Multimatic Shock & Impact Tester: Multimatic Inc. is a Tier 1 automotive supplier that has expressed the need for a machine that can perform shock and impact tests. Shock tests simulate various deceleration scenarios. Impact tests use a hardened surface to apply an impulse to a test specimen. To address this need our team designed a “drop tower” machine that drops a mass from a predetermined height to perform either a shock or impact test, depending on the configuration of the specimen.
Open Arms Project, Automatic Microfluidic Water Nutrient Analyzer, One Foot Forward: The Open Arms Project creates a versatile, inexpensive robotic manipulator arm. In partnership with the University of Waterloo’s Microfluidic Lab, the team developed a fully automated solution t to automatically collect nutrient data. This will allow researchers to collect and analyze data for any body of water in Canada. One Foot Forward revolutionizes the way individuals with lower leg injuries move and interact with their environment.
Cool Vibrations, Oko Haptics: Cool Vibrations aims to provide remote communities with affordable cooling to preserve food and vaccines. Our innovative solution employs a process known as thermoacoustic refrigeration to harness solar energy, convert it into sound, and then pump heat away from an enclosed space. Creating a live 3D model of the user’s environment, Oko Haptics communicates vital navigational information to the user through tactile vibrations. Our goal is to empower those with visual impairment to confidently and independently navigate their surroundings.
Assistive Wearable Device for Step Initiation: Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects one in every 500 people in Canada. Sixty percent of that population experience a ‘Freezing of Gait’. Occurrences of Freezing of Gait are characterized by trembling and shuffling of feet, and even complete immobility. Our team has developed a wearable device that detects freezing of gait. It then supplies a torque at the hip enabling users to re-initiate ambulation. We see this as an important tool to aid in the progression of Parkinson’s disease patient care.
Automated Shelving Solution for Pharmacies: Pharmacies are often situated in densely populated areas, where space is at a premium. Their prescription area contains quantities of narcotics, topical creams, and drugs. These medicines are stored on space-consuming shelves spanning the back walls of pharmacies. Our system incorporates a robotic arm that traverses through shelves to pick out the requested pill bottles. This reduces frustration when searching for medication. The automated solution enables a more ergonomic, efficient, and safe working environment for busy pharmaceutical staff.
Insula Medical: Smarter and Smaller Insulin Pumps: Insula Medical has created a compact and ergonomic insulin delivery system for use by Type 1 Diabetics. Our solution is smaller and less expensive than delivery systems currently on the market. This was achieved by devising a novel pumping, and insulin reservoir system. Our design has been fabricated and fully tested by our team. Additionally, the system integrates the pump control with users’ smartphones. This enables seamless, closed-loop communication between Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, by means of simple smartphone control.
CNC Steel Tube Notcher, Roger, the Dynamic Tennis Ball Launching Machine: CNC Steel Tube Notcher: Our project prototypes a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) mechanical cutting device, designed specifically to process steel tubes for frame weldments.Welding steel frames is a common fabrication process, but it requires cutting complex profiles on structural tubes for proper assembly. These cuts are difficult, if not impossible, to produce with conventional machine tooling. Our project prototypes a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) mechanical cutting device, designed specifically to process steel tubes for frame weldments. This device will significantly benefit university design teams and small fabrication shops. Competitive tennis players face opponents with diverse playing strategies. To develop an athlete’s consistency, coaches often use tennis ball launching machines. The drawback with current machines is that they cannot vary the ball spin, speed, and placement between launches. Our product, Roger, eases the learning curve from practice to competitive matches by simulating different playing styles. Roger is configurable to make shot patterns that mirror a specific opponent’s style of play giving an athlete the upper hand during a match.
Blitz: The future of transportation relies on self-driving electric vehicles to transform how people commute. Industry leaders, such as Waymo, Tesla, and Uber, have already announced ride-sharing services operated by fleets of self-driving vehicles, also known as “robo-taxis”. Although this technology is on the verge of fruition, much of its required infrastructure is underdeveloped. Blitz is addressing this need by creating an autonomous charging solution to ready existing EV charging stations for the emerging robo-taxi market. The future is now!
SolClean: As the world shifts to cleaner energy, renewable energy resources are increasingly sought-after alternatives to fossil fuels. Residential solar panels are used to generate clean, sustainable energy for homeowners. However, the amount of electricity generated is significantly diminished when the panels are covered by snow, dust, or other debris. SolClean has designed a system to remove these obstructions to allow greater energy generation.
Mars Farm: Mars Farm is a proof-of-concept design for a sustainable Martian farming system. It considers both transportation and operational requirements for the upcoming missions to colonize Mars. Our concept focuses on the mechanical design and automation required to ensure safe and reliable operation within the extraterrestrial Martian environment.
Semi-Active Exoskeleton for Spastic Diplegia: Spastic diplegia is a common form of cerebral palsy accounting for approximately 70% of cases. Severity can vary and the straight-line gait of the person is affected. A semi-active exoskeleton is being prototyped to assist with straight-line gait of persons with spastic diplegia.
Team Shoulderwatch: Quantifying arm elevation in the workplace: Overhead working postures (e.g. under a vehicle in an assembly line) are linked to significant musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulder, which negatively impact workers and companies alike. Our project develops a solution to quantify the duration of overhead work using data collected from commercial smartwatch sensors. We use machine learning techniques for activity recognition, informed by analysis of shoulder biomechanics, to recognize movement cues associated with overhead work and present an approach to effectively track and monitor workers’ exposure to overhead work and risk of shoulder injury.
Liquid Rocket Engine, Warehouse Aerial Manipulator (WAM), 2D Rapid Prototyping System: Design of a Liquid Rocket Engine. This prototype liquid rocket engine was designed and tested to serve as the team’s transition from hybrid rockets to liquid rockets, resulting in more efficient engines that can reach higher altitudes. Our team, WAM, brings a leading-edge inventory and management system to existing warehouses. It provides a streamlined solution through the use of flying drones, fitted with a manipulator. 2D Rapid Prototyping System. Our project focuses on a new 2D cutting solution that overcomes the prohibitive cost of laser cutters, and the difficulties associated with cutting sharp internal features with endmills.
Drive Mechanism for Pulse Tube Cryocoolers, Spizio Automatic Spice Dispenser: Drive Mechanism for Pulse Cryocoolers. Cryocooling involves cooling objects to temperatures below -180°C. This is presently used in many industries, including cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines and Maglev trains. Currently, cryocoolers are expensive and inaccessible to smaller industries. Development of cheaper drive mechanisms, the “engine” of the system, has been a bottleneck for producing affordable cryocoolers. Partnering with a Waterloo start-up company, Intelline Inc., our team is developing cheaper cryocooler drive mechanisms through novel manufacturing techniques. These exciting new developments are ultimately intended for mass production. Spizio is a kitchen countertop machine automating the process of measuring and dispensing powdered spices. From a touchscreen, people can select a specific quantity of an individual spice or create a spice blend. Upon request, spice is dispensed using a powder metering technology optimized for small-scale use. Spizio is a very convenient product for those who desire a user-friendly and efficient way of storing, organizing, and accessing an array of spices.
NARCS: The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires a solution to sample suspicious packages without exposing agents to hazardous substances. Using disposability and control of the contaminant pathway, Team Narcs provides a powder extraction and sealing device that greatly reduces this risk. Opioids are smuggled across borders. Synthetic opioids are the main driver of overdose deaths in North America, claiming 47,600 lives, in the U.S., in 2017. Its potency can easily cause accidental overdose. 2 mg of fentanyl can be lethal.
Dynamic Lighting Solution: A lamp which automatically adjusts its blue light content depending on user sleep patterns and time zone. Blue light content is automated to match the daily colour temperature cycles of natural circadian rhythms to reduce student fatigue caused by eye strain.
Waste Collection & Route Optimization: In order to optimize the collection of waste in modern cities like Toronto, our team has created an electromechanical device that measures the capacity of a waste bin. This device is easily mounted onto city waste bins and sends its data to a smartphone application. This data is then utilized to determine an optimized waste collection route for garbage truck drivers.
Formula SAE Suspension System Structural Design: University of Waterloo Formula Motorsports Team (UWFM) designs, analyzes, and manufactures race cars for the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Formula competition. We designed a mass optimized suspension system for UWFM to improve overall vehicle performance. The suspension system supports and controls the weight of the vehicle. The structural components of the previous UWFM suspension system did not meet mass and compliance targets for the 2020 vehicle. Team 19 took the opportunity to perform a lightweight re-design of the suspension’s linkages.
Versatile Automation of GTAW (TIG) Processes: We have designed a cost-effective alternative to multi-axis welding robots. Our system is easily configurable to new and varied weld geometries due to our incorporation of a novel system of guide rails. The system is easier to program than existing robotic systems since it utilizes a “learn by demonstration” technique. The robot can be physically moved through a path and then replay that movement. Additionally, our system accommodates existing weld torches, eliminating the need to purchase specialized welding equipment.
Automated Wall Printer: Conventional wall painting requires dedicated artists to work manually, with a small margin of error. This is both time-consuming and expensive. We have designed an automated “wall printer” to transform digital line art onto vertical surfaces, with minimum human intervention. Our cost-saving machine allows users to easily print decorative designs in a wide variety of settings.
Automated Investment Moulding Machine (AIMM): This project provides a fast, low-cost alternative to traditional metal prototyping methods. Although traditional methods of machining and metal 3D printing can produce complex parts with high dimensional accuracy, they are very expensive and require long lead-times. Using 3D-printed mould patterns, automated mixing, and a rapid pattern removal process, AIMM streamlines the production of high accuracy moulds. These moulds produce cast metal parts in a fraction of the machining or metal printing time.
Mighty Plow: Mighty Plow is a mobile ground robot for clearing snow. Equipped with high-torque electric motors, an articulating plow blade, and remote control, the device allows users to clear snow, from household driveways and walkways, without the physical exertion and exposure to the raw elements associated with manual shovelling. Mighty Plow leverages the team members’ experience in machine design, manufacturing, and technology to offer a powerful, innovative device that makes household snow removal convenient, accessible, and fun.
The Balanced Bikers: Riding a bicycle can be a challenge for those with disabilities which impact balance, such as people with cerebral palsy or stroke survivors. Traditional training wheels inhibit cyclists from leaning into a turn.This can result in significant injuries when attempted. Our team, the Balanced Bikers, have designed a spring-loaded mechanism to allow tilting during turns, which assists cyclists in returning to the upright position. It is adaptable to any bicycle size and style, eliminating the need for an expensive custom option.
Lean - Smart Gym Equiment: People passionate about weight training are seeking an edge to maximize gains and optimize workouts. Advanced training techniques, supported by the latest research, require interruptive and complicated loading schemes. This could compromise safety as users push themselves to their limits while manually adjusting loads. The LEAN team provides an innovative solution that can be retrofitted to home and commercial gym equipment. Our design delivers smart, programmatically-controlled, continuously-variable resistance making the most of every session.
Hybrid Compressed Air: A totally green energy grid requires large scale energy storage. Pressurized air in salt caverns can store megawatt hours of energy, called Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES). However, CAES currently lacks the response time needed to compete with gas turbines in the energy market. The objective of our project was to design and simulate the next generation of CAES systems by adding a hybrid element capable of improving the response time to meet grid level energy demands. Ultimately, this can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Automated Brake Testing Device for Passenger Rail Cars: In partnership with VIA Rail, Canada’s largest passenger rail service, we are developing an automated air brake testing system for passenger rail cars. The system aims to reduce the time and manpower required for maintenance as VIA expands their fleet. We are delivering portable “wireless pressure sensing units” which transmit data to a “Basestation” control hub, which then processes the data. The Basestation can facilitate a variety of tests through an integrated pneumatic circuit. The user controls the system through an Android tablet application.
Want to sponsor? Thank you to our sponsors. If you'd like to be involved please reach out to Dana Gies dgies@uwaterloo.ca
Dienamic, Get it Yourshelf, Modular Electric Long Board Attachment: DieNamic creates an innovative shapeshifting die that conforms to various part geometries. Our innovative design makes upper shelves more accessible by making these shelves fully accessible while maintaining a modular design. The Modular Electric Long Board Attachment is the perfect product for you. This device allows the mechanically and non-mechanically inclined to turn a traditional long board into an electrically motorized one.
OVR-EZ Canoe Portage Assistance Device: Canoeing is a popular activity for countless Canadians, many of whom also enjoy the challenge of portaging (carrying their canoe overhead from one lake to another). Portaging a canoe presents numerous ergonomic challenges and can also lead to long-term injuries. This results in shorter trips with shorter and fewer portages, ultimately limiting the experience for the user. The OVR-EZ portaging-assistance device improves the portage experience. This device eliminates awkward lifting, comfortably distributes the canoe load, and improves the user’s carrying posture.
Ketos, Nuworp Heat Exchange, Commercializable Self-Mixing Interferometer: Project KETOS focused on developing a mechanical filtration process that is capable of separating microplastics from water, in extreme volumes, to make our planet cleaner and more sustainable. The “Novel Ultra-Low Water Oil-Sands Recovery Process” (NUWORP) is a patented new solution which eliminates fossil fuel combustion and wastewater for oil extraction.Commercializable Self-Mixing Interferometer
Molten Salt Heat Exchanger, Binder Jetting System for Industrial R&D: Molten Salt Heat Exchanger. Our team designed an innovative molten salt heat exchanger for next generation nuclear reactors. Small modular reactors are being developed to provide safe, clean, and low-cost energy for power generation or industrial process heat applications. PBBJ printers can produce complex and large parts at low cost using a variety of materials, including metals and ceramics. Our team has implemented an innovative open control architecture with customizability and modularity to command an existing experimental PBBJ system to improve printing performance and machine safety.
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