Interdisciplinary projects
Leveraging polytechnic mindsets to solve complex problems
Engineering today demands more than technical proficiency in a single discipline; it requires an interdisciplinary mindset that integrates knowledge across fields to solve increasingly complex challenges. Students preparing for careers in engineering must develop a strong foundation not only in their chosen specialties but also in complementary areas such as systems thinking, sustainability, data science, business, and human-centered design. This breadth of learning ensures they are adaptable, collaborative, and prepared to lead innovation in diverse industries.
By choosing to study and learn at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus, students are exposed to a distinctive educational model that emphasizes polytechnic values: practical, hands-on learning, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and real-world problem solving. Polytechnic students cultivate the technical depth and broad perspective necessary to address global challenges, preparing them to become engineers who not only master their fields but also bridge disciplines to create integrated solutions for the future.
The Innovation Showcase celebrates this spirit of interdisciplinary excellence. The projects presented here represent the culmination of collaborative work across multiple engineering disciplines as students tackle real-world problems with creativity and technical rigor.
Spring 2026
EGR 598
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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Access to reliable soil data can be limited in off-grid agricultural settings, making it difficult to assess soil health. This project addresses that challenge by developing a soil sensing system that uses TinyML to process data locally without internet access.…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
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This project explores how a chosen technology may evolve by 2036 through a month-long foresight process. It involves developing and presenting three scenario-based futures, business as usual, principled and unprincipled, through concise presentations that examine potential impacts and encourage critical…
EGR 402
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Perovskite solar cells offer potential for energy generation but face challenges due to chemical instability during operation. This project addresses that issue by working with Beyond Silicon to develop a degradation simulation system for testing cells at open circuit voltage.…
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Industrial equipment can present ergonomic and safety challenges that affect operator efficiency and workflow. This project addresses that issue by working with Amphenol Aerospace to improve an existing media separator system. The team developed a protective enclosure with safety interlocks,…
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Installing solar panels on tracking systems can require significant manual labor and increase installation time. This project addresses that challenge by working with Array Technologies to design a scaled prototype of a robotic system that assists with panel placement. The…
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Installing steel clips for solar panel alignment can be physically demanding and may lead to inconsistent results with existing tools. This project addresses that challenge by working with Array Technologies to design an ergonomic hand tool for clip installation. The…
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Measuring and validating torque in motor and gearbox systems can be inconsistent due to limited integration between hardware and data collection tools. This project addresses that challenge by working with Array Technologies to develop a system for real-time torque measurement…
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Frequent failure of high-cycle components in continuous production systems can lead to costly downtime and maintenance challenges. This project addresses that issue by working with Lallemand USA to improve the design and manufacturing of critical parts used in yeast production…
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Lightning strikes can cause damage to infrastructure, requiring costly repairs and creating safety risks during field maintenance. This project addresses that challenge by working with General Dynamics Mission Systems to develop a laboratory system that simulates lightning strikes. The system…
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Testing advanced navigation systems on full-scale aircraft can be costly and introduce operational risk during early development. This project addresses that challenge by working with Honeywell International Inc. to develop a scaled fixed-wing flight testbed. The system integrates navigation hardware…
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Motion sensors used in automatic door systems can be bulky, prone to false triggering and limited in durability under varying environmental conditions. This project addresses that challenge by working with Summit Automation to redesign a motion sensor that improves size,…
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Repairing internal surfaces of small components can be difficult with existing cold spray equipment due to size limitations of standard nozzles. This project addresses that challenge by working with Honeywell Aerospace to develop a compact, angled nozzle capable of reaching…
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Accurate bore-diameter measurement is essential for maintaining safety, performance and efficiency in manufacturing processes. This project addresses that challenge by developing a real-time, digital measurement system for use in Boeing production environments. The device uses mechanical vibration, an accelerometer and…
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Early prototypes of automated security devices can face limitations in detection accuracy, control and user interaction. This project addresses those challenges by working with Axon to improve an existing pan-tilt TASER system. The team focuses on enhancing human detection, refining…
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Protecting and deploying drones in operational environments requires systems that ensure secure storage and reliable launch. This project addresses that challenge by developing an enclosure for an Axon drone that supports safe storage and streamlined undocking. The design enables consistent…
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Integrating additional payloads into unmanned ground vehicles can be challenging without adaptable mounting systems. This project addresses that challenge by working with Axon Enterprises to design a modular adapter for the Sigyn Mk1 platform. The system includes a remotely controlled…
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Limited data on wire arc additive manufacturing systems makes it difficult to evaluate part quality and performance. This project addresses that challenge by working with Los Alamos National Laboratories to develop a low-cost WAAM testbed using a MIG welder integrated…
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Glovebox operators can experience muscle fatigue and strain due to prolonged work in constrained and ergonomically challenging conditions. This project addresses that challenge by working with Los Alamos National Laboratories to develop a robotic exoskeleton that supports upper body movement…
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Precision machining processes can be slowed by outdated fixturing methods that require extensive setup and operator input. This project addresses that challenge by developing a quick-change fixturing system for use across multiple machining platforms. The design focuses on reducing setup…
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Monitoring conveyor systems can be limited by wired sensors that require constant power and restrict deployment. This project addresses that challenge by working with Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling to develop a wireless sensor system for real-time monitoring of conveyor speed and…
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Sorting battery cells based on performance data can be time-consuming and prone to human error. This project addresses that challenge by working with Wisk Aero to develop an automated sorting system. The system uses vision-based scanning to read identifiers and…
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Machine downtime in industrial automation can increase costs and delay production, particularly when fault codes are difficult to interpret. This project addresses that challenge by developing a Windows-based assistant that supports troubleshooting for robotic systems. The system integrates with automation…
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Accurate measurement of turbofan engine rotational speed is essential for safe operation and performance monitoring. This project addresses that challenge by working with Honeywell to develop a system for measuring N1 speed under demanding conditions. The design includes signal conditioning…
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Designing efficient hybrid power systems requires testing under realistic performance conditions. This project addresses that challenge through participation in the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, where teams develop vehicles powered by a combination of hydraulic and human energy. The design builds…
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Pilots using handheld tablets for communication may need to divert attention from flight instruments, affecting situational awareness. This project addresses that challenge by designing a mounting system for use in the MV-22 Osprey cockpit. The system secures the tablet within…
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Handling and mounting electrical panels in HVAC systems can be inconsistent and labor-intensive without standardized processes. This project addresses that challenge by working with XNRGY Climate Solutions to develop a universal approach for panel installation. The design includes standardized mounting…
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The project centers on auditing XNRGY’s manufacturing operations with a targeted focus on compressed air systems, raw material waste, and electricity usage associated with industrial machinery. Partnering directly with XNRGY, the team is addressing the challenge of identifying inefficiencies in…
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Harvesting macroalgae manually can be time-consuming and limit research and production efficiency. This project addresses that challenge by working with AzCATI to develop an automated harvesting system for macroalgae farms. The design replaces manual collection with a conveyor-based system that…
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Exploring metallic asteroid surfaces presents challenges for existing rover designs, which are optimized for rocky or granular terrain. This project addresses that challenge by working with the NASA Psyche Mission to develop a rover concept suited for uneven, rigid surfaces.…
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Limited connectivity between industrial systems can restrict data visibility and reduce operational efficiency in manufacturing environments. This project addresses that challenge by working with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Manufacturing Engineering Association to develop an Industrial Internet of…
EGR 218
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Producing tritium for nuclear fusion requires materials that can perform reliably under controlled conditions. This project addresses that challenge by developing lithium-based ceramic materials with engineered porous structures. The design focuses on controlling pore size and distribution to improve material…
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Handling air-sensitive materials for electron microscopy can be difficult because exposure to air may alter or damage samples. This project addresses that challenge by developing a sealed transfer method that protects materials during handling and movement. The system maintains a…
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Heating materials to extremely high temperatures using conventional methods can be time-consuming and energy-intensive. This project addresses that challenge by developing an electrically powered system capable of rapidly heating materials to temperatures up to 3000°C. The design controls power input,…
EGR 313
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Automating object handling tasks requires systems that can operate reliably using different power sources. This project addresses that challenge by developing a robotic arm powered by compressed air. The system uses pneumatic pistons to control movement and a suction-based vacuum…
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Understanding how temperature differences affect energy conversion is important for evaluating heat engine performance. This project addresses that question by studying a Stirling engine, which converts thermal energy into mechanical motion through cyclic expansion and contraction of a gas. The…
EGR 304
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No project description available. Sponsor
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This project involves designing a wearable health monitor that detects unsafe environments and supports worker safety. The device identifies hazards such as air particulates and exposed wires, then communicates this information to a supervisor’s smart device, enabling real-time monitoring and…
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No project description available. Sponsor
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This project involves developing a remote-operated fire suppression system designed to detect hazardous conditions and respond to threats. The device uses smoke, heat and gas sensors to monitor environments, communicates risk through alerts and alarms, and deploys a mobile targeting…
EGR 530
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This project involves a demonstration with a robotic car.
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This project involves a demonstration with a robotic car.
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This project involves a demonstration with a robotic car.
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This project involves a demonstration with a robotic car.
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This project involves a demonstration with a robotic car.
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This project involves a demonstration with a robotic car.
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This project involves a demonstration with a robotic car.
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This project involves a demonstration with a robotic car.
Thank you for joining us at the Spring 2026 Innovation Showcase
This event took place on Friday, May 1, 2026, in the
Sun Devil Fitness Complex, on the Polytechnic campus at ASU.
Morning session: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Afternoon session: 3–5 p.m.
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