ACCUPUNCH
AccuPunch allows a martial artist to quantify the strength and speed of their techniques and also tracks their progress over time. With a 6 foot long punching bag, users can train using all sorts of striking techniques. Sensors are built into the bag and are used to measure the magnitude of the force. Users can monitor their progress and compare their results with other users via our website - www.strike-force.com. Come and evaluate your martial arts technique by using our prototype.
Team members: Shuolun Zhang, Prenthan Rubaranjan, Wenyu Shang, Qiuyi Yin, Ryan Goessl
PIPEBOT
Thousands of kilometres of buried oil pipelines across the world require routine inspection for degradation or leaks. Our client, InspecTerra, has developed a novel magnetic sensor to inspect underground pipelines from aboveground. Currently, an operator carries the sensor along the pipeline. Our team is designing a platform to improve the pipe scanning process and alleviate the load on the operator. This is a challenging project requiring a unique product solution to deal with treacherous terrain and mobility requirements.
Team members: Cameron Soltys, Kimberley Chan, Joseph Perez, William He, (Roydon Fraser, Faculty Advisor)
ENHANCED INSULIN DELIVERY SYSTEM
Our team has developed a product that redefines the user experience of using insulin delivery systems. The design features a tubeless, wearable device that is incredibly thin and light to maximize comfort. This device has the capability of delivering 72 hours of continuous insulin. With safety as our highest priority, we have carefully engineered this product to meet the patients' needs through rigorous testing. We bring to you the newest personal device in insulin delivery.
Team members: Kia Amini, Aidan Doan, Tim Wulff, David Ling, Sunraaj Nijjer, (Roydon Fraser, Faculty Advisor)
POWER DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM FOR AN ELECTRIC POWERED ICE RESURFACER
Ice resurfacers are used to clean and smooth the surface of ice, famously used in-between hockey games. Working with Ontario Drive and Gear Ltd, the team was tasked to design a power distribution mechanism for an existing ice resurfacing vehicle. The team’s objective is to minimize the rigid steering associated with four wheel drive systems and provide an alternative, cost-effective solution for the customer.
Team members: Jassim Iftikhar, Hasan Khalid, Jaleel Badaloo, Waqar Khawaja, (Clifford Butcher, Faculty
E.Z BIKE
Anyone who has tried to fix a bicycle can tell you that this is often a labor-intensive process, requiring specialty tools. Furthermore, bike frames are one-piece designs, not readily disassembled for repair, storage or transportation. Our solution is to design a modular frame that is easily dismantled for transport, to modify existing bicycle components to simplify repairs and to reduce the need for specialty tools. If you love cycling but not the hassle, join us on our journey to a stress free bike ride!
Team members: Matthias Wojnas, Adrian Novotny, Richin George, Tolu Alamu, Jason Zhang, (Clifford Butcher, Faculty Advisor)
SMART WINDOW
With increasing demand for smart home devices, Team Window has identified a need in the market to develop an automated window product. Smart Window is an eco-friendly solution that complements HVAC systems for controlling indoor temperatures. Windows, fans and blinds operate automatically to achieve the desired user-defined temperature settings. Sensors located both indoor and outdoor monitor the temperature and precipitation. The product aims to reduce the use of HVAC systems, thereby reducing operational cost and greenhouse gas emission.
Team members: Wonjun Huh, Jeong Cheol Seok, Sung Yol Yu, Sunu Whang, HJ Kwon (Faculty Advisor)
HUMAN POWERED MECHANICAL LOG SPLITTER
Owners of backyard fire pits, saunas, cottages and fireplaces understand the need for a good wood splitting device. Improvements to the traditional axe have led to a variety of motorized equipment and other labour intensive, skill-driven mechanisms. Our human powered mechanical log splitter is easy to operate and eliminates the need for an electrical or gas powered source. A novel pedal-energized flywheel system allows users to safely split wood in a simple, cost effective manner. This saves energy while reducing operator fatigue and sore muscles.
Team members:Isabella Huot, Jake Harvey, Tim Thompson, Camille Williams, (Kamyar Ghavam, Faculty Advisor)
RECYCLABLE CRUSHER
Our recyclable crusher provides a convenient and user-friendly solution to compact plastic water bottles and aluminum cans. The compacted product is simpler to handle at recycling plants. Users insert their bottles/cans into a unique barrel design and the crushed recyclables are stored in a container that easily transfers to a “blue bin”. Easier recycling means less recyclables in the trash and less waste in our landfills!
Team members: Darren Lau, Sahib Sethi, Kelvin Son, (Clifford Butcher, Faculty Advisor)
KAYAK STABILIZATION SYSTEM
Solutions for Outdoors Sports (SOS) has created a kayak stabilization system, with the objective of improving the overall safety of kayaking. Each year, there are numerous deaths attributed to kayaking, often due to kayaks capsizing. The SOS system actively stabilizes kayaks by using deployable fins, reducing the risk of lateral rolls. The system allows for typical operation of the kayak, with a standard paddling motion, and improves safety with a minimal performance impact.
Team members: Carol Hulls (Faculty Advisor), Grant Mosekjaer, Jacob Moore, Scott Hicks, Brian Ross, Ben Harding, Chris Rennick (Advisor)
PACK (PERSONAL AUTOMATED COOLING KIT)
Firefighters work in some of the world’s most dangerous conditions and while their gear provides protection it also impedes their natural cooling mechanisms. This project seeks to develop a cooling solution for firefighters, which will not only improve their comfort, but also their long-term health. Our solution will seamlessly integrate into the existing firefighter gear to ensure that they maintain their agility and quick response time, and actively adapts to optimize cooling for any situation that the firefighter may experience.
Beth Weckman (Faculty Advisor), Jon Edward Gutierrez, Han Li, Faran Hossein, (Pavel Bordioug)
UWD – UNDERWATER DRONES
The human race has an insatiable urge to explore. We’ve sent astronauts to walk on the moon and we’re now setting our sights on the Red Planet. But how much do we know about our own environs? Scientists estimate we have only explored roughly 5% of our seas. But ignore the seas, how much of your backyard pond have you even seen? Of the lake near your cottage? The UWD submersible drone will let you explore the great unknown that’s near your home.
Team members: Jonah Keslassy, Ian Bernas, Shayan Shohail, Md Saud Hridoy, Nehel Malhotra, Jean-Pierre Hickey (Faculty Advisor)
WATTPLATE
3D printers are becoming mainstream in the market for both industrial users and individual hobbyists. As the technology becomes more accessible to the public through low-cost desktop printers, it will allow users to create a wide variety of complex models for various applications. However, its utility is limited due to the poor strength and surface finish of the plastic printed parts. WattPlate has developed a low-cost desktop device that electroplates ABS plastic parts printed with FDM 3D printing technology to improve aesthetics and strength.
Team members: Simran Wasu, Amogh Sohoni, Genooshan Indirathas, Matthew Yao, Omar Kamal, (Ehsan Toyserkani, Faculty Advisor)
ESCALADDER
PomPACT wants to decrease ladder related injuries in home and commercial settings with the EscaLadder. Our device helps users elevate cumbersome and heavy objects to various heights without risking personal injury. EscaLadder attaches to any extension ladder. This novel design tracks to the ladder’s front face while carrying loads. An electric motor and cable system safely lifts tools and materials. Home renovation no longer needs to be back breaking work!
Patrick Trzcinka, Kevin Deavy, Matthew Grisebach, Abdullah Barakat, Justin Langendoen, Adrian Perera, David Nairn (Faculty Advisor), José Imbert (Advisor)
PIPE.BOT
Our team designed a robot to service the interior of 8" to 12" pipes. The robot accommodates different tooling attachments to perform welding, coating, and inspection tasks. Currently, there are few products which can do multiple internal pipe service tasks in medium sized pipes. This device fills a need in several industries including oil and gas, HVAC, and municipal water.
Team members: Eric Eichorn, Noel Sisson, Owen Watt, David Stilwell, (Homeyra Pourmohammadali, Advisor)
PARKSMART
ParkSmart creates real-time parking inventory management system which utilizes image processing to determine the occupancy of parking spots and license plate recognition through a dynamic network of cameras. The system has over 90% accuracy through fusion sensory techniques. The data is processed via cloud computing to gain insights into the parking demand and provides the option to implement dynamic pricing. This system is crucial for smart city initiatives, as it will be used to efficiently direct traffic, reduce congestions while saving drivers time and money.
Team members: Alex Kung, Sitao Jing, James Tung (Faculty Advisor), Nikhil Arora, Haotian Yan, Calvin Silvia
NORTHERN GREENHOUSES
Imagine paying 7 dollars or more for a bag of carrots! Currently, the average cost of fresh groceries in Northern Canada is 2-3 times the national average. Produce needs to be shipped in by plane or ice roads, creating unnecessary costs. This project aims to deliver a sustainable, winterized greenhouse, capable of delivering fresh vegetables year round, using geothermal energy. With the heat found deep in Earth, both heat and electricity can be provided to the greenhouse - allowing eggplants to be available all year.
Team members: Linus Wan, Eric Wu, Justin Park, Mahir Ahmed, Warren Yao
SMART BOTTLE
“Water” you doing with your lives? Many people suffer from chronic dehydration as they fail to meet the minimum required consumption of 10 glasses of water per day. Smart Bottle will monitor your daily water consumption. Furthermore, its controls provide water at your desired drinking temperature. With an ergonomic design and carefully selected materials for minimal heat/cold loss, this bottle delivers a unique and pleasurable drinking experience.
Team members: Abrar Khan, (Sanjeev Bedi, Faculty Advisor, Eugene Li, Advisor)
PLAYERASSIST
Commonly played with 2 or 4 players, ping-pong is rapidly increasing in popularity around the world. Without a partner helping you practice, it’s very difficult to elevate your game. In today’s market, the solutions for a ping-pong trainer are limited. PlayerAssist aims to help beginners and experts to develop their skills against an assortment of spins at varying speeds to bring a more comprehensive experience for users. In addition, with multidirectional aim, PlayerAssist truly offers a unique training experience.
Team members: Leo Yue, Kairan Hong, Derek Kwok, Keerthijan Radhakrishnan, (Roydon Fraser, Faculty Advisor)
BIG BALLER BIKES - FOLDABLE E-BIKE
We are team Big Baller Bikes and our goal is to design and build a foldable e-bike that will fill a gap in the existing e-bike market. E-bikes are a sustainable and accessible form of transportation that are growing in popularity. Foldable bikes provide better integration with transit and more storage options. Our vision is to create a foldable e-bike that is durable and comfortable enough for daily use, whilst maintaining affordability to as many users as possible.
Team members: Joshua Fernandes, Adam Sequeira, Nick Aydemir, Graham Waechter (Steve Lambert, Faculty Advisor)
UCART
Everyday transportation of mid-weight items is often taxing over time. Creating a portable, convenient and compact solution for this issue could significantly improve the quality of life for those who rely on walking, staircases or public transportation. UCART presents a compact foldable trolley to assist individuals to carry everyday items with ease and has the added benefit of a stair climbing feature embedded with the design.
Team members: Kamyar Ghavam (Faculty Advisor), Jack Cao, Victor Truong, Harley Tong, Amy Su
PROJECT WATSON TANGO
Inspired by traditional ventilation methods in the Middle East, Project Watson Tango is developing a natural ventilation device that requires no outside energy source. The intent of this device is to improve occupant thermal comfort in areas with hot arid climates and limited energy resources. This technology has the potential to provide energy and ventilation without requiring connection to an electrical grid.
Team members: Julien D’Alessio-Doucet, Lisa Ramraj, Keegan Skoretz, Sri-Ram Prince (Roydon Fraser, Faculty Advisor)
AUTOMATIC BICYCLE STABILIZATION APPARATUS
There when you need them, folded away when you don’t. Our new approach to training wheels provides a more intuitive learning experience for children, and can also help elderly or stability-challenged riders who struggle to remain balanced on their bicycle. This device also eliminates the pesky need to take your feet off the pedals when at a temporary stop. Below a certain speed threshold, the system deploys the apparatus to keep your bike stable, and automatically retracts again when you speed up.
Team members: David Ng, Hilbert Li, Ghaith Bakri, Chengyao Li, Robin Liu (James Baleshta, Faculty Advisor)
GREENHOUSE LED SYSTEM: NOVA
Team Nova seeks to provide a solution to low daily light regions seeking to grow high-light-requirement crops such as corn, tomatoes and beans. A 1200 W LED light system has been designed for optimal vegetation growth in all locations around the globe, regardless of seasonal solar light availability. The system utilizes a cold water loop to extract excess heat and a reflector panel to focus light onto a crop growing table. Nova’s solution is suitable for greenhouses and single growers alike.
Team members: Jonah Morgan, Peter Hess, Michael Albanese, Shaurav Ghosh, Hazem Abbas, (Roydon Fraser, Faculty Advisor)
STABILO
Stabilo has developed a trunk stability device to assist stroke survivors in recovery of motor function. In particular, Stabilo has produced a proof-of-concept wearable garment capable of generating forces at the trunk to maintain a stable posture. The primary objective is to decrease the risk of injury, and assist users to perform exercises independently, maximizing their productivity in rehab. Artificial muscles, which contract upon the application of heat, are used inside the wearable device to achieve forces great enough to manipulate the user’s upper body.
Team members: Zachary Wilson, W. Joshua Lobo, James Tung (Faculty Advisor), Aaron Rosenblum, Alexa Grittani
SOUNDS COOL (THERMOACOUSTIC REFRIGERATOR)
Food can be very scarce in developing countries. A sizable portion of available food perishes because of poor refrigeration. This project aims to provide a completely solar powered refrigeration solution. The refrigerator converts radiation from the sun into cooling power, through the principles of thermo-acoustics. It achieves this using only sound, requiring no classical refrigerant and no moving parts. The solution provides cost effective, quiet, reliable and environmentally friendly refrigeration. And the project just ‘sounds cool’ as well.
Team members: Allen Zhu, Daniel Winger, Roydon Fraser (Faculty Advisor), Cem Çetin, Amir Ghoreshi
QUANTIFYING BONE HEALING USING A HEXAPOD EXTERNAL FIXATOR
A hexapod external fixator is a medical device used to correct bone deformities and complex fractures via adjustable struts. In this project, we are developing an auxiliary device that attaches to one strut, prior to removal of the external fixator, to provide quantitative feedback to the clinician regarding the state of the bone healing based on load distribution between the frame and the bone. It will also act as a safety cushion, reducing the risk of re-injury due to excessive loading on the healed bone.
Team members: Ali Faiq, Yiting Shen, Daniel Nam, Jihoon Roh, Simiao Yin, Stewart McLachlin (Faculty Advisor)
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE MOTION PLANNING AND CONTROL
Planning and control is essential for the safe autonomous operation of vehicles. The primary objective of the project is the programming, assembly, and testing of two scale cars to enable hands-on learning of control systems for vehicle autonomy and collaboration. Both cars are programmed using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms to serve as a test-bed for future research into wide-scale implementation of autonomous technology.
Team members: Mahyar Vajedi (Mentor), Nasser L. Azad (Faculty Advisor), Brian Kim, Osemudiamen Omon-Anolu, Priyesh Patel, Ziyang Huang, Yeshwanth Kesavan
METAL INFUSED FILAMENT EXTRUDER (MIFE)
MIFE (Metal Infused Filament Extruder) is a device that extrudes metal-infused plastic filament for 3D printing on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers. Our scope covers a proof of concept and a rudimentary prototype. This technology will save the average consumer money and change the way we all approach bringing ideas to life. The current consumer available metal filament costs $80-$90 dollars per kilogram, but MIFE will only cost the user $10 per kilogram.
Team members: Ronnie Wan, Tathagata Chatterjee, Simandeep Kandola, Aditya Narayanan, Joshua Junhyun Kim, (Mihaela Vlasea, Faculty Advisor)
CYCLE[IR]
Cycle[IR] uses Thermal Vision to detect the most elusive obstacles on the road: cyclists. Each year 7500 cyclists are seriously injured in Canada alone. Due to the complex shape and appearance of cyclists, Visible Light Cameras and Radar experience difficulty detecting them. Using the cyclist's heat signature, Cycle[IR] captures a clear target for automatic detection, and notifies drivers to prevent collisions. This system will make roads safer for all cyclists, saving lives and promoting this healthy and sustainable mode of transportation.
Team members: Kevin Marchment, Bryce Minke, (William Melek, Faculty Advisor)
DESIGN OF A HYBRID ROCKET ENGINE
To assist Waterloo Rocketry in their goal to advance from the 10,000 ft category, the team designed, built and tested a rocket engine capable of reaching a target altitude of 30,000 ft. This hybrid engine incorporates elements of both a solid- and liquid-fueled system, facilitating improved safety and reliability. The design is intended for competing at the Spaceport America Cup in the Student Researched and Designed Hybrid Rocket category.
Team members: Scott Dalgliesh, Nerissa Wong, Nicholas Christopher
STOWAWAY LONGBOARD
Faster, smoother, and easy to ride; those are the advantages longboards have over their skateboard counterpart. However, there is always a trade-off, as longboards are bulkier and heavier. The Stowaway Longboard eliminates the compromise. Its design combines compressible geometry and lightweight materials to offer a smaller, lighter option to riders, while maintaining the esteemed ride characteristics of a full sized longboard. Stowaway: a smooth, comfortable ride, in a compact lightweight package.
Team members: Shavaughn Soraine, Braeden Raftis, Andre Riego-Vollering, Damian Kidon, Benjamin Seymour
WATSUB PROPULSION SYSTEM
We are designing the Waterloo Submarine Racing team’s (WatSub) human powered propulsion system. Our goal is to help WatSub win international submarine racing competitions with a fast and agile submarine. With our goal in mind, we have been led to redefine the submarine by implementing a non-propeller solution. Now what we must accomplish is clear; but everything is simple until you go underwater...
Team members: Inderjot Grewal, Bryan Ho-On, Phil Truchon, Arooshiyan Ganesh, Kyle Bradash, (David Johnson, Faculty Advisor)
CUBESAT SAMPLE RETURN RE-ENTRY MODULE
The CubeSat standard for microsatellites enables access to space for amateur institutions. Hundreds of CubeSats have been put into orbit, but none have survived atmospheric re-entry. The goal of this project was to design a re-entry vehicle for the CubeSat standards at 1 unit in size (10x10x10cm). Re-entry vehicles are designed to survive the intense aerothermal loading that occurs when entering the Earth’s atmosphere. The proposed design can be integrated with a larger CubeSat to provide re-entry and sample return capability to a satellite mission.
Team members: Greg Milligan, Johnathon Bowman, Eric Hetherington, Justin Robinson, Liam Moxey, Jean-Pierre Hickey (Faculty Advisor)
BAJA SAE TRANSMISSION TUNING DYNAMOMETER
The UW Baja SAE team designs and builds an off-road racing vehicle to compete at international collegiate competitions. Understanding engine and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) dynamics are critical for vehicle performance. We have built and implemented a dynamometer to be used with the engine and CVT. Our product enables the team to measure and record speed-torque and speed-power characteristics of the engine to improve the shifting characteristics of the CVT.
Team members: J. Mark Epps, Zubair Ahmed, Graham Davison, (Hyock Ju (HJ) Kwon, Faculty Advisor)
“COMBO” PACKAGING CONSOLIDATION
The goal of this project was to find a way to integrate the food packaging components of a “combo” meal with the drink package at a quick service restaurant. The main benefits that drove this project were the reduction in total packaging volume and the increased functionality of the packaging for the customer. These benefits would lead to reduced waste and improved customer satisfaction due to an innovative and marketable product.
Team members: Jordan Nickel, Thomas Willert, (Oscar Nespoli, Faculty Advisor)
DASH AWAY
The University of Waterloo’s Alternative Fuels Team is approaching Year 4 of the EcoCAR Competition, where their Camaro will be judged on various criteria, including Consumer Appeal. Dash Away’s aim is to improve the Consumer Appeal aspect of the vehicle through the seamless implementation of an additional display unit on the dashboard. This display will effectively relay various important information to the driver, such as the state of charge of the batteries and fuel consumption.
team members: Edwin Ding, Curtis Chan, Kelvin Yau, Yeaser Abdullah, (Roydon Fraser, Faculty Advisor)
C-FLEX
Composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) require rigorous testing to characterize mechanical properties. The time and expense required for testing may hinder the adoption of carbon fiber for some applications. C-Flex conducts a 4-point bending test on CFRP without the help of a trained lab technician. The machine allows anyone to simply load samples and obtain accurate and fast results.
Team members: Josh He, Kimberly Lee, Mihir Chandan, Kelven Chen, Benny Luo, Abriel Julao, (John Montesano, Faculty Advisor)
H2SO-LAR: AN AFFORDABLE SOLAR WATER HEATER
More than two billion people use open fires as the only way to heat the water they use for bathing, cleaning dishes and washing clothes. It is estimated that there are about 4.5 million premature deaths per year caused by indoor open fires. The cost of fuel is an added burden. Our team is aiming to alleviate the hardships faced by these people by designing and optimizing a thermosiphon solar water heater that provides running hot water, and is affordable, effective and safe to use.
Team members: Sarim Ali, Jessica Korosi, Saad Abdul Rehman, M. Shehryar Khan, Michael Collins (Faculty Advisor)
THRUSTER HYBRID COOLING SYSTEM
Current small-scale nozzles used for satellite orbital correction burns are limited to radiation cooling due to the inability to scale down regenerative and transpiration cooling systems commonly used in larger thrusters. This in turn subjects the nozzle to excessive temperatures, requiring expensive materials. This project explores applications of 3D printing to scale down regenerative and transpiration cooling systems for orbital correction thruster nozzles.
Team members: Yash Makhija, Xiaohan Du, Adam Zhang, Jean-Pierre Hickey (Faculty Advisor)
THE PERFECT POLISH
The Perfect Polish is a 3-in-1 machine that cleans, polishes and deodorizes leather dress shoes. This idea was inspired by busy working professionals who own multiple pairs of shoes and are constantly dirtying them. Keeping all of your shoes looking respectable takes lots of time and effort. The perfect polish will change this by requiring minimal user engagement to achieve excellent results and user satisfaction. Just take the shoes off, put them in the machine and they come out perfect in no time!
Team members: Kamyar Ghavam (Faculty Advisor), Joel Wiebe Neufeldt, John Hinton, Rob Lewis
EXOMUSCLE
There is a lack of technology to protect from musculoskeletal injuries actively. Competition in athletics causes individuals to demand more from their bodies, increasing the likelihood of injury. ExoMuscle provides dynamic joint sleeves for enhanced athletic performance and injury prevention. By integrating sensors and actuators into compression fabric sleeves, one’s muscular exertion will be tracked and utilized to provide active feedback and support. The system will be able to provide the optimal amount of support to maximize performance improvement while minimizing risk of injury.
Team members: Casey Garcia (ME), David Xu (ECE), Jonathan Manson-Hennig (ChemE), Run Ze Gao (ME), Yiming Fung (ME), (James Tung and Sean Peterson, Faculty Advisors)
THRU VIEW VEIN FINDER
Venepuncture, the process by which a needle is inserted into a vein to draw blood or give medicine intravenously, is one of the most common medical procedures performed each day. ThrU View Vein Finder aims to minimize the failure rate of venepuncture by providing the practitioner with an inside view of the area of interest, thereby facilitating the selection of an appropriate vein.
Team members: Sophie Laviolette (SYDE), Joey Duffy (MECH), Jack Gunn (MECH), Donovan Maudsley (MECH), Tristan Kuehn (SYDE), Alex Wong (Faculty Advisor)