not a gym in the immediate area that has a basketball court. This will sit on a 2.001acre lot in front of a newly constructed apartment complex, creating a clientele base within walking distance.

Edgewood Youth Center | Urban Youth Designs proposes the development of “Edgewood Youth Center” on the property located at 3910 San Fernando St, San Antonio, TX. The project aims to create a state-of-the-art facility catering to the educational and recreational needs of the community as well as meeting or exceeding all sustainability design criteria. The aim of this project is to establish a transformative space that enriches the lives of the youth in proximity to the Edgewood community.

Skibidi Burger | This civil engineering project focuses on the design and development of a fast-food restaurant, incorporating unique site constraints and adhering to local regulations. Key aspects include optimizing site layout for efficient traffic flow, parking, and drive-thru access while maintaining compliance with zoning, stormwater management, and utility connection requirements. The design prioritizes sustainable practices, integrating low-impact development techniques where feasible. Collaborating with architects and local agencies, the project emphasizes both functionality and customer convenience, ensuring a seamless integration of utility infrastructure, accessibility, and environmental considerations within a compact footprint.

Automated String Machine | The Automated String Machine is a revolutionary solution for reducing labor time and string waste in tennis racket stringing. Tennis rackets have different head sizes and string patterns, yet most stringers still use the same string length for every racket when restringing; this leads to a lot of wasted string over time. Our system automates measurement, cutting, and coiling, drastically reducing service time and ensuring exact string length for any given racket. The primary functions of extrusion, coiling, and cutting are executed by two stepper motors and a servo motor, each precisely controlled through a dedicated microcontroller. User-friendly controls enhance efficiency and productivity, benefiting stringers, businesses, and tennis enthusiasts alike.

Lab Sign-In System | The Lab Sign-In System (LSIS) streamlines student access to laboratory spaces by using their student ID for checking in and out during lab sessions. Upon sign-in, students are directed to vacant lab stations to conduct their exercises. Each station is equipped with an interactive sign device allowing students to signal instructors or TAs regarding their needs using a switch that activates a light. LSIS enhances lab management by automating sign-in processes and facilitating communication between students and instructors.

Hands-Free Dental Loupe with Spectrally Tunable Light | This project aims to develop a hands-free dental loupe with a tunable light system. By integrating adjustable LEDs and a smartphone app to control light frequencies, dentists can customize intensity and color for various procedures. This enhances accuracy and efficiency while minimizing risks of premature curing and cross-contamination. The design process includes analyzing phase 1 (completed Fall 2023), selecting improved LED technologies, color mode selection, lenses, housings, and battery systems, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and optimizing for comfort and usability.

AI Wearable Communicator | The AI Wearable Communicator (AWIC) is a compact device that translates foreign languages into the user's desired language. Developed by Team Stealth, it aids communication across languages using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-capable microcontrollers. Equipped with a speaker, microphone, external buttons, and an external battery, it removes language barriers in travel, business meetings, and many other situations. Operating through an API interface, the device facilitates seamless communication, enhancing accessibility for users of all backgrounds. AWIC's aim is to decrease a person's communication anxiety and stress in a foreign world.

Autonomous Intelligent Drone (AID) | The Autonomous Intelligent Drone (AID) project (in collaboration with the Unmanned Systems Lab) is a project aimed at developing a cost-effective, counter UAS drone. The AID project tackles the issue of safety in reference to the lack of standardized C-UAS systems by presenting a definitive edge solution that both outplays current options and provides the start to standardization in C-UAS technology. The project consists of two parts. First, the utilization of AI to determine enemy vehicles via 'edge' detection. The second part of the project focuses on development of an effective physical solution through deployment of a net.

My Texas Tags | The My Texas Tags project overhauls the vehicle registration process for Texas residents. This innovative project seeks to improve time efficiency and data security. Users will be able to upload documents using the new portal from the comfort of their own home or using a local kiosk location. When using the new portal or kiosk, user information is reviewed using AI processing software which allows for real time feedback. All verified and approved personnel data is then stored in a secured database. Once the process is completed, consumers can conveniently print their registration renewal stickers at a local Texas Tag & Title kiosk location.

Multipurpose Sanitize | The Multipurpose Sanitizer Box is a portable device designed to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and germs using dry heating and UV-C light. It ensures safe and efficient sanitization of various items, ideal for both home and professional use. Powered by a 9V battery, the box features user-friendly operation and essential safety mechanisms like automatic shutoff and child lock. This device addresses the growing need for reliable hygiene solutions, providing a convenient and effective way to maintain cleanliness and promote health.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy Emitting Phone Case w. App | The SAD Light Therapy Project is designed to provide an effective light therapy treatment solution for individuals suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). LED light therapy is integrated with a mobile app that allows for remote control of therapeutic light intensity through Bluetooth technology. A 3D-printed case has been created for portability and durability, securely housing the electronics, while diffusion sheets enhance light distribution. The solution is aimed at improving accessibility and customization of light therapy, offering a reliable, compact design to support mental health and well-being.

Genisys Guard | GENeral Immobilizer SYStem (Genisys) Guard is an external fail-safe system engineered to terminate Malfunctioning Unmanned Systems (MUS) and provide tracking capabilities to facilitate recovery operations. Sponsored by SwRI Applied Power Division, Genisys Guard is a solution that can be implemented to a variety of MUS to mitigate risk caused by potential malfunctions. Genisys Guard allows for manual termination via a mobile remote featuring a shutoff button and user display, or automatic shutdown through predefined parameters such as signal loss. Following termination, Genisys Guard transitions to recovery mode, sending GPS coordinates to the base station.

Smart VR Gloves | The Smart VR Glove is an affordable innovation in virtual reality technology that offers users an immersive and realistic experience across standard VR systems. It utilizes a novel electromagnetic braking system and haptic actuators to provide precise tactile feedback, simulating the sensation of touch and grasp in the virtual world. Enhanced by our own self-developed hardware driver, the glove's flex-sensitive resistors offer superior finger-tracking accuracy. This wireless, rechargeable battery-powered glove is designed to provide VR users with a more natural VR experience, setting a new benchmark for affordability, compatibility, and interactivity in virtual environments.

VenoViva | Venoviva is an ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) casualty response unit, designed to simulate critical failure scenarios in ECMO systems used in medical settings. The device enables healthcare professionals to train for emergencies such as air embolism, access insufficiency, oxygenator failure, gas supply issues, and pump malfunctions. By simulating these situations in real time, Venoviva improves training and response readiness, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes during life-threatening conditions. The unit is adaptable, supporting both preset simulations and manual control to replicate various failure types.

Industrial 3D Materials Dry Cabinet | The Industrial 3D Materials Dry Cabinet aims at revolutionizing the way 3D materials are stored at a much larger scale than anything being offered out in the market. The storage cabinet can hold 120 1kg & 32 8kg spools of 3D printing filament. It will achieve levels of 1%-20% Relative Humidity. It will accomplish this via a desiccant air loop system powered by either a continuous cycle air compressor or a shop air line. The main cabinet is accompanied by a second smaller SLA cabinet designed to hold 14 different 3D printing resins.

Arc | Arc (auto rotating caster) is about developing a safer way to cast metal for the bottom pour technique. Our group was split into two teams. One team is developing a prototype at room temperature. With a use of a dc motor he mechanism we have allows for the liquid inside the crucible to be stirred when spinning one way without the leakage. Once the mechanism spins the opposite direction, two holes align and the liquid exits the crucible. Our prototype is made out of 3D printed plastic and plexiglass. The other team is experimenting with the reactivity of molten bismuth and other materials to create a mold.

AUTO ROTATING CASTER (ARC) | I'm corporating bottom pouring method to a crucible and testing material compatibility for alternative mold materials.

Data Recorder System Interface | This project requires the design and development of a desktop computer flight data recorder and input instrumentation for classroom use. The purpose of the device will allow U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets to learn about data recording on their flight systems and general avionics. Southwest Research Institute Aerospace Structures Section has commissioned this effort to be designed and built by a UTSA Senior Mechanical Engineering Design Team. The device operates with two Raspberry Pi-based computers and has an accelerometer, pressure transducers, a strain gauge, and a thermocouple. The input computer controls the mechanical systems to simulate various flight profiles with varying flight parameters and the output computer records the resulting flight profile data. The device will measure altitude, airspeed, acceleration, aerothermodynamic properties, and structural fatigue data from the given flight input parameters.

A.L.L.I.E. - Automated Liquid Loading with Intelligent Execution | Automated Liquid Loading with Intelligent Execution, or "ALLIE" for short, was created with the goal of automating the process of filling oral syringes. ALLIE aims to fulfill the tasks of transporting, filling, capping, labeling, and batching the oral syringes, allowing pharmacy technicians to delegate time otherwise spent on preparing prefills to more important responsibilities. ALLIE strives to accommodate varying types of oral medicine as well as varying sizes of oral syringes in an efficient manner, delivering punctuality without sacrificing flexibility. For this capstone project, the scope was limited to the subsystems involved in the filling, capping and transporting processes for 3mL syringes.

Lightweight Lunar Vehicle | The proposed project aims to create a light-weight lunar spacecraft capable of operating at the client's requested performance while minimizing superfluous bulk. Sensors must also be installed to provide adequate performance data for motor tuning. To do this, rover platforms will be designed and analyzed to sustain the lunar vehicle while safeguarding sensitive electronics from simulated regolith. The most prominent solution will prioritize performance and mass efficiency while also being cost effective when selecting base materials, being maneuverable for zero radius turns, durable enough to ensure the safety of the motors and sensors, providing adequate driving force to maximize payload relocation, and output performance data to aid with simulations.

Heat Resilient Surveillance System | Heat-Safe Engineering is commissioned to engineer an advanced second-generation modular camera housing assembly. This unit is designed for high-temperature applications, including combustion chambers, reactors, incinerators, and furnaces. The objective is to augment SwRI's capability to provide clients with a vivid, real-time visual inspection of furnace interiors, thereby enhancing data presentation with superior visual interpretation. As the project progresses into its advanced phase, advanced cooling methodologies, including pneumatic cooling systems, will be evaluated and implemented to mitigate extreme thermal conditions.

C-17 Stacker | To address concerns about the functionality of the C-17's ability to carry people and cargo, our team is developing the C-17 Stacker in conjunction with Knight Aerospace. The C-17 is a large cargo aircraft commonly used in the transportation of oversized products. However, on occasion, the C-17 has been used to transport people for evacuations or rapid mobilizations of military personnel. To optimize the mission functionality of C-17s, our project will take advantage of the overhead dead space commonly available during the transportation of cargo by using an elevated pallet system that will roughly double the amount of personnel that can be transported.

Chicken Seasoning Machine | Due to multiple issues with a flour dispenser repurposed for seasoning chicken including high setup and maintenance times, seasoning waste, imprecise amounts of seasoning applied, and more, the client is requesting a new machine for seasoning chicken. The Chicken Seasoning Machine, or CSM, is the proposed design to solve those issues. It actuates a flip via an inclined conveyer system and by controlling the speed of a screw feeder mechanism loaded with seasoning that is set to run upon detection of chicken via infrared sensors, the machine can deliver precise amounts of seasoning.

The Good Shepherd | The Good Shepherd Senior Design team has designed a dual frequency ultrasonic device. This device's intended purpose is to assist in the herding of livestock such as cattle and sheep through acoustic motivation. The device is powered by a standard ATV lead acid battery and can be mounted onto a standard ATV rifle rack. Dual ultrasonic frequencies have been chosen to create a unique sound for livestock to react to, that is outside the standard hearing range for humans. The group is pursuing IP protection and to present the device for commercialization. This project is sponsored by Dr. Keith Axler and the UTSA Mechanical Engineering Dept.

Fully automatic tourniquet attachment | This project focuses on developing a prototype device in collaboration with the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research to automate the application of windlass-style tourniquets. The aim is to address issues related to consistency and device stability by creating a system that can be easily attached to an existing tourniquet. For the mechanical aspect, the primary goal is to integrate a functioning stepper motor and design an enclosure that securely attaches to the tourniquet. On the electrical side, the focus is on developing a reliable pulse sensor that monitors the user's BPM and displays the data on a screen. The motor will automatically stop and maintain tension when the pulse sensor detects zero BPM, ensuring the tourniquet remains tightened. A critical component of the design is connecting the motor to the pulse sensor for synchronized operation. Both the mechanical and electrical components, including their enclosures, are designed for use on upper body extremities.

G.A.U.R.D.N.E.R. | Team AERO ADVANCEMENTS has been assigned to design a mobile and effective aerial vegetation distribution system. The intent is to use techniques in precision aerial distribution to better re-forest remote and inhospitable locations. The task team assignment may be later extended to better develop the device into a viable and profitable product. This could form a new evolution in environmental conservationism and peaceful use of military technologies.

Brisket Shredder | The project proposed by H-E-B Fresh Plant aims to enhance a recently acquired used shredder machine, with the goal of processing brisket more quickly than the current slicer. The existing machine is time-consuming, relies heavily on manual labor. The new shredder is expected to streamline the process, but it requires improvements. To address this, Group PASS has proposed the design and addition of an inclined conveyor belt to boost efficiency and protect the operator. Additionally, emergency sensors and a variable frequency drive have been incorporated to ensure the machine's safety and enable control of the shredder's speed.

Duplex/Caster Tire Tester | Continental is developing a multi-axle test trailer for gravel road testing that enables individual load control per tire pair and allows different tire sizes on a single rig. This is part of a larger project. The previous duplex/caster unit needs redesigning to enhance stability. The wheel ends should be shifted outward to lower the load basket closer to the ground. Additionally, the basket's dimensions must be adjusted to accommodate steel ballast weights up to 4,500 lbs. Ideally, two units should run side by side within a 13-foot lane.