The Hand Lab has a goal of improving finger dexterity deterioration associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. This interdisciplinary capstone project aims to design and prototype a novel sensory stimulation device for individual digits. The device will be integrated with tactile vibrators associated with individual digits. Stimulation will be delivered to individual digits in a random manner. A digit will be required to respond to the stimulation with digit flexion. This project presents an open-ended design challenge that spans mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and biomedical instrumentation. Students will need to investigate tactile vibrators, motor response recording, and electronically controlled randomization of stimulation delivery. This project must be completed within defined constraints of time, budget, and regulatory safety.

- Design and build a cost-effective, multiparametric monitoring platform for rodent surgical procedures.
- Integrate a temperature regulation system (with a thermostat and heat support), sensors for respiratory and heart rates, n integrate an SpO₂ sensor for oxygen saturation.
-Enable wireless connectivity (Bluetooth and/or WiFi) for real-time data transmission and remote monitoring.
-Develop a mobile application to display live data and support secure data logging and analysis.
-Ensure system functionality with optional onboard display and storage (LCD and microSD) for offline reliability.
-Prototype must be tested and validated under simulated and live surgical conditions as part of an IACUC-approved protocol.
-Provide thorough documentation and design recommendations for scalability to larger rodent species and integration into research workflows.

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) are increasingly used in modern conflicts and civilian applications, posing challenges for airspace security. This project aims to develop a distributed Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) capable of detecting and tracking UAS using innovative sensing and processing techniques. The system will consist of multiple modules that operate collaboratively to identify and localize UAS in a defined area.
Student teams will work to:
1. Explore sensing technologies (e.g., acoustic, visual, or other) to detect UAS signatures.
2. Investigate methods for processing and sharing data between distributed modules.
3. Design and prototype hardware and software solutions for detection, localization, and visualization of UAS.

Trees, in particular topical trees, have a large impact on the global carbon cycling and with increasing climate change we need to understand the feedbacks of natural ecosystems on the global atmosphere. Trees interact with the surrounding air mainly through their leaves, so it is of particular interest for ecosystem ecologists to understand how individual leaves interact with the air in real-time and under conditions we humans do not thrive in.
Researchers have measured leaf gas exchange for many years, either with handheld instruments (slow and not easily repeatable) or with leaf/branch bags or leaf cuvettes. Most of these have a strong impact on the leaf environmental conditions by modifying the light, temperature or humidity. These modifications also impact the leaf functioning and these methods thus do not yield reliable results. Recent development of autonomous small leaf cuvettes that can be 3D printed (https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=10516825) appears to be a new method that might help ecologists to measure leaf gas exchange with minimal impact on leaves.

Scope: 1) with the sponsors research the current design (connect with the researchers who have developed it) and see how it can be improved upon, 2) evaluate the control requirements for reliable and controllable closure of the cuvette design, 3) design the small autonomous leaf cuvette, the electronic control system, and computer code to control the system 4) build (3D print the cuvette and control electronics box) a proto-type complete with mechanical and electronic diagrams and computer code, 5) test the proto-type in the Biosphere 2 rainforest ecosystem to test the system under realistic environmental conditions; 6) develop the plans to transform the prototype into a system that can be deployed on leaves of multiple species in the Biosphere 2 rainforest, and 7) present the results at design day and potentially at a conference.

The sponsor will supply the instrumentation needed to make gas exchange measurements.

1. Pack Design for Single Cells (1.56V, 13Ah, 1S1P) – for characterizing cells and understanding heating/insulation requirements
1.1. Single Cell Pack design
1.1.1. Cells will be provided
1.1.2. Housing/pack
1.1.3. Insulation
1.1.4. Heating element (w/ controller)
1.1.5. Temperature feedback
1.2. Testing
1.2.1. Means of charging/discharging cells
1.2.2. Characterize cells through a range of temperatures (room temp down to -60C or less ideally)
1.2.3. Characterize cells through a range of pressures – sub atmospheric – target pressure will depend on what is available
1.2.4. Data collection and review
2. 12V Pack design (12.5V, 13Ah, 8S1P) – Final design
2.1. Pack design
2.1.1. Cells will be provided
2.1.2. Housing/pack
2.1.3. Insulation
2.1.4. Heating element (w/ controller)
2.1.5. Temperature feedback
2.2. Testing
2.2.1. Means of charging/discharging cells
2.2.2. Characterize pack through a range of temperatures (room temp down to -60C or less ideally)
2.2.3. Characterize pack through a range of pressures – sub atmospheric – target pressure will depend on what is available
2.2.4. Data collection and review

Project Title: DENSITY MATTERS: Optimizing Aluminum Scrap Bale Density Through Equipment Design and Remelt Analysis

This capstone project proposes a partnership between Logemann—an industry leader in scrap processing equipment with over 140 years of manufacturing legacy—and the University of Arizona College of Engineering to analyze and optimize aluminum bale density for remelt efficiency. Students will work directly with Logemann’s engineering team and participating foundries to measure the impact of bale density on yield, dross formation, energy consumption, carbon output, and transportation efficiency. A key focus of the project will be the mechanical review and design modification of existing Logemann balers to produce the highest density, highest throughput aluminum bales possible. The team will evaluate structural and hydraulic parameters to improve compaction force and material flow. Results will support the development of an industry-validated density standard and contribute to circular manufacturing goals. The project offers students real-world experience in applied mechanical design, sustainability metrics, and industrial process optimization.

A gastrostomy tube (G-tube), also known as a feeding tube, is a medical device inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach to provide nutrition, fluids, and medications to patients who are unable to eat or swallow safely. One of the most common types of G-tubes uses an internal retention mechanism in the form of an inflatable balloon. This balloon is filled with sterile water once the tube is in place, anchoring the device inside the stomach.

While widely used, balloon-based retention systems present several issues. Over time, the balloon can degrade, deflate, or rupture due to mechanical stress, and/or chemical exposure. Balloon failure is one of the most common reasons for unplanned G-tube replacements, leading to patient discomfort, nutritional disruption, and increased healthcare burden. Additionally, if a balloon fails during use, the tube can become dislodged, increasing the risk of peristomal leakage, infection, and potential closure of the stoma, especially in new placements.

The goal of this capstone project is to design a novel, non-inflatable internal retention mechanism for a G-tube that provides reliable anchoring while minimizing the risk of accidental dislodgment and device failure. This alternative solution should prioritize patient safety, comfort, and ease of replacement.

The aim of this capstone project is to design and develop a drone equipped with a specialized payload to aid in disaster recovery scenarios, particularly when communication towers are compromised due to hurricanes or other natural disasters. The drone would be deployed post-disaster to facilitate emergency communications by receiving an emergency analog VHF channel and repeating the transmission on a UHF analog channel. Students will start by conducting a thorough needs assessment to understand the requirements and constraints of disaster recovery communication. They will then proceed to build, purchase, or alter a drone capable of carrying the necessary payload. The payload will consist of a communication system capable of receiving VHF signals and retransmitting them on UHF frequencies. The project will encompass various phases including research, design, development, testing, and deployment. Students will be responsible for ensuring that the drone and payload meets all operational requirements while also adhering to regulatory standards for unmanned aerial systems.

Student learning experience:
Students will gain hands-on experience in:
• Aerodynamic design and analysis for different drone types (fixed wing vs quad copter)
• Integration of communication system and payload
• Understanding and implementing VHF and UHF communication technology
• Drone assembly, testing, and flight operations
• Problem-solving and critical thinking

There are approximately 5.5 million miles of power lines and more than 180 million power poles in the United States. Most of the lines are above-ground (aerial) and are operated by investor-owned utilities. Even though most of the power grid is digitally recorded on GIS (Geographic Information System) maps, there is not always sufficient information to determine the vertical position of the utility below or above ground. This lack of 3D perception contributes to the more than 400,000 accidents related to utility lines as reported by the Common Ground Alliance in their yearly reports. Additionally, power lines that are not within the aerial sag limits frequently cause accidents and fires.

To combat this lack of 3D mapping, PeakView Solutions wants to offer a system that digitally captures above-ground utility lines and displays them to technicians via augmented reality (AR). This should reduce the number of accidents and help workers navigate above-ground utilities more effectively. Using ground or drone-mounted optical sensors might offer a potential solution to the data-gathering portion of the project. A binocular sensor approach would be preferred since it would support the data requirements for future projects. The displayed information in AR should also contain the identification, location, and conditions of the utility component. Lastly, the resulting software architecture should support future integration with CAD products.

Desired data metrics: Pole location, distance between poles, cable span and sag, lowest sag ground clearance, transformer and amplifier location, drop cable location, pedestal location, and ONT location.

Scope: (1) Research the best technologies to capture, store, and render data. (2) Perform trade studies for the various components. (3) Design a ground or aerial system that can accomplish the project goal. Although this is a prototype, consider the user experience and maintenance requirements in the design. (4) Build the system prototype along with the AR interface, considering off-the-shelf technology first. (5) Provide mechanical, electrical, and software diagrams of the system’s working components and processes. (6) Test the prototype for performance, safety, and ease of use. Use engineering design processes until an optimal design is found. (7) Develop plans (including cost estimates) to turn the system prototype into a compact, turnkey system that can be sold to customers and operated by technicians in the field. (8) Present results in a video conference and PowerPoint presentation.

Students will design and test a rig to anchor the potential thermally diodic effects of constructions involving Shape Memory Alloys for controlling heat flow into and out of sensitive electronics. In the 2025-2026 year students will leverage progress and equipment developed by the 2024-2025 team to improve the test rig and to test a more complex multi-layer construction.