On Tuesday, April 26th, Dr. Evren Koptur’s Computer Engineering Technology Capstone class presented their final capstone projects to College of Aeronautics students, faculty, and staff. Senior students, many preparing to graduate in May, worked in teams to create three separate projects, titled Drone-Based Water Sampling and Air Quality, Modular Smartphone-Controlled Electric Skateboard, and Retro Gaming Arcade Cabinet.
The Drone-Based Water Sampling and Air Quality project aims to make air quality testing and water sample collection safer and more efficient. This is accomplished by attaching an automated water sample collection system to an airborne drone. Dr. Koptur says that “as the drone approaches the water source the collection device will lower a tube that's connected to a pump, and fill up a sample container. This container can then be removed and used for testing.”
The Modular Smartphone-Controlled Electric Skateboard project seeks to create a skateboard using an app to control its speed. This approach would be less expensive to a potential consumer than electronic longboards already on the market today.
The Retro Gaming Arcade Cabinet seeks to provide an alternative to traditional arcade gaming systems at a lower price point. The project features a 24 inch display and two sets of controls for multiplayer game experiences, made possible by the use of a Raspberry Pi. Dr. Koptur shares that this team's desire for this project is “to provide those with a love of classic games some childhood nostalgia and to give new generations a way to experience those classic games in a retro way.”
Capstone projects are common practice for seniors in College of Aeronautics and Engineering degree programs. Students of all majors will complete a capstone project relevant to their field of study before graduation. Some introductory courses incorporate capstone projects as well, including the Introduction to Engineering course’s semesterly Lighter than Air Projects.
For more information about the College of Aeronautics and Engineering programs, visit https://www.kent.edu/cae/undergraduate-programs.