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 2025
EGR 598
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This team applied Tiny Machine Learning, or TinyML, to enhance the SolarSENSE off-grid, solar-powered soil sensor. The system measures temperature, moisture, phosphate and salinity, with an ESP32 microcontroller processing the data locally using TinyML. Results are delivered to a smartphone…
EGR 313 / EGR 314
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The purpose of this project is to increase worker safety on construction sites by detecting hazardous gases and temperatures. If the user enters an unsafe environment, an LED will flash or the helmet will vibrate depending on the environmental risk.…
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This team’s project, OptimEYES, is an intelligent tool status notification system designed to enhance safety and efficiency on automated construction sites. As the industry shifts toward machine-operated tasks, operators are still required to remain nearby to verify accuracy. OptimEYES addresses…
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This project uses four load sensors to measure a vehicle’s total load weight. It compares the weight to a user-defined maximum and triggers a warning if the load nears or exceeds this limit. The system provides real-time feedback to prevent…
EGR 304
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Automotive braking systems generate heat through friction between brake pads and rotors, which can degrade performance and cause wear. This team is developing a liquid-cooled brake rotor system to dissipate heat more efficiently and prevent performance loss. The design will…
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EGR 314 challenges teams to create an interactive S.T.E.M. exhibit to teach K-12 students about a topic of the teams’ choosing. This team project tests middle-schoolers’ periodic table knowledge with the Element Sorter — a gamified, colorblind-friendly sorting machine that…
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This team project is a display of the STEM concept of electricity generation through means of a hydroelectric dam. The team utilized Arizona science standards to target the audience of students in grades 7–12. The team chose to use the hydroelectric…
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The Human Interface Module is a compact embedded system designed to visualize input signals on an OLED display. Powered by a 12V DC input stepped down to 3.3V, it features an ESP32-S3 microcontroller for processing, ADS1115 for high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion,…
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This team is developing an object following robot to help K-12 students learn more about control, sensing and communication in robotics. More specifically, this project will educate middle and high school students by highlighting the microprocessors, sensors, supporting components, technical…
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Teams in this course are developing projects with STEM-themed displays that demonstrate a single scientific/engineering concept in an interactive, web-enabled, physical device while following standards and modularity. The intended users are K-12 students interested in learning about science, technology, engineering,…
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Teams in this course are developing projects with STEM-themed displays that demonstrate a single scientific/engineering concept in an interactive, web-enabled, physical device while following standards and modularity. The intended users are K-12 students interested in learning about science, technology, engineering,…
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This team made a small centrifuge to display the relative differences in gravity on different planets and celestial bodies in the solar system. Sponsor
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An interactive game was designed by this team as a museum-like exhibit to show K-12 students how physical hardware can be used to interact and affect digital signals in a circuit by allowing them to control the output of an…
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This project is a cooling system that utilizes three microcontrollers to manage different functions for improved performance and modularity. One microcontroller handles Wi-Fi connectivity and monitors ambient temperature using a sensor. The second microcontroller controls the fan adjusting based on…
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This project is a simulated wind tunnel designed to provide an engaging and educational experience. Each member of this team is responsible for a unique subsystem. The Aircraft Pitch Controller adjusts a stepper motor based on user input. The Fan…
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The team project aims to design a STEAM-themed interactive display system for K-12 students through a line following robot. It will consist of the following modular subsystems: the Sensor Subsystem, which includes a color sensor that communicates via I2C or…
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This interactive, STEM-focused weather station engages K–12 students through real-time environmental data and hands-on learning. It measures temperature, humidity, and air pressure using sensors connected to a Microchip PIC microcontroller, which manages communication across all subsystems. An ESP32-S3 module transmits…
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Teams in this course are developing projects with STEM-themed displays that demonstrate a single scientific/engineering concept in an interactive, web-enabled, physical device while following standards and modularity. The intended users are K-12 students interested in learning about science, technology, engineering,…
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The Weather Data Collection System (WDC) is an interactive exhibit that allows students to learn about weather monitoring and control systems. A temperature sensor collects data and sends it to a PIC microcontroller via I2C. If the temperature exceeds a…
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The purpose of this team’s project is to inspire future STEM students by showcasing the real-world capabilities of STEM concepts through a fun and interactive experience. To achieve this, the design focuses on engagement, creativity, and hands-on learning, ensuring that…
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This team’s project is a K-12 STEM museum exhibit to showcase the principle of electromagnetism. To demonstrate this principle, this team constructed a track with electromagnetic coils to accelerate a steel ball based on a speed input and the triggering…
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This team’s project is an interactive solar tracker designed to help young students learn about solar energy in a fun and engaging way. The system uses a motor to move a solar panel toward the brightest light source, utilizing optical…
EGR 102
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This team is designing and programming a 3D-printed robot to assist with delivering lecture material. The robot is capable of speaking and moving around the classroom, engaging with students. It will be controlled via a phone app to enhance interaction…
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This team’s project involves designing and testing power generators, such as windmills, water wheels, and solar panels, to measure their power output. The system was upgraded by replacing the old setup with a weatherproof touchscreen control panel powered by an…
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This team is developing a virtual reality simulation to help students develop empathy for the people they are designing for. The simulation will also help students learn how to apply critical thinking skills to identify the limitations and challenges of…
Additional engineering projects
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This team examines how early career engineers define adaptability in their own terms, uncovering the personal, social and organizational factors that shape their views. The project aims to inform engineering education and workplace practices by revealing how adaptability is understood…
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Supply and Demand Open Knowledge Network, or SUDOKN, is an interconnected network of publicly available manufacturing capability data focused on Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers, or SMM. This project empowers SMMs by bolstering their visibility through the open knowledge network on…
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This team designed a platform to enable the LifeGlider to be used with a treadmill pad. Sponsor
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Engineering identity evolves through the interaction between personal expectations and environmental influences. While research links strong engineering identity to persistence, major choice and belonging, less is known about when students begin to see themselves as engineers. This team explores that…
Thank you for attending the Spring 2025 Innovation Showcase
Friday, May 2, 2025
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sun Devil Fitness Complex, Polytechnic campus