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Design of A Modular 6-DoF Robotic Surgical Instrument with Tool Modularity and Decoupled Degrees of Freedom
No full textThis paper presents the design and development of a new 6-degrees-of-freedom (DoF) robotic instrument aimed at enhancing precision and adaptability in Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (RMIS), where surgical access is limited to sub-1.5 cm incisions. To address the design challenges posed by these constraints, the proposed instrument incorporates a flexible transmission system and an elbow mechanism, ensuring pre- cise control ability to access locations obstructed by other organs. A novel feature of the design is its tool interchange component, decoupled DoF structure, allowing seamless interchange of the distal unit, including the end effectors, without manual intervention. This modularity is expected to grant surgeons immediate access to specialized tools, streamlining surgical flow. Building upon our existing work, the instrument’s design enables effective navigation around obstructions, expanding RMIS capabilities in challenging anatom- ical regions. The paper describes the kinematic modeling, prototype development, control, and experimental validation, highlighting the instrument’s manipulation precision, grip force measurements, end-effector res- olution, and overall accuracy in dummy surgical tasks
Design of a Hybrid Renewable Microgrid System for Remote Populations
No full textThis MQP addresses global energy accessibility challenges and provides a simulation framework for hybrid renewable microgrids (MGs) in remote areas, using South Sudan as its main case study. Even though earth's renewable resources potential is substantial, a large percentage of the world population still lacks reliable access to electricity. Our project shows that sustainable energy solutions are cost competitive and cleaner than mainstream non-renewable energy alternatives at decentralized energy systems. The Renewable Hybrid Optimized Microgrid Energy (RHOME) model was developed using a dual simulation approach, merging high level techno-economic analysis with bottom-up power system functionality in MATLAB/Simulink. The model simultaneously includes multiple renewable and traditional energy sources. The model also describes their dynamic interactions in diverse scenarios. We find that appropriately designed hybrid MGs can achieve high levels of renewable penetration and meet reliability standards across all possible operating conditions. Training up to 2023 data, the RHOME model enables real-time visualization of the performance of a system and comparison of different scenarios, providing essential information for deploying sustainable energy solutions in marginalized areas. This research significantly tackles a key challenge in global development by carefully optimizing technical performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact to enable universal electricity access that is reliable, affordable, and containable in underserved grid infrastructure contexts
Inventory Management at AIS
No full textOur project aimed to reduce operating costs through efficient inventory management and space utilization at Affordable Interior Systems (AIS). We focused on optimizing the bulk inventory through warehouse design and material transportation. We achieved these objectives by analyzing data regarding pallet and package dimensions, item demand, and material movement within the bulk inventory department to other locations within the factory. We also used tools such as computer algorithm simulations (Monte Carlo), Linear Programming Models (OpenSolver), and software such as AutoCAD to establish our findings. The results showed that AIS can take specific actions to maximize its current space and achieve cost savings. In conclusion, this project allowed us to find small changes that AIS, an already stable company, can use to be more cost-effective while providing a flexible strategy that can be adjusted as the company’s needs evolve. By combining data-driven tools and hands-on research, our team has given AIS actionable insights to refine its operations and continually achieve long-term efficiency improvements
Improving Intersection Safety and Efficiency in Somers, CT
No full textConnecticut State Highway Routes 190 and Route 83 intersect in Somers, Connecticut, and serve as the major arterial roadways for the town. This intersection experiences a high crash rate and congestion, leading to poor safety, which is expected to get worse in future years as traffic volumes increase. To address the current and future concerns, the intersection was redesigned as a single-lane roundabout. The final design was created using AutoCAD, tested for fastest paths and truck turning movements, and a cost estimate was developed. All research and results were completed collaboratively with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)
Beaver Conflict Mitigation: Building Roadway Flooding Resiliency in W. Boylston
No full textState highway Route 12, passing through the Waushacum Brook wetlands in West Boylston, MA, has historically faced flooding issues during major rainfall events. The wetlands are owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and require routine maintenance to mitigate nuisance beaver activity. Through site visits, culvert capacity analysis, hydrologic modeling, and online research, the source of flooding was determined to be undersized culverts beneath Route 12 and a chokepoint created by an old road. The team recommends replacement of an undersized culvert and excavation of the stream chokepoint as effective, long-term solutions to reduce flooding risk with reduced maintenance needs and a positive ecological impact
Capacity Building for Cuenca's Farmer's Markets
No full textLa Red Agroecológica del Austro (the RAA) is an organization that supports agroecological producers in the region of Azuay, Ecuador, by providing agroecological fairs for them to sell their goods and a social network in which they can support one another. We worked closely with agroproducers from the RAA to complete a database of the producers, which can be used as evidence and data to support their local fairs. Additionally, we created a website that organizes information about the RAA, their agroecological fairs, and their producers, to be used by consumers and for potential funding purposes
Machine Learning in Boiling Heat Transfer
No full textThe goal of this project is to investigate the causes of temperature fluctuations in boiling heat transfer on smooth and needle-like microstructured surfaces. Machine learning models, such as random forest regression and k-means clustering, were used on experimental data to predict temperatures based on voltage, time, and average temperature trends. After experimenting with three different methods, it was found that the two-model approach which split the data into two phases, before boiling and during boiling, consistently outperformed the other methods, resulting in higher accuracy and lower prediction errors. The results showed that microstructured surfaces had better predictive performance than smooth surfaces. These findings suggest that microstructured surfaces may improve heat transfer efficiency compared to smooth surfaces, opening the way for designing more effective heat transfer mechanisms
FinTech Project B24 - Woo Sox - Developing Woo Sox Mini Ticket Package Plans
No full textThe Worcester Red Sox (WooSox) sought to revitalize their mini-ticket packages for the 2025 season due to declining fan interest. Our team analyzed ticket sales, attendance trends, on-field performance, weather conditions, and marketing survey data to identify patterns and opportunities. Predictive models were developed to forecast attendance, considering variables like promotions, weather, and game timing. Findings highlighted the impact of team performance, star players, and premium pricing on ticket sales, as well as the underperformance of certain seating sections and weekday games. Merchandise data from multiple POS systems was integrated into an interactive dashboard, enabling the WooSox to track profitability and optimize offerings. Recommendations include refining predictive models, enhancing data integration processes, and leveraging targeted promotions to boost sales and fan retention. Together, these strategies provide a roadmap to meet market demands, improve fan engagement, and maximize revenue for the 2025 season
Transdisciplinary Design of a Smart Insole for Regulating Shuffling Gait in Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies
No full textOne in four elderly adults fall annually. Parkinson’s and Dementia with Lewy Bodies are both diseases with rapidly growing populations who are at high risk of falls. Parkinson’s Disease is projected to affect 25 million people worldwide by 2050. Dementia with Lewy Bodies is the most prevalent cause of degenerative dementia. Shuffling gait is a common symptom of both these diseases. Shuffling gait is a major cause of falls, negative health outcomes, and a decline in quality of life for the affected populations. 75% of older people experience a gait disorder along with its negative effects. Despite the need for a solution to prevent falls from occuring due to shuffling gait, current options are extremely limited. In this project, we used a transdisciplinary, human-centered design approach to fill this need. This approach enabled us to develop a product that meets the user needs while also solving the problem, rather than prioritizing one over the other. Qualitative research was conducted to better understand the perspective of key stakeholders. Findings from expert interviews suggested that an adaptive, user-friendly device could assist with shuffling gait, improving mobility, decreasing the fear of falling, and filling the need for a preventative device. We brought together individuals with backgrounds in biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, as well as business to develop insoles that use rhythmic vibration to assist with abnormal gait symptoms. Our idea was actualized, and a plan to bring the device to market was theorized. Our device was tested internally, and results indicate that the rhythmic vibration provides a helpful cue to develop improved walking patterns. Plans to test the device within the target population were developed. This Major Qualifying Project provides a novel solution to the need for a device that prevents falls from occurring due to shuffling gait
Evaluating Tiaki: An Educational Board Game on Pest Management
No full textThis project evaluated Tiaki, a serious board game designed to educate players on pest management in Aotearoa New Zealand. Tiaki, developed with conservation experts, fosters discussions on biodiversity protection and ethical pest control. We interviewed the creators behind Tiaki and conducted 11 playtesting sessions, including pre- and post-game surveys to assess the game’s effectiveness in enhancing player knowledge and engagement. Results found that 53% of players reported increased familiarity with pest control methods. Players reported a broader understanding of the diversity of ethical perspectives. Recommendations include suggestions for areas for game improvement involving rule clarity, card ambiguity, and pest-related context to enhance Tiaki’s impact as an educational tool