Current Projects

Spring 2026 Projects

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Legend: 1 = Primary Discipline | 2 = Secondary Discipline | 3 = Optional Discipline(s)

Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Alcoa Corporation Workflow and Ergonomic Improvements for an Industrial Machining Center Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Project Overview:
This initiative at the Alcoa Technical Center focuses on optimizing ergonomics and workflow efficiency for a multi-axis CNC machining center producing approximately 25 kg components. The primary objectives are to enhance operator safety and streamline process efficiency.

Scope of Work:

Unloading unmachined components after upstream processing
Transferring components into the machining center
Reorienting components between machining operations
Unloading finished components for transfer to the finishing station
Moving components from finishing to quality control (QC)
Transferring from QC to downstream transport
Improving machining center cleaning procedures

Deliverables:

Analysis of the current process, including operator handling time between operations
Design concepts, layouts, and 3D models with recommendations for area layout, component handling systems (commercial or custom), and transport improvements, prioritizing safety and cost-effectiveness
A comprehensive design report to support implementation

Expected Outcomes:

Reduced operator handling time and physical strain
Enhanced safety measures and compliance with ergonomic standards
Increased process efficiency
Lower risk of workplace injuries
Cost-effective solutions for material handling and workflow improvements
Actionable recommendations for immediate and long-term implementation
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
AstaZero AB Real-Time Distributed Processing for Drone Swarms (GLOBAL project with Chalmers University) Neal, Gary 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

AstaZero is a proving ground and Tech Infrastructure in the deep forests outside Gothenburg, Sweden, where companies test self-driving technologies. AstaZero provides independent validation that these systems work safely before they reach public roads. ?

Previous student projects have used drones with cameras to help monitor the test track. One project used AI to automatically detect fence breaks around the perimeter. Another project coordinated two drones to create a wider surveillance view by combining multiple camera feeds in real-time.

The current system processes video from the drones on a separate personal computer located at the test track. However, we've discovered that this setup doesn't have enough processing power to handle the AI image analysis in real-time. This creates delays in processing, causes video frames to be dropped, and limits the quality of surveillance we can provide. This year, however, more powerful server computers located at the test track will enable us to offload this computation and explore additional challenges with coordinating multiple drones in a swarm-like scenario.

The Goal.
Therefore, this project's goal is to develop an edge computing architecture for a scalable drone-based surveillance system, which will be showcased at the AstaZero proving ground at the project's end. The showcase will demonstrate a multi-drone system that efficiently and reliably offloads image processing workloads to edge computers, enabling real-time processing of video streams from multiple drones while maintaining low-latency communication. Additional research questions regarding system design for interacting with the drones, and then letting them solve mission goals autonomously, are part of this year’s project.

The Task.
Pennsylvania State University students will collaborate with Chalmers University of Technology students in this international project to reach the goal. Your task will be to design, implement, and test an edge computing system for scalable drone surveillance, building upon previous students' work.

+ Analyze existing dual-drone video processing code and identify computational bottlenecks and scalability limitations, including image stitching techniques for more than two drones.

+ Design a cloud-based edge computing architecture that enables workload offloading, taking into account the safety-critical aspect of the application.

+ Deploy and validate the system's real-time performance, measuring latency, throughput, and reliability.

+ Design general interfaces and APIs that enable the use of drones and camera feeds from multiple vendors and sources.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Automated Logic Corporation Digital Twin-Based HVAC Simulation Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This pilot aims to modernize HVAC simulation by transitioning from a rigid, full-system approach to a modular, component-level dynamic modeling strategy. Instead of replicating entire building systems—which vary widely—we will create dynamic models for individual components such as coils, valves, fans, sensors, and control logic. These components can then be virtually assembled to represent unique configurations, similar to LEGO blocks.

The enhanced simulation will integrate historical weather data (initially using State College, PA) to provide realistic startup responses and allow users to select typical dates or ranges to replicate real-world variability.
Compared to current manual approaches, this modular solution will deliver immediate feedback for logic validation, reducing commissioning issues and improving startup speed. It will also support predictive insights for better PID tuning and enhance internal training through controlled environments rather than high-pressure, real-time conditions.

** Long-Term Vision **
The goal is to enable comprehensive pre-functional testing before deploying validated sequences to generic control platforms, reducing friction and paving the way for innovations such as predictive maintenance and energy optimization.
Interoperability via BACnet

The simulation model will expose control points as read/write through the BACnet communication protocol, ensuring that any BACnet-compliant controller can interact with the model for testing and validation. This approach allows controllers to negotiate with the virtual system as they would with a physical system, enabling realistic pre-functional testing and logic verification—without requiring access to proprietary source code.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Baby's Breath Infant oral hygiene toothbrush Lei, Yuguo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

In partnership with Penn State's Center for Biodevices, Baby’s Breath is looking to improve the design of their GUMS N BRUSH oral hygiene care products. Baby's Breath is a pediatric oral care company dedicated to improving the overall oral health and the body’s immune system by maintaining a balanced oral microbiome, along with providing benefits for the immune system. GUMS N BRUSH is an all in one double sided toothbrush that will offer an all-natural liquid/gel formulation inside of the toothbrush that will be refillable. The capstone team is tasked with creating a functional prototype of the toothbrush with in-built delivery system that allows the liquid/gel to be dispensed on both the bristles and water absorbent sponge sides of the toothbrush. Additional criteria in the GUMS N BRUSH design is to create a device suitable for ages 0-10 years old that is non-toxic, BPA free, and manufactured from sustainable materials.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Bechamo LLC UAVcan Compatible Five-Hole Air Data Probe for Airspeed, Angle of Attack, and Sideslip Angle Sensing Mittan, Paul 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This project involves the design, build, and calibration of a five-hole air data probe capable of measuring airspeed, angle of attack (AOA), and angle of sideslip (AOS) for small UAV applications. The ability to sense AOA and AOS provides useful data for flight control, aircraft model validation/identification, and stall prevention. The probe will use differential pressure sensors to capture airflow characteristics, with a microcontroller computing air data and publishing it over UAVcan (an open-source communication protocol developed for aerospace and robotics) to enable integration with the company’s flight control software.

Students will work on design and fabrication of the probe, sensor board development, software implementation, and gathering aerodynamic data for calibration. Company mentor will drive design requirements, as well as provide guidance and support on the software and integration aspects. The project is multidisciplinary, providing hands-on experience in mechanical design, embedded systems and sensor integration, and aerodynamic data acquisition.

This real-world product development cycle will prepare engineers for steps involved in bringing a high-level set of requirements from beginning to end of a product cycle, with ready to manufacture artifacts, software, schematics and calibration processing software and procedures.

The company can fly the solution on a non-critical small, unmanned aircraft once developed and tested.

Milestones include:
- Design of the data probe and a preliminary CAD model
- Sensor board and electronics design
- Software architecture
- Fabrication and assembly
- Data acquisition and calibration
- Integration with company flight control software
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
BigBear.ai Modular “Any Job Shop” Digital Twin Using ProModel.ai Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

BigBear.ai develops advanced simulation and digital twin solutions used across supply chain manufacturing warehousing logistics and healthcare. This project is sponsored by BigBear.ai’s Supply Chain Management team and supports the continued development of ProModel.ai a modern web based simulation platform designed to enable scalable configurable digital twins for operational decision support.

The objective of this project is to design and implement a modular reusable job shop simulation digital twin using ProModel.ai. Manufacturers frequently need to evaluate throughput resource constraints routing changes and layout alternatives but building simulation models from scratch can be time consuming and expensive. Student teams will create a flexible job shop model that can be configured to represent a variety of manufacturing environments with multiple machine centers routing logic shift schedules and shared resources. The model will allow users to run scenario analysis and compare system performance across different operating conditions.

Project deliverables include a working job shop simulation model built in ProModel.ai along with documentation describing model logic assumptions inputs outputs and configuration guidance. Students will conduct scenario experiments and analyze results using key performance measures such as throughput utilization work in process and cycle time. By early April the team will also produce a one to two page customer facing summary that explains the model its capabilities and example use cases using visuals from the simulation. This summary will be suitable for use at industry trade shows or conferences.

The project will conclude with a final presentation report and showcase poster consistent with Learning Factory requirements. No proprietary or confidential data is required and optional virtual or on site technical discussions may be arranged during the semester.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Blue Mesa, LLC Project Water Hat Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Who: Blue Mesa, LLC is a family owned business in Austin, Texas

What: We are looking for engineers to help develop a product. The product will be an accessory for water bottles, that will convert common large water bottles into mini-kegs.

Why: We are looking to create a fun lifestyle product that can be used at concerts, sporting events, and outdoor activities.
Deliverables: We would like to receive (1) a working prototype of the product: and (2) CAD drawings that will be used to file for a patent.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Boeing Airflow characterization of flexible ducts used by environmental control systems (ECS) of commercial airplanes (GLOBAL project with Shanghai Jaio Tong University) Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Flexible ducts/hoses are used throughout the commercial aircraft air distribution systems. ECS systems sizing needs accurate flow characterization of the flexible hoses to minimize the associated weight/cost/space and maximize the system performance. Many studies have proven that the pressure loss in bent flexible ducts is much higher than that in non-flexible ducts. Therefore, it is worthwhile to reduce the pressure loss in the ducting systems to provide better engineering solutions.

This study is to systematically characterize the flow through flex hoses and enhance the predictive tools used for ECS system flow balance. There are associated risks involved such as oversized ECS fans/blowers/ducting causing overestimated power/weight/space requirements during design stages and result in unnecessary redesigns and subsequent system performance problems and, consequently, aircraft manufacturer’s added liability, less competitiveness, and increase operation cost for the customer airlines, just to name a few.

In this study, experimental measurements to characterize the pressure drop in flexible ventilation ducts with different compression ratios and bending angles will be conducted. This investigation will first measure the pressure drop in straight flexible ducts with varied compression ratios under various airflow rates. The calculated friction factor for the straight flexible ducts was reported to be negatively associated with the compression ratio. Next, the pressure drops in single-bend flexible ducts with various bending angles from 30o to 150o will be measured under various airflow rates. The calculated loss coefficient of the bend should increase with the bending angle for single-bend flexible ducts. The database and empirical equations established from the experiments can be used in the assessment of the total pressure loss in the flexible ducting system in the ECS.

In this study, the corresponding CFD simulations should be conducted and validated by their experimental counterparts. Finally, the deliverables should include: (1) A database of flow characteristics of flex hoses including most of the configurations installed in commercial airplanes; (2) A design guide on how to properly select and configure flex hoses used by ECS.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Bywater BioSolutions Grow Guardian Capsule: Sustained Biocontrols for Soilless Farming Kimel, Robert 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

I want to design a slow-release, multi-chamber dissolving capsule designed to introduce a powdered product (~10-50g) into hydroponic nutrient reservoirs containing approximately 20–50 gallons of water. The design should use food-safe materials compatible with vegetable crop production and should not cause meaningful deviations in pH or electrical conductivity beyond typical operational ranges for hydroponic systems (pH: ~5.5-8; EC: ~1-3). Each capsule should contain multiple sequential chambers, with outer layers dissolving first and inner layers dissolving over time to create a controlled, extended-release profile. The chamber should allow water to slowly enter, rehydrate the powdered material, and release it into the reservoir at a predictable rate. Ideally, the device would be comparable in size to a standard tennis ball.

The system should also include a built-in indicator to convey dissolution progress to the user. One option is a color-coded layering system, where each dissolvable chamber is manufactured in a different color, making it easy to visually identify how much capsule life remains. Alternatively, the design may incorporate a passive biochemical or material-based signal, such as a dye, inert marker, or structural change, that becomes visible as specific layers dissolve. The indicator should not depend on the powdered product inside, ensuring compatibility with multiple powdered product types. Overall, this capsule aims to create a reliable, intuitive, and low-maintenance delivery system for hydroponic applications.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Cignal LLC and Leidos, Inc. (co-sponsors) Enhancing Airport Security Screening with Synthetic Data & AI Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Cignal is partnered on this sponsorship with Leidos, a worldwide provider of aviation security equipment

Cignal is the creator of the Cignal Engine, an advanced Generative AI (GenAI) image platform designed to enhance and improve the detection of dangerous and prohibited items at airport checkpoints. This technology offers a unique opportunity for university students to engage with cutting-edge AI and computer vision challenges within a real-world, high-stakes application. We propose a capstone project where a team of students would leverage Cignal Engine as a "wind tunnel" to explore and train a variety of novel algorithms aimed at enhancing current security screening capabilities.

The project's primary goal is to empower students to develop and test innovative solutions for critical security tasks. This would include, but is not limited to, automatically segmenting luggage in complex X-ray CT scans to segment luggage items, identifying subtle or obvious anomalies that might indicate prohibited/dangerous items, building vision-language models to describe trends across images, and characterizing the contents of bags to distinguish between benign and concerning objects. Furthermore, a crucial element of the project is the exploration of novel visualization algorithms designed to assist security officers in efficiently examining X-ray CT images. This could involve developing techniques to highlight or render suspicious regions, fuse data from multiple detection models into an intuitive display, or present complex CT data in a way that significantly reduces officer fatigue and speeds up accurate decision-making.

We envision this project culminating in the development of a suite of foundational security algorithms and practical visualization tools that demonstrate tangible improvements in security screening efficiency and accuracy. Students will gain invaluable experience working with a state-of-the-art synthetic data platform, allowing them to iterate rapidly and experiment with diverse machine learning and human-computer interaction approaches without the limitations or sensitive constraints of real-world data acquisition. This collaboration promises to provide students with a rich learning experience, preparing them for careers in AI, computer vision, and national security, while also contributing to the advancement of vital airport security technologies.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Dana Off-Highway Wuxi Technology Co., Ltd Virtual Analysis of Energy Absorption and Heat Dissipation for Wet Brakes using CFD and Bench Verification - GLOBAL project with SJTU Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Off-highway Wuxi will provide a wet brake model from a specific off-highway vehicle and typical braking application conditions. Students from SJTU and PSU will analyze the energy absorption and heat dissipation generated by braking in the axle under these typical braking conditions. For example, for a loader or scraper under different load conditions, working speeds, and ambient temperatures, the analysis will determine the heat generated by braking, the resulting temperature rise, and the establishment of a heat dissipation capability model.

Virtual CFD analysis will be used to study the temperature rise during the process, heat dissipation capacity, required oil flow channels, necessary forced cooling oil flow rate, etc. and validate the aforementioned energy, temperature rise, oil flow, etc. using the bench tests at Off-highway Wuxi TC. The results will be cross-verified with the virtual analysis to ensure the accuracy of the conclusions, and these results will provide necessary theoretical support for the design and application of wet brakes.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Ebara Elliott Energy Reducing the Weight for a Single-Lift Baseplate for a Large Compressor String Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Capstone Project Summary: Reducing the Weight for a Single-Lift Baseplate for a Large Compressor String
Project Overview:
The primary goal of this capstone project is to review and optimize a baseplate design for a single-lift application that reduces the weight from Elliott's current, standard design processes. In our industry, it is critical to deliver equipment that is as small and light as possible, while maintaining the required strength and stiffness characteristics required for lifting and operating the equipment that will be mounted upon the baseplate.

Key Design Goals:

· Weight Reduction Target: Achieve a minimum 20% reduction in overall system weight compared to the baseline model that EEE will provide (The 20% reduction target is under review and may be refined).

· Torsional Performance: Conduct and refine torsional analysis to ensure structural integrity and avoid resonance with natural frequencies.

· Design Integration Requirements:

o Elliott will provide the design requirements, including the equipment that will be mounted to the baseplate, general locations, weights and dynamic forces of each piece of equipment.

o Elliott can provide CAD models of the equipment being mounted to the baseplate, as well as examples of our current design and design guidelines

o The students are encouraged to think outside of the box and consider designs that do not fit within current Elliott standard practices (ex. use torque tubes in lieu of typical I-beam or box beams)

Elliott Recommended Objective / Milestones (to be discussed / confirmed):
1. CAD Modeling:

o Developed a detailed 3D model of the baseplate assembly, considering geometric constraints to comply with industry standards, material properties, and load paths.

2. Finite Element Analysis (FEA):

o Perform stress and deformation analysis on critical interfaces (e.g., baseplate and tube / beam junctions).

o Iterative design improvements based on simulation results to enhance safety factors and reduce stress concentrations.

3. Research Integration:

o Review and apply findings from relevant literature on torque transmission, material fatigue, and lift system dynamics.

o Ensure alignment with industry standards and best practices.

Elliott Recommended Process Steps:
· Specify Estimated Weights and Dimensions:
Establish baseline metrics and update the model with refined mass properties.

· Advanced Torsional Analysis:
Use modal and harmonic analysis to identify and mitigate risks related to natural frequencies.

· Design for Manufacturability:
Evaluate the feasibility of producing the concept using commercially available components (e.g., beams, torque tubes) and standard manufacturing processes.

· Documentation & Comparison:
Maintain clear documentation and compare design iterations against the reference model to track improvements.

This project offers a strong foundation in mechanical design, simulation, and prototyping. It’s an excellent opportunity to apply advanced engineering principles to a real world challenge while contributing to safer and more efficient lift systems.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Echogen Power Systems (DE), Inc. Continuous flow calorimeter Toraman, Hilal Ezgi 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Echogen is developing a long duration energy storage technology called Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES). A critical component of the system is a low-temperature thermal reservoir (LTR) that provides energy to a heat pump during the charging process and receives that energy back during power generation. The system that Echogen is developing uses an innovative ice/water slurry (IWS) as the LTR. During charging, water is supercooled to -2°C or lower, and then is triggered to form an ice/water mixture, or slurry.

One of the challenges in the testing, operation and control of this system is the measurement of the thermal capacity of the IWS. The constant temperature nature of the two-phase slurry precludes the direct use of temperature measurements for thermal capacity measurement, and density instruments lack the precision and sensitivity to accurately measure the solid fraction of the slurry to infer its thermal capacity.

Echogen has conceived a device that will use principles of heat transfer and calorimetry to measure the thermal capacity of a sampled IWS. The team will be tasked with developing this concept to a bench-scale laboratory prototype. They will be responsible for the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation design of the prototype, and the development of a test system that enables verification and validation of the prototype performance. At the conclusion of the program, we expect to have a working, tested and validated prototype unit that can be used in a laboratory environment. For extra credit, the team can explore and develop a plan for commercialization of the calorimeter for industrial uses.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
EvoNatura Integration of Microbial Additives into Polymers Kimel, Robert 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This project focuses on the engineering and rigorous validation of thermally stable microbial additives designed for seamless integration into diverse polymer manufacturing processes. The central aim is to create functional biological agents, which may be encapsulated microorganisms or heat-resistant enzymes, that can successfully survive the intense heat and shear forces typical of industrial extrusion and injection molding. The additives will be compounded into masterbatch pellets to ensure compatibility with both compostable bioplastics like Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL), and conventional thermoplastics such as Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polystyrene (PS).

The primary focus of the work is to rigorously confirm the additives' thermal stability and rheological compatibility to ensure they do not compromise the processability or initial mechanical performance of the final material.

Key project deliverables include the development of (1) Thermally Stabilized Additive Masterbatch pellet formulation, (2) Thermal Stability and Processability Report documenting its thermal tolerance (via TGA/DSC) and compatibility with target polymers (via MFI analysis), (3) Post-Processing Microbial Viability Data confirming the activity of the biological components after compounding and fabrication, and (4) the creation of Test Material Samples containing the optimized additive, all summarized in a Final Report and Presentation suitable for public dissemination.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Foster Exploration & Production II, LLC Water Filtration Media Development: Mineral Processing and Surface Modification for Enhanced Contaminant Removal Kimel, Robert 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Foster Exploration & Production II is developing water filtration media from mineral deposits in Puerto Rico. The company has secured access to raw materials with favorable characteristics for water treatment applications. Initial testing suggests potential for performance improvements through various processing and surface modification techniques. The sponsor seeks to establish a domestic manufacturing capability as an alternative to imported filtration media.

Problem to Solve:

The sponsor requires systematic R&D to evaluate processing methods that enhance the filtration performance of raw mineral feedstock. Students will investigate multiple treatment pathways, optimize key process parameters, and characterize resulting improvements in material properties relevant to water treatment. The project involves experimental design, laboratory testing, data analysis, and process development.

Expected Benefits:

Validated processing parameters for surface modification techniques. Quantified performance improvements through standard materials characterization methods. Process recommendations suitable for scale-up. Data supporting regulatory certification applications.

Deliverables:

1. Literature review of relevant mineral processing techniques for water treatment media

2. Experimental design and testing protocol

3. Laboratory results with statistical analysis

4. Process flow diagrams for validated pathways

5. Techno-economic comparison of processing routes

6. Recommendations for pilot-scale implementation

7. Final report documenting findings and next steps

Sponsor Support:

The sponsor will provide raw material samples, baseline characterization data, relevant background research, and weekly remote consultations. Advanced characterization may utilize Penn State facilities. The sponsor has established R&D funding mechanisms to support extended collaboration opportunities.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Gabe Brown Family Beyond Eye-Gaze: Natural Speech Interfaces for Assistive Communication Zajac, Brian 2 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This project gives you the chance to help restore more natural speech for Gabe, a Penn State College of Engineering alumnus who now relies on an eye gaze device after a traumatic brain injury. Instead of typing with his eyes, your team will design and prototype new ways for him to speak using the remaining jaw and lip movements connected to a personalized AI voice.

You will build a jaw sensing system using small inertial sensors placed along the jawline, develop a camera-based lip reading pipeline using computer vision, and explore sensor fusion strategies that combine both signals to improve accuracy and reduce latency. On the software side, you will train and tune machine learning models for real-time inference and integrate the output with an AI voice service so the synthesized speech sounds like Gabe rather than a generic device.

Expected deliverables include at least one working real-time prototype running on a laptop or embedded platform, clear system diagrams and code documentation, and basic testing data on speed, accuracy, and usability. Along the way, you will gain experience in embedded sensing, signal processing, computer vision, applied machine learning, and human-centered design while building something that can directly improve how a fellow engineer communicates with his family and caregivers.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Harvest Today,LLC We are manufacturers of indoor growing equipment. We seek engineering direction related to the use of ventilation equipment in use with the Harvest Walls Toraman, Hilal Ezgi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Harvest Today
Broomfield, Colorado
Harvest Today designs and manufactures vertical indoor farming systems (“Harvest Walls”) that enable year-round, local food production for communities, institutions, and commercial environments.

Project Description:
Harvest Today is sponsoring a Learning Factory project to design an air distribution and ventilation system for a vertical indoor farming application. The goal is to deliver uniform, controlled airflow across the full plant canopy of a Harvest Wall panel in order to improve plant health, growth consistency, and environmental stability.

Unlike traditional horizontal grow systems, the Harvest Wall is a vertical growing surface, which introduces unique airflow challenges related to gravity, pressure loss, and uneven air exposure. This project asks students to develop a practical, manufacturable solution that evenly distributes conditioned air over a tall, narrow plant surface.

System Overview
Harvest Wall Panel Dimensions:
Width: 26 inches - Height: 75 inches
Plants occupy the full vertical surface.

Airflow must be directed so that as many plants as possible experience consistent air movement.

System must be compatible with indoor controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) installations and scalable for multiple panels installed side-by-side.

Project Objectives:
Students will be tasked with:
Designing a system that provides uniform airflow across the entire vertical plant surface.
Minimizing dead zones, excessive turbulence, and high-velocity air that could stress plants.
Balancing airflow effectiveness with energy efficiency and manufacturability.
Creating a solution that integrates cleanly into existing Harvest Wall installations.
Providing recommendations suitable for real-world deployment.

Key Design Considerations:

Vertical airflow dynamics and pressure distribution
Plenum, ducting, or diffuser concepts
Slot, perforation, or channel-based air delivery
Conceptual fan selection and placement
Noise, cleanliness, maintenance, and cost
Scalability across multiple adjacent panels

Expected Deliverables:

Conceptual design(s) with supporting rationale
Engineering drawings and/or CAD models
Basic airflow analysis or simulation (if applicable)
Manufacturing and integration considerations
Recommendations for prototyping and testing

Project Impact:

This project directly supports Harvest Today’s mission to increase access to fresh, nutrient-dense food through efficient indoor farming. A successful design may be implemented in food banks, schools, hospitals, community farms, and commercial installations.

Students will gain hands-on experience solving a real-world engineering problem with direct commercial, environmental, and social impact.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Hatch Design and Optimization of a Slurry Pipeline Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Objective: The objective of this project is to optimize the design of a slurry pipeline that is typically used to transport tailings on a mine site. The design of the system is to be optimized for performance, material and cost by first performing research, then hydraulic analysis, and then confirming the feasibility of the design through a scale model.

Background: For most mining sites, it is typical to require the design of a slurry pipeline to transport tailings byproducts from one location on the site to a tailings processing unit. In many cases, the locations between which these tailings must be transported are a long distance apart and include several elevation changes and obstacles across the site.

The successful design of a tailings slurry pipeline involves several factors including:

- Use of topography
- Material Selection
- Temperature Changes
- Containment Strategies
- Addition of Equipment
- Addition of Structures

Overall, the project will focus on proper fluid dynamic design with the need to optimize cost with the constraints that will be provided to the team. The optimized design will then confirm the feasibility of the design with a scale model of the pipeline. More details about the design parameters and constraints will be provided at the kickoff.

Deliverables will include:

- Summary Design Report
- Scale Model Demonstration
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
International Society of Service Innovation Design and Build A Guidebook for Student CEOs in the AI Era: Improving Academic-Industry Collaborations with Service System Innovations Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The guidebook will be designed and built to help ISSIP leadership increase academic-industry collaborations in the AI Era. The student CEO is planning to build a company that will help increase Academic-Industry Collaboration (AICollab) in the world; specifically, the startup will create a service system innovation offering that helps academic student teams and their faculty mentors connect with industry leaders who have industry challenges. As a student CEO you are lucky to have helpers; specifically more than 6 AI Digital Workers (Generative AI platforms - OpenAI ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, DuckDuck Mistral, Moonshot Kimi K2 , etc.) which are available to help you and can mimic any type of entity (intelligent individual, business, university, city, state, nation) in any type of organizational, ecosystem, or global role in fact or fiction, past, present, or future. The AI Digital Workers are impressive, but imperfect. They work fast and for free but are limited to about one hour of helping per day. You typically give the daily assignment to all your AI Digital Workers, and then (because they each work so fast, but inaccurately) you compare their results, combining the best of what you see into a final daily work product or daily deliverable on your quest to create the service system innovation offering to increase AICollab. The service system innovation identify obstacles and must propose workable solutions for the industry mentor, the faculty mentor, the student team, and other service system stakeholder. For example, if the industry mentor is time constrained perhaps an AI Digital Twin of the mentor can help. The deliverables include a charter (goal and initial weekly plan), guidebook (in the form of a whitepaper with appendices with daily prompt summaries), a final presentations (slides and recording), a one page summary poster.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Jest foods industries Export-Ready Bottle Design and Packaging Optimization for Jest Foods Industries. Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Success Tribe (operating as Jest Foods Industries) produces PIKO ketchup in Uganda, transforming tomato waste into premium products while empowering local farmers. We currently produce 250 litres monthly using locally available bottles that are fundamentally unsuitable for our hot-fill process and export ambitions. The bottles have weak material that deforms during hot-filling (85-90°C), poor aesthetic appeal compared to international competitors, and limited availability at viable costs in Uganda. As we prepare to scale to 750+ litres monthly and enter East African export markets via AfCFTA, we need engineered packaging solutions that we cannot access locally.

Success metrics include cost reduction per unit, structural integrity through hot-fill and 12 month shelf life, and successful entry into minimum 3 export markets.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
John Stasko Sit/stand chair Neal, Gary 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The project involves designing and building a commercial prototype of a chair that assists users in both sitting and standing, based on provided virtual and proof-of-concept models. The prototype should be compliant with BIFMA standards.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
LeMiamer Weightless Surgery Harness Support System Neal, Gary 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The project will be a full motion, adjustable upper body harness that will be worn by individual surgical team members. It will be secured to a ceiling system that will create a weightlessness feeling so that the team can work for an extended period of time (sometimes hours), while standing, without taxing their muscles and skeletal joints.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Lixilab Lixilab: Tackling water contamination with biodesign and community engagement Lei, Yuguo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

LixiLab is a biodesign initiative that combines knowledge of design thinking process and environmental remediation aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, focusing on tackling heavy metal water contamination.

Heavy metal pollution in soil and water, primarily caused by industrial activities and waste, threatens ecosystems and food security, particularly for vulnerable populations. According to the FAO, this contamination reduces crop yields and food safety, as consuming vegetables and animals irrigated or fed with contaminated water is the main route of exposure causing consumer diseases. Therefore, developing water treatment methods that are efficient and sustainable (socially, environmentally, and economically) is a priority for ensuring the quantity, quality, and safety of the food supply.

Lixilab seeks to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by applying biotechnology to produce cleaner water, thus growing healthier crops in a toxic-free environment, contributing to Clean Water and Sanitation, Zero Hunger and Life on Land SDGs. Similarly, the project could be scaled and adapted to other regions and industries facing heavy metal pollution.

The team must test the effectiveness and production methods of different given biofilters (biochar, alginate and dead bacterium) and its possible combinations to identify the optimal biofilter formulation and manufacturing process for commercial implementation.

Upon project completion, the team will deliver essential technical documentation to validate and operationalize the chosen solution. Key deliverables include comprehensive feasibility studies and detailed engineering analyses that validate the biofilter's performance through heavy metal water tests conducted after the filtration process. And manufacturing process plans outlining the most optimal and scalable route for producing and implementing the selected biotechnology.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Lockheed Martin Upgraded Tracking Gimbal for Aerial Demonstrations Mittan, Paul 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Lockheed Martin uses a variety of sensors and tracking equipment to monitor developmental aircraft undergoing test flights. Information collected fuels the engineering teams as they pursue advances in aviation. Technology used during testing ranges from handheld cameras to million dollar tracking systems. To support demonstrations within line of sight, we are partnering with PSU to develop a semi-automated tracking gimbal to aid our videography team. The gimbal system is planned to mimic the inputs of a videographer – point camera, adjust zoom, adjust focus, capture image – with an electromechanically controlled system. This setup will provide a stable base for capturing test flight footage while reducing operator fatigue from holding a ~5 lb camera.
This semester, students will build upon a successful tracking gimbal developed in the Fall 2025 semester. The current system is tested and validated to meet 34 requirements, creating an excellent foundation to develop new capabilities. Students will develop a testbed to transmit enhanced GPS data to the tracking system, which will then be used to implement velocity-based control tracking. Upgrades to the system are intended to improve tracking control, reduce latency, automate zoom capability, and potentially include AI/ML tracking. This project will be a multidisciplinary project requiring team with software, electrical, testing, and mechanical skills to be successful.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Luuver Louvered pergola Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The project team will design and prototype an operable louvered pergola system made from aluminum extrusions and fabricated aluminum components. These shade structures are robust, elegant and beautiful as well as functional. Once closed, the louvers are water tight and the water is directed toward a gutter system. The louvers can be operated both manually and with an actuator. Important steps including validating and improving an existing design, performing FEA, and designing an appropriate and affordable actuator system.

Milestones include:
- Design novel actuator system which can easily swith between manual and motorized
- Validate current product design and suggest edits
- Create custom component for custom pergola sizes
- Create a system for standard sizes which can be modular joined together (kits)
- Select LED lighting solution
- Select rain sensor
- Design electronics system with remote and smart home capabilities
- Product ready for market and trade shows
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Microfy Systems SL Development of an Automated revolver for a scanning microscope Neal, Gary 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Our project includes to design a prototype for our devices (www.honey-ai.com) that allows the change of objective in the revolver without any human aid, once our APP send the indication of doing so. The project must include the mechanical piece that is "fixed" to the revolver and allows its mechanical rotation to shift from one objective to another that always is in one of this laterals. The solution can consider that rotation is only in one direction and consider two consecutive movements. Or can allow rotation to both sides, so the movement would always be one sole movement (because there are only 3 objectives to choose). The project should include the electrical feed to the mechanical piece, as well as the communication with our APP Desktop to receive the indication to "move" and to which objective. Also the prototype should include a system to allow the APP to know in which state the revolver is in this moment. So which is the objective "active" in each moment, based on the position. The overall objective is that the design is robust and affordable. We do not care about aesthetics, nor speed of the movement, nor even the size of the system. But must be automated, autonomous 100% and affordable. And be able to track the actual position, so the APP can warn the user if the objective is not the correct one. The piece can be "fixed". Let's say, we understand that once the component is placed and attached to the revolver, no more manual use would be accepted. So, it would be preferable to allow manual movement also, BUT, if it makes the project more difficult, it is ok if the manual rotation is blocked. If the user aims to rotate the revolver during manual use of the system with our joystick feature, they would need to change the objective also through the APP.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Montana State University (MilTech) Next Generation EMP Survivable Equipment Case (Phase III) Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Using Phase I and II Capstone Project results, develop and test a next generation electro-magnetic pulse survivable military transit case for highly sensitive communications equipment that meets requirements provided.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Morgan Advanced Materials Knowledge Retrieval System for Technical Documentation Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Create a prototype intelligent document retrieval system that allows employees to interact with technical knowledge bases through natural language queries while maintaining complete data confidentiality through offline deployment.

Background:
Our company maintains extensive technical documentation including product specifications, material datasheets, engineering handbooks, training materials, and historical project data. Currently, employees must manually search through multiple sources to find specific information, which is time-consuming and inefficient. An AI-powered system that can intelligently retrieve and synthesize information from these sources would significantly improve productivity while keeping proprietary information secure within our infrastructure.

Project Scope:
The student team will design and develop a working prototype of an offline AI agent system with the following core capabilities:
- Knowledge Base Construction: Develop processes to ingest and convert diverse document formats (PDFs, presentations, videos, emails, text files) into searchable embedding databases stored locally
- Intelligent Retrieval System: Implement a RAG-based or similar architecture using open-source LLM models (e.g., via Ollama) that can run on local hardware without internet connectivity
- User Interface: Create an intuitive web-based interface (e.g., using Streamlit) allowing users to: i) Select which knowledge bases to query, ii) Submit natural language questions and iii) Receive accurate, cited responses drawn exclusively from provided documentation
- Data Analysis Integration: Develop functionality to interpret numerical data queries, translating user requests into appropriate data file operations
- System Integration Framework: Document APIs or methods for integrating the system with existing company applications
- Documentation: Provide comprehensive usage guides, system architecture documentation, and maintenance procedures

Technical Requirements:
- Python-based implementation using open-source components
- Local deployment capability (no cloud dependencies)
- Modular architecture for future expansion
- Security considerations for handling confidential information

Deliverables:
- Functional prototype system with web interface
- Source code with clear documentation
- User manual and technical documentation
- Integration guide for company IT systems
- Final presentation demonstrating system capabilities

Sponsor Interaction:
The team will work closely with Morgan Advanced Materials technical staff through weekly progress meetings, receive sample documentation for testing, and incorporate feedback throughout the development cycle. Company representatives will provide domain expertise and evaluate system performance against real-world use cases.
This project offers students hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technologies, software architecture design, and practical problem-solving for industrial applications while delivering tangible value to the sponsor organization.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Deriving software maintainability factor using AI/ML Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

In assessing risk associated with a software or software project, M is the maintainability factor and needs to be considered. Propose an approach on how M can be derived heuristically and dynamically using AI/ML techniques and the required inputs. For each required input, provide rationale to explain its relationship with M. From the results, identify key contributing factors and provide recommendations for mitigation. Form two alternative hypotheses and select appropriate methods to perform testing, using data from open-source GitHub. Explain any limitations and special considerations.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Enhancing Antenna Directivity with 3D Printed GRIN Lenses Cubanski, David 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

High Power Microwave Directed Energy (HPM DE) systems require antennas capable of handling high-power while achieving high gain. Students will identify and summarize current commercial solutions and systems presented in the open literature. A candidate antenna element will be simulated, fabricated, and testing using facilities at the Learning Factory and the Electrical Engineering Department. Students will also explore further antenna enhancement utilizing solutions such as radome and gradient-index lenses. Students will work closely with Prof. Sawyer Campbell, Penn State Center of Excellence in Directed Energy (CEDE) Director of Workforce Development, and a subject matter expert from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD). A list of project deliverables is summarized below:

• Technical reports (concept, preliminary, detail)
• Literature review and engineering analyses of current solutions
• Engineering drawings and specifications of selected prototype
• Computer simulations of prototype electromagnetic performance
• Prototype fabrication and testing results
• Final technical report, poster, and one-page summary
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Niagara Bottling, LLC Quantifying the consumer experience of a Niagara water bottle Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

-Develop a better, more holistic way to quantify the consumer’s experience of holding a Niagara water bottle, especially as they continue to lightweight the packaging (use less plastic).
-Create a test method and/or set of quantitative metrics that capture changes in consumer experience (feel, usability, perception) as bottle weight and structure change.
-Validate the proposed methodology with data to show it has enough resolution to detect meaningful differences in consumer experience between different bottle designs.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Nittany Motorsports 1 Continuation of Competition Cart Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Design and deliver a functional, competition-ready cart that meets the high-level needs established by Nittany Motorsports: transporting tools and equipment efficiently, improving pit-lane workflow, and withstanding the physical demands of competition.

The cart is meant to hold up over years of use and provide a reliable storage and transport solution for Nittany Motorsports to improve workflow and equipment transport at competition.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Nittany Motorsports 2 Driver Ergonomics Jig Zajac, Brian 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This capstone project focuses on the design and validation of a modular driver ergonomics evaluation jig for a Formula SAE vehicle. The jig will enable rapid, repeatable assessment of driver fit, comfort, control reach, and visibility early in the vehicle design process. Key features include quick-adjust measurement mechanisms for driver anthropometry, adjustable pedal and steering interfaces instrumented with sensors for feedback and force measurement, and configurable chassis tube and nose geometry mock-ups to evaluate cockpit packaging and sightlines. By integrating human factors principles with low-cost, reconfigurable hardware, the jig will allow the team to quantitatively and qualitatively compare cockpit design iterations, reduce late-stage rework, and improve overall driver performance, comfort, and safety before final chassis and bodywork are manufactured.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Partners in Food Solutions Cassava peeler design Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Cassava is becoming one of the most important tubers in Eastern Africa both as an ingredient in industrial processes as well as a staple. The most commonly use of cassava is as a powder which requires the tubers to be processed. The processing steps include: peeling, slicing, drying, milling and sifting.

One limiting step in the process is that of peeling. The challenge presented by the type of cassava tubers that the PFS client has access to is that of non uniformity as well as the fact that the peels are harder than other varieties such as the ones grown in Asia or Latin America.

Tua Uganda would like the support of PFS in collaboration with Penn State University to design a cassava peeler that will enable them to do the following:

Design a cassava peeler that can efficiently peel 500 kg of cassava tubers per hour with a peeling efficiency of at least 90%, while minimizing waste, labor requirements, and operational costs. The peeler should be suitable for small-scale processors in Uganda.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Penn State College of Medicine 1 Device for detection and switching of surgical arthroscopy fluid bags Lei, Yuguo 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This capstone engineering project proposes the development of an automated, low-cost system that detects when an arthroscopy irrigation fluid bag is nearing depletion and switches to a full bag without interrupting the procedure. Unexpected loss of irrigation can compromise visualization, disrupt workflow, and prolong operative time during arthroscopic surgery. The device will use noninvasive sensing to monitor fluid status and trigger a seamless bag change while maintaining sterility and compatibility with existing arthroscopy equipment. The eventual goal of the device is to improve surgical efficiency and enhance patient safety.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Penn State College of Medicine 2 Light-Integrated Forceps for Craniotomy Lei, Yuguo 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This capstone project proposes the development of a light-integrated surgical forceps to improve visualization in confined operative fields, including during craniotomy procedures. Limited lighting in deep or narrow surgical spaces can impede tissue identification and increase procedural complexity. The proposed device will integrate a compact light source into standard forceps geometry while preserving ergonomics, sterility, and compatibility with existing surgical workflows. Engineering objectives may include illumination performance, thermal management, power delivery, and safe integration with existing instruments. The goal is to enhance intraoperative visibility, improve surgical precision, and reduce reliance on external lighting or frequent instrument repositioning.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Penn State College of Medicine 3 Medical education simulator of the HINTS exam for detecting stroke Lei, Yuguo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This capstone engineering project involves the development of a medical education simulator to support training in the HINTS (Head-Impulse, Nystagmus, Test of Skew) exam for evaluation of acute vestibular syndrome. Accurate HINTS exam by physicians, often in the Emergency Rooms, is critical for distinguishing posterior ischemic strokes from acute vestibular syndrome, yet opportunities for hands-on training are very limited. The simulator will build from an early physical/actuated prototype at Penn State. Engineering efforts will focus on realism, usability, and alignment with educational objectives. The eventual goal of the simulator is to improve education of medical students and clinicians, leading to earlier detection of stroke.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Penn State College of Medicine 4 Wearable pressure sensing device for residual limbs in amputees Lei, Yuguo 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This capstone engineering project is for the design and development of a wearable sensing device capable of measuring prosthetic-related pressures at the prosthetic–residual limb interface in individuals with limb loss. The project may also incorporate thermal and moisture sensors. Excessive or uneven interface pressures are a major contributor to pain, skin breakdown, and poor prosthetic fit, yet are difficult to quantify in routine clinical practice. The proposed device will integrate flexible pressure sensors into a wearable device compatible with common prosthetic sockets, enabling real-time, spatially resolved pressure measurements during static and dynamic activities. Engineering efforts will focus on sensor selection, data acquisition, and validation under representative loading conditions, with emphasis on comfort, durability, and minimal interference with prosthetic function. The long-term goal is to provide clinicians and prosthetists with objective data to inform socket design, fitting, and adjustment, ultimately improving comfort, function, and quality of life for amputees.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Penn State University AI-Driven BIM-Graph Agents for Intelligent and Adaptive Indoor Robotic Inspection Toraman, Hilal Ezgi 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Facility inspection and maintenance are among the most resource-intensive phases of a building’s life cycle, representing 30–50% of total operational costs in large commercial and institutional facilities. In the U.S., maintenance technicians typically earn $25–45 per hour, with complex inspections, such as HVAC, fire safety, and electrical systems—requiring 2–3 hours per site visit and often involving multiple specialists. For a mid-sized university building portfolio, this translates to annual inspection costs exceeding $2 million. More critically, traditional inspections are largely reactive, issues are identified only after occupant complaints or performance degradation, leading to average repair delays of 3–7 days and downtime costs exceeding $0.50–$1.00 per square foot per day. Manual workflows further cause data fragmentation: inspectors frequently rely on disconnected mobile devices and handwritten notes, resulting in 20–30% of recorded issues lacking precise spatial localization within Building Information Modeling (BIM) or facility management systems. These inefficiencies collectively hinder data-driven maintenance planning and inflate life-cycle costs.
To address these challenges, this project proposes a novel AI-driven multi-agent framework for autonomous indoor robotic inspection that seamlessly integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) with large foundation models to achieve spatial reasoning, adaptability, and real-time decision-making. In the planning stage, the building is represented as a hierarchical BIM-Graph extracted from its digital twin, enabling structured scene understanding. A Large Language Model (LLM) Planner interprets this graph to infer spatial and functional relationships (e.g., adjacency between air handling units and diffusers) and generates inspection waypoints optimized for coverage and efficiency. In the execution stage, a Vision-Language Model (VLM) Agent dynamically updates the inspection plan based on real-time observations, performing adaptive re-planning when encountering obstructions or anomalies. The proposed framework is distinctly novel in three ways: 1) It introduces a BIM-Graph as a domain-specific scene representation, enabling large foundation models to reason about architectural and mechanical hierarchies, capabilities absent in general robotic reasoning systems. 2) It establishes a cooperative multi-agent loop between LLM and VLM agents, coupling symbolic planning with perceptual grounding for continuous adaptation in dynamic indoor environments. 3) It advances domain-adaptive autonomy by embedding building semantics directly into AI reasoning, bridging the long-standing gap between BIM data and embodied robotic intelligence. Evaluation will focus on waypoint optimization accuracy, task completion rate, defect localization precision, and projected labor-hour reduction. The anticipated outcome is a 50–70% reduction in manual inspection time, significantly improved localization accuracy, and a validated pathway toward scalable, cost-effective, and intelligent facility management across the built environment.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Phiex Technologies Inc Optimization of chlorine dioxide generation from a polymer film Lei, Yuguo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Phiex Technologies has developed a polymer film which when exposed to visible light produces a micro-atmosphere of chlorine dioxide gas to provide sterilization of a wide range of products from medical devices to bio-lab products. Consequently, sterilization can now be obtained through the device packaging in-situ.
This project's objective is to determine if there is a specific light wavelength or combination of wavelengths that optimizes the production of chlorine dioxide. In addition, do certain wavelengths produce a faster reaction? If so, this could enable sterilization to take place on a manufacturing assembly line. Similarly, could a pulse or intermittent light be as effective?
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Philips Ultrasound LLC Transducer Cosmetic Defect Detection System Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The project scope is to establish a machine learning based detection system for visual defects on fully assembled ultrasonic transducers. The project will require two main components of deliverables: 1) Mechanical design/prototyping to establish a fixture to constrain and orient the transducer(s) in the desired position/orientation(s), 2) Machine learning model to identify cosmetic defects and classify them as pass/fail based on their size.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Procter and Gamble Drive and Transmission Training Table for Manufacturing Plant Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The goal of this project is to build a training table to be used in a manufacturing plant to train manufacturing employees how conveyor drives function. In addition to showing functionality, this tool will also be interactive so that employees can learn basic operational/mechanical tasks.

The expected outcome of this project is to have a working training table delivered at the end of the project. The table should have the following components
*P&G to provide a conveyor and belt that is commonly used in plant
*A Belt and Pulley system should be developed to drive the conveyor
* The belt and pulley system should be easily serviced so that students can learn how to exchange pulleys, belts, couplings conveyor screens, motors
* A motor will need to sized with a simple circuit to start and stop this motor. Motor should be able to run off standard 120 Volt Outlet
* Training system should be mounted on simple cart with appropriate guarding and ease of movement

P&G will provide list of components to be used/where to source these parts
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Prologis, Inc. Artificial Intelligence and automation to improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making in sourcing and supplier management Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Project Overview
Prologis’ Global Procurement organization is exploring opportunities to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making across sourcing and supplier management.
The goal of this capstone project is to design, prototype, and evaluate an AI-driven solution that supports Procurement by automating insights, risk and performance analysis, and data summarization.
Students will analyze current manual processes, evaluate AI tools (including large language models and structured data models), and deliver a working proof of concept or workflow design demonstrating automation potential and measurable business value.

Problem Statement
Procurement teams currently spend significant time on:
• Collecting, validating, and summarizing supplier and cost data across multiple regions.
• Responding to internal stakeholder inquiries on procurement processes and programs.
• Conducting manual savings entries.
• Preparing forecasts, presentations, and speaking notes for leadership meetings.
These activities are time-intensive and repetitive, limiting the team’s ability to focus on strategic initiatives. Automating or augmenting these workflows with AI could significantly reduce manual workload while improving accuracy, consistency, and responsiveness across procurement operations.

Project Objectives
• Identify high-impact use cases where AI can automate or assist procurement workflows.
• Design and prototype one or more AI-powered tools that demonstrate measurable process improvement.
• Quantify potential impact (time saved, error reduction, or improved accuracy).
• Deliver an implementation roadmap for potential adoption within Prologis Procurement.

Expected Deliverables
1. Project Charter and Timeline – Define scope, success criteria, and data needs.
2. Process Mapping and Baseline Study – Document current workflows and identify automation opportunities.
3. Prototype or Workflow Design – Build an AI model, dashboard, or automation flow using sample data.
4. Impact and ROI Analysis – Quantify potential time savings and business value.
5. Final Report and Presentation – Deliver results and recommendations to Prologis Procurement leadership.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Proportion-Air 1 Low Pressure High Flow Regulator Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Proportion-Air's current electronic pressure regulator operates at higher pressures and flow rates. We are interested in making a low pressure, high flow electronic regulator, this unit would operate with and input pressure of 2 psi and an output pressure of 0.25 psi. It should be capable of approximately 5 SCFM. The design must maintain the precision and reliability that Proportion-Air is known for.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Proportion-Air 2 Small manual precise regulator 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

We would like to make a manual control regulator. This unit will be a hand turn manual version of our electro-pneumatic regulator. This unit could be used anywhere in industry for fine control of media. This will accompany our product line for sales throughout the world. There are two attached pictures. The first shows our piloted regulator below the blue electronic pressure regulator. The second picture is just one off the internet to show what may look like with manual knob on top.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU - Department of Mechanical Engineering 1 Dynamic Displays for Mechanical Engineering Neal, Gary 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The goal of this project is to design and build dynamic displays that illustrate the excitement, breadth, and multidisciplinarity of modern mechanical engineering in general, and of mechanical engineering at Penn State specifically. They should demonstrate fundamental mechanical engineering principles using hands-on interactive hardware. The new displays will be installed in three locations in the main hallway of the ME Department on the first floor of Reber Building; these areas currently feature faux vegetation. The displays must be attractive, professional looking, and robust, since they will be located in an area with high foot traffic. Many students, faculty, staff, and alumni, along with prospective students and their families, will view and touch them on a daily basis. The displays should inspire the Department’s visitors to appreciate the many exciting facets, collaborative spirit, and cutting-edge opportunities of Mechanical Engineering.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU - Department of Mechanical Engineering 2 ASME e-Human-Powered Vehicle Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The goal of this project is to design and build a vehicle for entry into the ASME human-powered vehicle competition. For the first time in 2022, the competition rules were significantly altered to allow electric pedal-assist vehicles. The capstone team is responsible for either significantly altering the previous year's vehicle platform or designing and building their own vehicle from the ground up. Deliverables include an operable vehicle, a description of the innovation over previous team's designs, and video demonstrations of several safety tests. Safety tests include roll over, turning, and breaking distance.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU - Prof. Pan Next Generation 'Smart' Sanitary Pad for At-Home Diagnosis of Women's Health Lei, Yuguo 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Menstrual effluent (ME) is an underutilized, non-invasive, and monthly accessible biofluid that contains rich cellular, proteomic, genomic, and metabolomic information. Harnessing ME as a diagnostic matrix creates a unique opportunity to detect conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, hormone imbalance, endometrial cancer, and fertility disorders without surgery or venipuncture. The long-term vision of this project is to build a scalable platform for at-home, menstrual-based diagnostics that democratizes women’s health, reduces time-to-diagnosis, and generates longitudinal datasets for precision care. This menstrual effluent platform aims to shift women’s health diagnostics from hospital-centric, invasive procedures to private, affordable, at-home, privacy-focused testing. The end-product is EndoMARK, an at home diagnostic kit that uses menstrual effluent to screen for PCOS via a disposable one-time use smart pad containing a lateral flow strip integrated with a microfluidics. A simple visual or app read result is expected.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU - Sachin Gore Multipurpose Toothbrush Travel Case Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The multipurpose toothbrush travel case will incorporate features of a powerbank, AC plug, DC solar charging, ventilation fan, nightlight, flashlight and toothbrush induction charging. The project will involve mechanical and electronic (mechatronic) design, 3d prototyping and assembly, and functionality testing.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Center for Pollinator Research 1 EntoSense: an adaptive, autonomous, closed-loop control system for real-time insect detection and management Neal, Gary 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Insects are the "little things that run the world" - serving fundamental architects of our ecosystems, supporting food security through pollination, but also acting as crop pests and vectors of disease. Current methods for monitoring insects are archaic, time-consuming, and imprecise, harming beneficial species like bees in the process. Moreover, they lack precision to detect invasive species and pests.

Our objective is to engineer and construct EntoSense, a comprehensive, autonomous Cyber-Physical System (CPS). This system moves beyond simple monitoring by integrating advanced optics, active manipulation, and edge computing into a single field unit. You will be building the physical platform: a 24-hour trap featuring a dual day/night camera system, a programmable multi-spectrum LED array to lure specific insects, and a mechanical sorting actuator to physically separate pests from beneficial pollinators.
This is a high-impact hardware challenge to build a robotic guardian that protects our food and ecosystems by making real-time, physical decisions in the field.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Center for Pollinator Research 2 FlowerEye: an AI-system for Automated Bee Behavioral and Cognition Testing Gall, Oren 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The objective of this project is to develop FlowerEye, a solar-powered, AI-integrated platform designed to enable automated, high-resolution monitoring of bee behavior, learning and cognition. FlowerEye builds on a previously published open-source monitoring unit using a Raspberry Pi camera system (Sittinger et al., 2024) and extends it by incorporating a programmable LED array that displays customized-dynamic geometric (floral) cues, and a microfluidic dispenser capable of delivering precise reward (sucrose) droplets.

This project leverages AI models capable of tracking and identifying insects in real time developed by the Grozinger Lab at Penn State, through the INSECT NET graduate training program (see https://insectnet.psu.edu/research/beeeye-and-insecteye). Integrating these algorithms with a closed-loop stimulus-reward system will create a powerful tool for studying insect behavior and cognition (perception, learning, and decision making) in both laboratory and field environments, advancing ecology, agriculture and conservation research.

Deliverables include:
1- a fully assembled and tested FlowerEye hardware prototype
2- firmware for camera, LED, and microfluidic control
3- an optimized on-device AI detection pipeline for species/individual detection
4- comprehensive documentation of system architecture, testing, and operation
5- a final presentation and demonstration showing end-to-end operation under staged conditions

This project provides a hands-on engineering experience while advancing next-generation tools for insect behavioral and/or cognitive research.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation 1 TalkingSick: Exploring Respiratory and Sleep-Related Health Diversity through Voice Biomarkers Verbanec, Alan 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Researchers at Penn State have developed TalkingSick, a voice-based pre-screening platform for airborne diseases such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Using AI/ML applied to short scripted voice recordings, the system aims to detect early signs of respiratory illness rapidly, non-invasively, and at scale through everyday devices (phones, wearables, smart speakers). The goal is to provide an accessible, cost-efficient, and equitable tool that enables universities, healthcare providers, and employers to identify emerging risks sooner and respond more effectively.

For this project, we plan to integrate TalkingSick into de-identified pipelines and protocols that allow PSU faculty, staff, and students (via PSU SSO) to upload audio samples and receive a model-generated probability of being sick. All uploads will remain anonymous and stored securely in PSU-controlled storage, with audio files automatically removed 30+ days after submission.

This project is sponsored by the Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation 2 AI-Augmented Resilience Agents for Contextual Risk Assessment and Adaptive Planning under Compound Urban Disruptions Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This project develops AI-augmented resilience agents that integrate multi-source urban data to perform contextual risk assessment during compound disruptions such as heatwaves, storms, and grid failures. By combining mobility patterns, infrastructure vulnerabilities, environmental conditions, and outage histories, the agents generate dynamic, situational awareness of evolving risks at the neighborhood and system levels. Unlike static models, these agents incorporate real-time contextual cues and human behavioral patterns, enabling more nuanced and accurate risk interpretation in complex urban settings.

Building on this contextual intelligence, the resilience agents simulate adaptive responses, such as changes in mobility, shelter use, or infrastructure stress, to support planners in evaluating and optimizing emergency strategies. The project will produce a lightweight prototype capable of scenario exploration and preliminary decision guidance for urban disaster planning and emergency management.

This project is sponsored by the Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation 3 Urban Heat Relief Through Green Design: Towards Climate-Resilient Cities in Tanzania Toraman, Hilal Ezgi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Overview
This project focuses on the design of courtyard prototypes for multifamily housing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the objective of improving outdoor thermal comfort in humid climates. Extreme heat, intensified by climate change and the urban heat island effect, poses significant health and infrastructure risks in cities where most households lack access to HVAC systems. Courtyards, as a passive architectural design strategy, offer potential solutions by enhancing shading, ventilation, and microclimatic regulation. By exploring different courtyard configurations and their shading performance, the project seeks to validate design concepts that can mitigate heat stress while fostering sustainable and culturally resilient housing solutions.
This project is sponsored by the Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation.

Deliverables
The project will produce courtyard prototypes tailored for a multifamily housing project in Magomeni ward, Dar es Salaam. Using ENVI-met software, students will analyze existing site conditions, simulate alternative courtyard layouts, and assess thermal comfort through selected indices. Deliverables will include comparative models of courtyard configurations, evaluation of shading potential, and integration of urban heat island mitigation strategies such as vegetation, green walls, and green roofs. Students will have the opportunity to validate the ENVI-met models experimentally at Penn State by using the campus buildings equipped with green roof systems. The final output will be a set of design recommendations and validated prototypes demonstrating improved outdoor thermal comfort, providing scalable solutions for housing developments in tropical urban environments.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation 4 Risk-Informed Smart Commissioning for Resilient Building Performance Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Background:

Commissioning is the process of testing and fine-tuning a building's mechanical and control systems so that they operate as intended. Smart commissioning goes one step further by using data automatically collected from sensors, meters, and building-automation systems to detect problems, evaluate performance, and recommend fixes in real time. Put differently, it applies data science and engineering analytics to make buildings "self-aware" and therefore "smarter".

Project Goal:

While smart commissioning has been consistently shown to improve building performance, energy efficiency, and occupant satisfaction, there remains a lack of a systematic framework that connects these proven operational and human-centric benefits to measurable reductions in real estate investment and insurance risk. This disconnect represents a significant market barrier to broader adoption of commissioning practices, as building owners and investors often struggle to translate performance gains into tangible financial or risk-based returns.

This project proposes a risk-informed framework that links smart commissioning outcomes to quantifiable reductions in risk exposure and improvements in financial performance. By integrating building performance analytics, predictive diagnostics, and probabilistic risk modeling, the framework will provide a structured way to evaluate how enhanced building operation contributes to resilience, loss prevention, and long-term asset value.

Capstone Project Tasks and Deliverables:

The capstone team will design and test a proof-of-concept "smart commissioning app" (e.g., a Python-based toolbox) that connects building-performance data with indicators of operational and insurance risk. The team will work with real commissioning data, potentially in collaboration with Penn State's Office of Physical Plant (OPP), to apply and test their methods on one or two campus buildings managed by OPP.

Students will develop simple diagnostic algorithms, visualize fault-detection results, and calculate how these improvements translate into quantifiable risk or cost reductions. The resulting tool will serve as an initial prototype showing how smart commissioning can directly support risk-informed decision-making, demonstrate measurable return on investment, and lay the groundwork for future entrepreneurial or research extensions.

Project Mentors:

The mentors of this project are Dr. Nan Zhu, Associate Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Risk Management at Smeal College of Business, and Dr. Jin Wen, Professor and Department Head of the Department of Architectural Engineering at the College of Engineering.

Team Composition:

In addition to the primary Learning Factory Capstone team, this project will be supported by students from the Departments of Architectural Engineering and Risk Management. Together, all students will form a "virtual team" that collaborates across disciplines to address the technical, analytical, and financial dimensions of the project. This structure will give the capstone team access to broader expertise in building systems, data analytics, and risk modeling, while providing all participating students with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a complex, real-world engineering problem.

This project is sponsored by the Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU College of Arts and Architecture Ex-Utero: Designing a Living System for In-Vitro Tissue Engineering Lei, Yuguo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Project Overview:
The umbilical cord and placenta are understudied and invaluable biological resources that show great promise in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering research. As a largely discarded tissue rich in extracellular matrix (ECM), the cord and placenta are excellent candidates for biological scaffolds in reconstructive medicine. We aim to decellularize the entire placenta and cord, and seed the extracellular matrices with foreign cell lines. In this second phase of the project, the goal is to produce a prototype of a bioreactor to decellularize and recellularize a small section of the umbilical cord.

The decellularization process removes all the cellular components, resulting in a biomaterial scaffold for tissue regeneration. This groundbreaking research aims to eliminate the risk of immune rejection and shows great promise for the future of organ transplantation. The placenta, along with the umbilical cord, are central to advances in regenerative medicine with widespread applications in wound healing, ophthalmology, skin grafts, breast reconstruction, and more.

"Ex-Utero" is an artistic and scientific inquiry into the future of human reproduction and probes the biological and sociopolitical possibilities of ectogenesis, the development of the embryo outside the uterus. In the foreseeable future, artificial wombs may support life ex-vivo, and the placenta, a critical gestational organ, will become obsolete.

Objectives:
The objective of this project is to design a portable and reusable perfusion system to deliver decellularization solutions via the vascular network of the umbilical cord. Using a dynamic perfusion approach to deliver solutions through the cord’s vascular network, the project aims to preserve the tissue’s structure while preparing it for successful recellularization with living cells, pushing the frontiers of regenerative medicine.

Deliverables:
1. Design of a portable and reusable system to:
-decellularize a section of umbilical cord via the vascular network of the umbilical cord through perfusion and diffusion
-recellularize the ECM with living cells
-sustain and support the viability of the recellularized cells

2. Initial Prototype

3. Functionality, repeatability, and reproducibility testing

4. Final Prototype

5. Instruction manual that includes:
-a materials and consumables list with suppliers
-a schematic diagram of the design and construction
-decellularization protocol
-recellularization protocol
-protocol to sustain the viability of the recellularized cells

6. Presentation and demonstration

7. Final technical report, poster, and one-page summary report
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Computer Science and Engineering Penn State Advising LLM Integrated Proposal Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This initiative aligns with Penn State’s strategic priorities in student success, digital transformation, and responsible AI integration.
This proposal builds upon insights gathered from Computer Science and Engineering academic advisers across Penn State, whose feedback continues to guide the design and priorities of this initiative.

Abstract:
Penn State’s advising system is essential to student success, yet advisers especially in Computer Science and Engineering are overwhelmed by large caseloads, high email volume, and complex workflows in systems like LionPATH and Starfish, resulting in delayed appointments, inconsistent policy interpretation, and students turning to peers for guidance. The proposed Penn State Advising LLM Framework offers a practical, future-focused solution by providing a policy-driven, AI-assisted environment that supports both advisers and students through consistent, validated guidance, automated retrieval of official policies, and 24/7 access to academic support. By integrating securely with Penn State’s existing systems, incorporating human-in-the-loop oversight, and applying FERPA-aligned governance, this framework aims to reduce adviser workload, improve graduation timelines, empower underserved and first-generation students, and enhance retention across the university ultimately strengthening Penn State’s advising ecosystem while preserving trust, equity, and academic rigor.

Main Objective
To design, pilot, and evaluate the Penn State Advising LLM Framework, a policy-driven system that enhances advising consistency, automates routine tasks, and strengthens support for students and advisers through secure, integrated, and data-informed solutions.

Specific Aims
• Design a policy-driven advising framework aligned with Penn State’s approved academic policies across colleges and departments.
• Pilot the system to automate routine advising tasks such as petition formatting, degree audit guidance, and common student inquiries to reduce adviser workload.
• Evaluate system performance, usability, and accuracy through adviser and student feedback in real advising contexts.
• Refine the model through collaboration and governance, maintaining transparency and policy compliance across all units.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Department of Mechanical Engineering 3 Robotic Measurement System for Ground–Contact Forces Across Terrains for Adaptive Mobility Neal, Gary 0 0 3 3 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This project focuses on the design and validation of a modular end-effector that could enable controlled drag interactions with diverse terrains while measuring terrain-dependent contact forces. The end-effector should integrate sensing and mechanical design features to support repeatable measurements under varying loads and motion conditions. By isolating terrain interaction effects at the end-effector level, the project should provide a transferable hardware tool for systematically characterizing surface interaction properties. The resulting measurements will support the development of terrain-aware adaptation strategies for mobility and locomotion assistance for people with mobility-related disabilities on different surfaces.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Department of Mechanical Engineering 5 Electronic Chip Depackager Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Commercially available electronic chips come packaged with polymeric or ceramic coating or lids. The goal is to remove a small portion of the top or bottom lid so that we can examine the interior and make specimens for microscopic or spectroscopic studies. A picture showing lidded and delidded chips. Note that this specific delidding did not involve microdrilling - but probably microgrinding

The lid can be as thin as 1 mm, and we need to remove materials size of 5 mm in diameter. I envision the machine tool as a micro drill with a specimen stage with 1 micron resolution in the hole depth direction. This can be achieved using a piezo positioning stage. The tool can be augmented with a stereomicroscope so that the operator can see when to stop.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Extension Cameron County Biomass Food System Toraman, Hilal Ezgi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This project is a continuation of the Cameron County Biomass Energy Production Facility under development as a result of the Fall '25 Learning Factory study. Waste heat from the facility will be directed towards container or greenhouse food production facilities to localize food production in Cameron County. Working with county commissioners and the property owner, the project aims to make the best use of energy resources by means of an innovative approach to food production. Conceptual drawing of the conversion of a vacant lumber mill were developed at The Learning Factory with the intention to extend the study to include food production. This proposal would like to focus on that aspect of the project. Since one of the byproducts of the energy production facility is biochar, we would like to incorporate that into the food production effort and possibly include a retail plan for that product.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Faculty Senate Faculty Senator Committee Assignments in the University Faculty Senate Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The University Faculty Senate (UFS) has fifteen committees that include members who are faculty senators, administrative senators, student senators, and ex-officio members. The task of the current project is focused on the committee assignments for the faculty senators. Each committee has a minimum faculty senator requirement. Some committees also have requirements for faculty senator representation from particular colleges or campuses. Two committees have a requirement that some faculty senators are non-tenure line faculty. Each faculty senator is asked for their first, second, and third preference for committee assignments. The objective of this project is to place the faculty senators into the fifteen committees so that all committee requirements and senator preferences are best satisfied. The deliverable for this project is a software code or app that can be used by the UFS staff to make committee assignments each year using a spreadsheet of the faculty senator preferences and locations. Ideally, this code would have some flexibility to accommodate changes in committee requirements in future years, such as a change in the minimum number of faculty senators on the committee.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU FluidCom Lab Designing sound-proof chambers for in vitro flow murmur measurements Neal, Gary 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Blood flow murmurs have been widely used as diagnostic tools. We aim to establish an in vitro (benchtop) experimental setup which can simultaneously measure the flow in cardio- and cerebrovascular environments and the “murmur” produced by the flow with high physiological fidelity. This experimental setup will employ particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) to measure flow in our models. Simultaneously, hydrophones, microphones, and/or Doppler probes will be used to measure flow murmurs.
To ensure the acoustic flow murmur measurements maintain high-fidelity with in vivo conditions, we must 1) eliminate ancillary experimental noise contributions (i.e., noise caused by the PTV and flow equipment), and 2) employ representative components which enable us to evaluate how a flow murmur would be propagated to outside the body. Thus, this capstone project will deliver three specific components to support these experiments:

1. Sound-proof chamber: The in vitro model must be placed in a sound-proof chamber to eliminate (to the extent possible) equipment and other ancillary noise sources that exist in the experimental room.
To be compatible with PTV experiments, this chamber:
a. Must have a optically clear front and bottom faces
b. Must have ports that enable flow tubes to reach the models
c. Must be able to be completely filled with liquid for extended periods of time without deteriorating
d. Must enable the model and calibration target to be held in place in the box and changed out as needed.

2. Chest mimicking hemiellipsoid: For cardiovascular applications, a chest mimicking hemiellipsoid will will be placed around the model. This needs to include sound attenuation elements which reproduce the sound attenuation produced by the chest and rib cage. This will enable microphones to be placed outside of the hemiellipsoid which measure flow murmurs “outside the body”.

3. Skull mimicking hemiellipsoid: For cerebrovascular applications, a skull mimicking hemiellipsoid will which includes sound attenuation elements which reproduce the sound attenuation produced by the skull is needed.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU Plant Institute Sustainable Automated Vertical Plant Factory Toraman, Hilal Ezgi 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Vertical farming, also referred to as plant factories, has been proposed as a solution to increase food production in places where food availability is partially or fully limited. By using artificial LED lighting to replace sunlight, vertical farming enables year-round food production independent of weather and seasonal constraints. However, this strong reliance on technology has made vertical farming energy intensive, limiting its scalability and reducing its potential impact on the global food supply.
Over the past decade, the vertical farming industry has struggled to demonstrate that it can be a sustainable business model and a major contributor to local food security. This lack of success can be attributed to limited industry experience and to major system design flaws, which have led to higher costs and inefficient production.
This project aims to identify flaws in existing vertical farming system designs and to develop solutions that increase energy efficiency while maximizing productivity and water conservation. The team will be required to deliver a high level of automation while minimizing electricity use. This objective may be achieved by relying on passive tray movement and conveyor-based transport systems. The team will be asked to compare multiple design solutions and clearly articulate the rationale behind the proposed approach.
Using resources available at EDI and across campus—including the Indoor Plant Physiology Laboratory—the team will build a prototype capable of remote operation. The team will also develop an AI-based control model that enables autonomous system operation while maximizing overall resource efficiency.
The success of this project will be based on the delivery of one of the following outcomes: (1) a functional component of the final production system, (2) a small-scale automated prototype, or (3) an advanced 3D design detailing all major components of a potential full-scale build.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU School of Music & College of A&A Musical Engineering: A Multidisciplinary Investigation into Music, Art, Design Ergonomics, and Engineering Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

For this capstone project, we are building a team to bring music across the world-literally! Our focus is on the engineering, ergonomics, material design, and packaging related to transporting tuba and other low brass instruments to meet the needs of many users, from young public and private school band students in high school to world -class musicians traveling across the globe. With this being said, the multi-disciplinary team will have multiple perspectives to consider. These persepectives include material sections on a instrument case capable of withstanding the rigors and demands of instruments weighing 20-40 pounds, the aesthetics and costs for student players and professional musicians, and finally, manufacturing aspects that ideally will meet the needs of the threes perspectives listed above.

As this is a highly multidisciplinary project, we have several areas where our project is focused on making an impact - using sophisticated software to design materials, working with professional musicians to understand their needs for portability and features, and finally research and development with actual tests to replicate the real world travel constraints along with the necessary sensors and measurements, all to ensure that our design meets the needs of all stakeholders.

The body of work represents the start of a larger endeavor to make musical instruments more accessible by reducing the weight, limiting travel restrictions of instruments, and/or addressing exorbitant cost, whereby we believe that such studies into next generation composites or other material technologies may prove critical. As such we plan to first address making cases just as strong but lighter and ideally more cost effective, then build up momentum towards complete instrument re-design.

Composites represent one of the newer classes of engineered material systems, promising lower weight, higher strength, and in some cases, better overall performance compared to even the strongest metals. The modern fiber reinforced high performance composite can trace its history almost 100 years ago, when American Cyanamid and DuPont created a polyester resin and Owens-Illinois Glass Company commercially developed the glass-fiber textile fabric. The resulting combination of flexible fabric with a hardening resin created a lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistant material capable of replacing metals in many structures ranging from marine, terrestrial, aerospace, to actual space applications. At the time, engineering structures with composites required developing new equations and theories different from that of homogeneous metals, e.g. the rule of mixtures for determining the resulting material properties or the Halpin-Tsai semi-empirical equation for failure limits. As composites would be improved with new production methods, higher load carrying capacities, and more stringent failure tolerances, finite element analysis emerged in the latter half of the century for predicting the exact stress distribution in complex structures leading to failure, especially for dynamic loading conditions where a closed form solution may not exist. These measures were required even as the overwhelming majority of applications utilizing glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites (GFRP, CFRP, respectively) were well within the linearly elastic-brittle landing regime.

Currently, several modern industries and manufacturers of specialized equipment where strength, weight, and durability are prime concern have since switched to composites- race cars, aircrafts, and yes, even musical instruments! The benefits of having a lighter product while achieving all the same benefits of metals 2-3x heavier is surely a sigh of relief for necessary travel for student and professional musicians as well as sousaphone players in a marching band on their 3 -mile parade!
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU SEDI From Pits to Profits: Unlocking Resource Value from Human Waste 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Pit latrines have been widely promoted as the sanitation technology of choice in low-income settings. It is estimated that at least 1.8 billion people use pit latrines worldwide, depositing about 1.3 billion kg of faeces and 4.6 billion kg of urine daily. Paradoxically, while there is evidence attributing some of the decreases in waterborne illness in resource constrained contexts to pit latrines, when not well managed, their use can result in environmental pollution and re-introduce the risk of some of the diseases that they were intended to prevent. Researchers have established that pit latrines are hotspot reservoirs of a wide range of legacy contaminants such as nutrients (nitrates, phosphates), human pathogens, microplastics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. They are also hotspots for greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane, which contribute to global warming. Through a partnership between SDV (a US-based non-profit) that is collaborating with grassroots organizations in Kajiado, we are interested in developing and deploying a sustainable sanitation solution to these pit latrine-related challenges that can also help unlock the resource value of the residual biomass in the form of faecal matter and wastewater in pit latrines as a potential feedstock in the context of a circular bioeconomy. Deliverables include a technical report and a prototype.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
puzzleYOU, INC Puzzle Printer Loading Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 3 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Puzzleyou is a custom photo jigsaw puzzle manufacturer located in Williamsport, PA. Recent growth has presented manufacturing challenges relating to handling of the die-cut puzzles, which is currently done by hand. We seek to develop an automated solution that can load and unload die-cut puzzles (and box tops) at a rate of up to one every 3 seconds into a state-of-the-art high speed printer. The system will integrate with existing IT & mechanical infrastructure to select the proper puzzle blank size and route the puzzle (and box top) to the correct location. We are looking for an innovative design and proof of concept that can be scaled as the demand increases.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Rathithi Institute Retroffiting matatu for cleaner public transopt Cubanski, David 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The current phase of the EV program is the design and assembly of a Controller Unit. This need arose from the current controller units being a single source of failure for the project. The controllers for both vehicles have historically gone into weird error states and stopped working altogether. The team has received little to no support from the manufacturer. From this arises the need to design our own controller unit, one customizable to the available components such as the installed battery and motor.

Battery assembly

The team currently sources batteries from a local supplier that collects Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries from discarded electronics and repurposes them into battery packs. The process the manufacturer uses involves the collection of 18650 Lithium cells; testing of their State of Charge and IV characteristics, then grouping them into packs that meet the customer’s requirements. It is the opinion of the team that such a process can be replicated in-house, making the batteries more affordable by avoiding the mark-up added by the supplier
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
SAMPADA SAMPADA – Sustainable Agro-based Manufacturing for Paper And Development Alternatives Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

SAMPADA is a youth-led initiative from Nepal transforming agricultural residues ; rice straw into eco-friendly seed-embedded paper and stationery products.

The project requires the design and development of a small-scale pulping and paper-forming system that improves pulp consistency, sheet quality, and seed viability.

Expected deliverables include:
– Pulp-processing system concept & prototype
– Optimization of drying and pressing mechanism
– Germination-friendly seed embedding process
– Scalable production
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Seco Tools Automation of steaming Process Zajac, Brian 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Background: The steam-cleaning step is the final process for cutting tools before coating and is critical for tool performance. Currently, this process is fully manual and guided by basic rules, but variations and inconsistencies between operators and tools have been observed. Additionally, steam-cleaning is one of the most time-consuming preparation steps, making it a major bottleneck in the coating workflow.

Project Scope: Develop a first semi-automatic steam-cleaning prototype using the existing equipment as a base. The focus will be on standardizing the process parameters—such as distance, strokes, and tool rotation/position relative to the steaming nozzle—for a single tool type (specific size and geometry).

Objectives:

1. Review the current process and define the key parameters required for a standardized and controlled operation.
2. Design a prototype that securely holds the tool and steaming nozzle while maintaining the defined parameters.
3. Build the prototype with a user-friendly setup for ease of operation.

Deliveries:

1. A semi-automatic steam-cleaning system for round tools.
2. Technical documentation and system architecture.
3. User manual for operation and maintenance.

Project Benefits:

1. Improved Process Control: Standardization of critical parameters ensures consistent cleaning quality and reduces variability between operators and tools.

2. Reduced Labor Time: Automating key steps minimizes manual intervention, shortens preparation time, and alleviates one of the major bottlenecks in the coating process.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Shell 1 Shell Eco-marathon - Team 1 Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 3 0 3 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Shell Eco-marathon (https://www.shellecomarathon.com/) is a global student engineering competition focused on automotive energy optimization. The goal is to design and build a fuel-efficient vehicle that meets all the competition rules and then compete against nearly 100 other North and South American schools. The competition will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and winners in our category routinely achieve > 500 mpg. Penn State’s Ecomarathon club (https://sites.psu.edu/pennstateecomarathon/) has performed well for over 20 years, and we’re now leveling up our game. In collaboration with the PSU student club, these capstone teams will integrate recent competition lessons learned into the ground up design of a brand-new vehicle. This project will design, build, and test that vehicle, first at our Penn State Test Track and ultimately at the Shell Ecomarathon competition. Yes, we actually drive our car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track! Some cool things you may do to create our winning car include mechanical design using CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamic aero analysis; automotive electrical system design and construction; steel tubing and aluminum sheet metal cutting, bending, and welding; carbon fiber fabrication; small displacement engine powertrain implementation and optimization; and many other things. If you want a hands-on experience where you will design and build a real car; have a competitive spirit and want to see Penn State win; are into sustainable automotive technologies; or want the chance to compete on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then this is the project for you!
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Shell 2 Shell Eco-marathon - Team 2 Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 3 0 3 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Shell Eco-marathon (https://www.shellecomarathon.com/) is a global student engineering competition focused on automotive energy optimization. The goal is to design and build a fuel-efficient vehicle that meets all the competition rules and then compete against nearly 100 other North and South American schools. The competition will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and winners in our category routinely achieve > 500 mpg. Penn State’s Ecomarathon club (https://sites.psu.edu/pennstateecomarathon/) has performed well for over 20 years, and we’re now leveling up our game. In collaboration with the PSU student club, these capstone teams will integrate recent competition lessons learned into the ground up design of a brand-new vehicle. This project will design, build, and test that vehicle, first at our Penn State Test Track and ultimately at the Shell Ecomarathon competition. Yes, we actually drive our car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track! Some cool things you may do to create our winning car include mechanical design using CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamic aero analysis; automotive electrical system design and construction; steel tubing and aluminum sheet metal cutting, bending, and welding; carbon fiber fabrication; small displacement engine powertrain implementation and optimization; and many other things. If you want a hands-on experience where you will design and build a real car; have a competitive spirit and want to see Penn State win; are into sustainable automotive technologies; or want the chance to compete on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then this is the project for you!
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Shell 3 Shell Eco-marathon - Team 3 Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 3 0 3 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Shell Eco-marathon (https://www.shellecomarathon.com/) is a global student engineering competition focused on automotive energy optimization. The goal is to design and build a fuel-efficient vehicle that meets all the competition rules and then compete against nearly 100 other North and South American schools. The competition will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and winners in our category routinely achieve > 500 mpg. Penn State’s Ecomarathon club (https://sites.psu.edu/pennstateecomarathon/) has performed well for over 20 years, and we’re now leveling up our game. In collaboration with the PSU student club, these capstone teams will integrate recent competition lessons learned into the ground up design of a brand-new vehicle. This project will design, build, and test that vehicle, first at our Penn State Test Track and ultimately at the Shell Ecomarathon competition. Yes, we actually drive our car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track! Some cool things you may do to create our winning car include mechanical design using CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamic aero analysis; automotive electrical system design and construction; steel tubing and aluminum sheet metal cutting, bending, and welding; carbon fiber fabrication; small displacement engine powertrain implementation and optimization; and many other things. If you want a hands-on experience where you will design and build a real car; have a competitive spirit and want to see Penn State win; are into sustainable automotive technologies; or want the chance to compete on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then this is the project for you!
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Supelco Inc. Automate the stripping and cutting process of microfibers Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The current manual process uses a hand tool fiber stripper and hand-cutter to make the short lengths of coated fiber. This is necessary to assure the clean 90-degree cut of the fiber and the tight tolerance of the length of the coated fiber. The core of the fiber is metal at 127 microns and the coating thickness is 100 microns. The coating of the fiber is glued to the core and is hard to remove. The length of stripped section is 10 mm and the length of coated fiber section is 10 mm with tighter tolerance.
While industrial cutting and striping automation exists, it does not fit our application. We think the best solution is to design a new automated process addressing the specific properties of our fibers. The deliverable for the project could be the design of the automation with detailed description of specific automation steps and equipment required to achieve the results.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
TE Connectivity AI-assisted Mold Changeover System Verbanec, Alan 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The TE AI Cup is a global competition where TE Connectivity partners with university teams to tackle real-world industrial AI challenges in manufacturing environments. Students selecting this project are expected to meet regularly during the Spring semester (approximately bi-weekly) and virtually participate in the AI Cup Final Competition in May, presenting their solutions alongside teams from around the world. Winning teams may receive scholarship of up to $6,500, along with internship or full-time opportunities at TE Connectivity.

To improve TE Connectivity’s mold injection changeover workflow, an automated changeover guidebook generation can be implemented to eliminate the need for an engineer to manually update guidebooks every time products are updated or introduced. 2D mold drawings contain specific PN and positioning information that can be read with AI technologies, to be used as derive what parts need to be changed during a mold changeover. Alongside the drawings, the 3D model files can be used to extract some hierarchical features or other finer details. With this structured data, updated changeover guidebooks and an interface can be created for engineers to retrieve the required change over guide.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Technical Manufacturing Corp. Development of a universal test bench for DC-2020 Digital Controller Cubanski, David 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Project Overview:
TMC designs advanced vibration control systems that integrate pneumatic and electrical actuators, sensors, and external diagnostic and tuning platforms, all managed by the DC-2020 digital controller. This project focuses on developing a common test platform to improve the efficiency and reliability of testing the DC-2020 across our manufacturing, quality assurance, and customer support processes.

Current State:
In-house testing methodology, while effective in identifying defects, requires manual set up and a physical isolation system and manual recording of data. Also, test protocol may be inconsistent between TMC, our suppliers, our products, and our customers.

Project Scope:
The project seeks to develop a practical, implementable test bench to characterize and record specific characteristics such as proportional electronic valve balance, communication integrity, and input/output functionality. The intent is to develop a common DC-2020 interface for all related TMC products, eliminating the need for separate isolation systems for each product application and to ensure testing consistency across multiple products. The test bench should incorporate data logging and reporting to enable clear communication of test results, supporting troubleshooting, quality assurance, and service support activities.

The test bench will require mechanical, electrical, and software design expertise. Students will gain hands-on experience with the interdependence of multiple subsystems within a functional unit and learn how these systems interact with human operators.

Equipment:
Students will be provided with a representative, functional DC-2020 and any required equipment not available through PSU, such as air isolators, pressure sensors and flow meters. Software tools such as LabVIEW may also be required. The DC-2020 will require facility air and standard AC power.

Deliverables:
A functional prototype, design documentation, and validation results
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
The Artful PM LLC Smart shoe obstacle avoidance app Verbanec, Alan 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

This application is for project 2 of 2 to develop a smartphone application to interface with the Smart Shoe Concept Prototype which alerts wearers in real time of obstacles when walking or running. Project 1 completed by the PSU Learning Factory created a design prototype of a Smart Shoe which when an obstacle is detected, its system triggers a warning mechanism to alert the user. Project 2 is to enable feedback to the user via visual and / or auditory alerts received via a smartphone app. In future, it is hoped that development could be done to receive alerts via a smart watch, color changes or electronic vibrations received via an electronic bracelet, auditory alerts or color changes received via smart eyeglasses or hearing aids. An app should also allow users or caregivers to monitor walking patterns, configure sensitivity levels of the sensors, and receive alerts about potential risks in real-time. The electronic bracelet could function as a simplified alternative for users who may not use smartphones, such as delivering alerts through lights, vibrations, or sound. In this project, the app interface should be designed to be user-friendly, offering features such as real-time obstacle detection visualization, step counting, location tracking via GPS, and fall history analysis. It could also notify caregivers in case of a detected fall or if the user deviates from a set walking route. Additionally, data should be collected can be used by healthcare professionals to assess gait stability, predict fall risks, and tailor interventions accordingly.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. Jib Stowage Alternative Design Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

A jib is often used to extend the height and reach of the main (primary) boom on a mobile hydraulic crane (see Figure). The jib can be in one of three States:
1. Stowed on the side of the main boom when not in use (Figure 1)
2. Mounted to the main boom head when lifting (Figure 2)
3. Moving from State 1 to State 2 and vice versa.
Current mechanisms that are used during the dynamic State 3 often require significant readjustment and manual intervention to achieve State 1 or 2.
Project Deliverables:
• Multiple initial concepts
• During the transition between each State, alignment of the jib between supports must be seamless and consistent.
• It must not be possible during any State for the jib to become fully or partially unsupported
• It is preferable that the operator can perform State 3 while working from the ground.
• Pros and cons for the features of each design
• 3D assembly model for selected design
• Simulation and stress calculation data
• Presentation to communicate findings
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
The Meetinghouse on Atherton Inc dba Taproot Kitchen Taproot Kitchen's Marketing and Data Design Project Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Taproot Kitchen is a local State College, Pennsylvania nonprofit that manages a shared-use community kitchen and employs individuals with learning disabilities. We also work with local farmers to procure our produce for our value added products. We participate in local markets, cater, and are looking to begin sales at our kitchen location. We are able to take seconds that might not normally sell at markets and process these into usable products. Gleaning is a priority of ours to reduce food waste, support local farmers, and provide healthy local food to our community. We are looking to expand our organization and want to work with a team to create a marketing plan, operation tracking system, and data management plan.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
TMP Manufacturing Company, Inc. 1 Production System Simulation and Layout Optimization for Walk-In Cooler Manufacturing Zajac, Brian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Tafco is a long-established U.S. manufacturer of walk-in coolers, freezers, and modular insulated panels serving commercial, industrial, government, and pharmaceutical customers. Our primary facility for this project is located in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles (about a one-hour drive) from State College. As demand increases, we are investing in improved production planning and factory optimization to ensure that our metal shop and foaming operations can reliably support growth. This project will help us better understand how our processes perform today and what changes could unlock higher throughput, lower product damage, and more consistent delivery.

Students will study the end-to-end manufacturing flow, from metal fabrication through foaming, by conducting multiple onsite observations and collecting accurate timing and process data. Using this information, the team will identify and select an appropriate simulation tool (likely SIMO or a comparable package) that can handle a large number of variables and support complex system modeling. This capability is essential, as a previous team encountered constraints with a tool that could not model the full system. The resulting simulation should reveal the ideal production rate for the metal shop, determine the optimal number of foaming fixtures needed to meet capacity targets, and show how to minimize work-in-process inventory to reduce part damage.

A key outcome of the project is the ability to communicate results clearly to a wide audience. The team’s analysis should lead to recommendations for an improved factory layout, including any adjustments to fixture orientation or material flow, supported by updated drawings. Equally important, the final simulation outputs and visuals should be easy for non-technical stakeholder (such as foremen and floor managers) to understand and use when evaluating proposed changes.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
TMP Manufacturing Company, Inc. 2 Modifications to Strengthen Skin-to-Core Attachment in Insulated Panels Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Tafco manufactures insulated walk-in cooler and freezer panels that must perform reliably across a wide range of temperature cycles. This project will take place at our facility in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, located approximately 50 miles (about a one-hour drive) from State College. Under real-world and stress test conditions, the metal skins and foam insulating core expand and contract at different rates due to their unique material properties. Over time, these stresses can lead to separation or de-lamination of the panel skins, especially during repeated freeze–thaw cycling or high-load conditions. We are seeking innovative engineering solutions that strengthen the attachment between the metal skins and the foam core without requiring major changes to our current panel fabrication process.

Students will explore both mechanical and material-based concepts to improve skin retention. Potential approaches include adding mechanical interlocks or fasteners, introducing geometric features that enhance bonding, adjusting adhesive surface preparation, or selectively reinforcing high-stress regions. The goal is not to rebuild the panel from scratch, but rather to identify practical, minimal-disruption design modifications that increase reliability and durability. Creativity is encouraged, provided that concepts integrate smoothly with Tafco’s existing panel design and production workflow.

Engineering analysis and testing will play a key role as students evaluate how various design changes respond to extreme thermal cycling and the resulting differential expansion between materials. This may involve modeling stress distributions, assessing adhesive performance, and considering the effects of temperature-driven fatigue. Concepts should be supported by quantitative reasoning and clear evidence that they reduce delamination risk under realistic loading scenarios.

By the end of the project, the students will deliver validated design recommendations (supported by analysis, prototypes, or small-scale testing as appropriate) that enhance panel performance while remaining compatible with Tafco’s established manufacturing methods.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
TMP Manufacturing Company, Inc. 3 Ceiling Hanger Redesign for Improved Structural Performance and Installation Reliability Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Tafco is a long-established U.S. manufacturer of walk-in coolers, freezers, and modular insulated panels serving commercial, industrial, government, and pharmaceutical customers. Our primary facility for this project is located in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles (about a one-hour drive) from State College. One critical component in our system is the ceiling hanger, a sheet-metal bracket used to suspend ceiling panels safely and securely. Although our current design meets code requirements, it creates challenges during installation: thicker hangers increase the gap between adjacent panels by acting as a wedge, while thinner hangers risk mechanical failure where the sheet metal engages internal pins within the panel. We are seeking a creative engineering approach to redesign this hanger system so that it can reliably support required loads without contributing to panel separation or premature failure.

Students will explore both the hanger and panel interface, considering how geometry, material thickness, and engagement methods influence performance. The design space includes evaluating whether increased hanger length could allow the foam core and adhesive inside the panel to carry more of the load, rather than relying solely on sheet-metal strength. Other innovative concepts or alternative fastening methods are also welcome. The project requires an understanding of the trade-offs between mechanical strength at the metal-pin interface and the structural contribution of the foam-adhesive system, supported by appropriate modeling and analysis.

A major component of the project will involve hands-on prototyping and physical testing. Students will fabricate prototype hangers, embed them into representative panel samples, and perform load tests (targeting approximately 900 pounds of pull force to achieve the required safety factor). Tafco will provide access to testing equipment, facilities, and expert guidance. Because sheet-metal fabrication methods are central to the work, students who are not already familiar with these processes must be willing to complete relevant Learning Factory training and collaborate closely with TMP mentors throughout the prototyping phase.

The final outcome should be a redesigned hanger solution, supported by testing and engineering justification, that maximizes load capacity, minimizes installation issues, and satisfies building-code constraints while improving overall panel performance.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Volvo Group Sustainability Competitive Analysis - Heavy Duty Trucking Industry (GLOBAL project with Chalmers University) Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Sustainability Competitive Benchmarking - Heavy Duty Trucking Industry

Purpose
Our goal is to better understand how sustainability is being defined, implemented, and communicated by other OEMs in the commercial trucking and freight sector. We want to explore:
1. What sustainability features are competitors offering?
2. How are they incorporating lifecycle thinking - from design to end of life?
3. How are they positioning sustainability as a product differentiator?
4. And what technologies, certifications, and partnerships are they using to back up their claims?

Scope
We are asking for your support in conducting a structured, in-depth analysis of how key OEMs in the heavy-duty trucking space are approaching sustainability – both in terms of implementation and strategic positioning.
Your research will focus on three POVs, each with its own set of focus points:
1. Strategic Frameworks and Industry Benchmarks
2. Technology and Supply Chain Feasibility
3. Future Strategy, Regulations and Metrics

Final Deliverable
1. Comparative Metric or Scoring System
2. Gap and Best Practice Analysis
3. Actionable Recommendations: Propose 3–5 measurable and practical steps
4. Format: No formal research or white paper – would prefer a PowerPoint or similar format that effectively communicates findings and recommendations.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Well Master Corporation Compact Electric Autocatcher for Lubricator (GLOBAL project with Shanghai Jaio Tong University) Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Description:
- As the world transitions to emissions free, there is an increased need for solutions in the oil and gas industry that adhere to these regulations. Well Master provides its customers with the option of an electric autocatcher to catch and hold plungers in the lubricator as needed. The current Well Master autocatcher is large, heavy, and outdated. We are looking to offer a smaller more efficient autocatcher to the market.
- The autocatcher must be controlled electronically and respond to a signal from a controller. It must supply 45 psi of pressure to catch and hold a plunger. Automated actuation should be approximately ¼” in each direction.
- Well Master would like ideas and concepts on an autocatcher that fits within a 6”x6”x6” envelope, weighs less than 20lbs and provides 24 lbf (~106N) of force through electronic actuation.
- Actuator should fail in the open/retracted position

Success Criteria (Goals):
- Design an autocatcher body that fits within a 6”x6”x6” envelope and weighs less than 20lbs. test bench that can hold 2 or more lubricators with enough space around them to allow work to be done one or more of them while one or more of them are undergoing the testing process.
- The autocatcher must be able to mate to all existing Well Master lubricators
- Be able to electronically actuate the bullet in and out reliably 10,000 times with a minimum force of 24 lbf (~106N) throughout its life.
- Must be able to catch solid, dart, and sleeve style plungers for both 2-3/8” and 2-7/8” applications. Catch testing can be performed by dropping a plunger into the top of a lubricator with the catch fully engaged. Tests should be performed a minimum of 50 times.
- Research into competitors (Tally, PCS, Flowco) current offerings should be investigated and used as comparison
- Integration into all current customer field setups

Deliverables:
- 2+ initial designs including 2D and 3D CAD drawings for each
- Features and benefits for each design as well as any negatives or issues
- Test data (lifecycle, functionality, etc.)
- Force verification
- Functional prototype
- Estimated product cost
- List of next steps and recommendations
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
wrkFarm wrkFarm Sensor Swarm: Multi-Sensor Mote for Farm Data Calibration Gall, Oren 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

wrkFarm operates an AI-driven satellite platform that monitors crop health from space. To achieve sub-meter accuracy, these satellite models require real-time ground truth to account for atmospheric interference.

This project challenges an Electrical and Computer Engineering team to design and build a multi-sensor mote: a solar-powered IoT node capable of sensing Soil NPK, pH, Salinity, and Leaf Health.

These motes will not just collect data; they will serve as calibration points. By cross-referencing specific ground readings with our existing satellite imagery, the system will extrapolate accurate data for the entire farm using only a few of these motes. The team will focus on PCB design, sensor integration, and LoRa connectivity to link these motes to our central system
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
WSSC Water Additive Manufacturing for Obsolete Components Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

WSSC Water is a bi-county, public water/wastewater utility in Maryland that was established in 1918. For over 100 years, WSSC Water has served the communities of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties providing life-sustaining water and water resource recovery services to individuals, families and businesses. WSSC Water maintains and repairs approximately 12,000 miles of buried pipes and several dozen facilities to provide water services to its community. WSSC Water provides potable water to its customer through a massive network of underground pipes and valves.

To provide this essential resource to community members, WSSC Water must keep their plants running around the clock. Part/component obsolescent can significantly hinder a water utility's ability to keep plant operations running reliably. The team of student will have to reverse engineer obsolete parts and perfect the process to create new parts using additive manufacturing methods. Material selection and manufacturing methods will need to be determined, tested, documented, thus proving to be repeatable for future small batch production of needed components.

The team can expect to tap into skills such as 3D CAD design and process documentation; apply knowledge of traditional and non-traditional manufacturing methods; and lastly rapidly test decisions to come to a final process that works for the future. It is this effort that will ensure that millions of people can turn on their tap and have clean reliable water flow.
 
 

About

The Learning Factory is the maker space for Penn State’s College of Engineering. We support the capstone engineering design course, a variety of other students projects, and provide a university-industry partnership where student design projects benefit real-world clients.

The Learning Factory

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802