Engineering for Others

“Whatever the particular innovation may be, it would be in the best interest of society to consider as many people and their unique situations as possible.”

- Sophia Hasara A’21

Photos courtesy of Clare Grammig A’21.

Six seniors in the Academy of the Holy Names’ Engineering and Technology Integrations class designed a last-mile delivery system as part of Florida Atlantic University’s Transportation STEM Initiative project. Using the prompt “design and simulate an urban delivery network assisted by smart mobility,” the girls built and programmed an autonomous robot to serve as an automated ordering system.

Before starting the six-month project, the students studied the concepts of “Intersectionality” and the “Universe of Obligation,” as they relate to design and engineering. Using the Sisters of the Holy Names’ core value of service to poor or marginalized people, the seniors focused their project on elderly residents in Sun City Center. They recognized a lack of safety and preparation in Florida’s elderly population during hurricane season, especially the homebound. So, the students designed a robot to take supply orders ahead of inclement weather. The robot would also provide instructions on obtaining prescription deliveries from local pharmacies.

According to Sophia Hasara A’21, “Whatever the particular innovation may be, it would be in the best interest of society to consider as many people and their unique situations as possible. This design process helped us to not only serve more people but also understand our target clients more. We grew both in our understanding of engineering and as people during our time developing this project.”

With a balance between their programming and engineering collaboration, the students assembled two prototypes for testing and accuracy using the Verona neighborhood in Sun City Center as their intended launch site. Using a VEX line tracker, the robot would travel along lines painted on the community’s sidewalk, stopping at each residence to take orders. A VEX ultrasonic range module would detect obstacles and prevent accidents. The students used transportation and logistics simulation software to code the robot and designed an ordering screen that would be user-friendly for seniors. With a successful implementation, the students’ end goal is partnering with a third-party delivery service, such as Shipt or Instacart, to deliver the supplies and prescriptions.

The students presented their robot to a team from the FAU Freight Mobility Research Institute, which likened the work to a senior capstone project at the collegiate level. Of 15 high schools that began the project in the fall, Academy had the only team to complete the project with a working solution.

The project’s duration also allowed them to spend more time problem-solving. For example, an initial design included an arm to knock on doors, which the students eliminated when they realized many of the residences had screened porches. The solution was an opt-in text system to alert residents of the robot’s scheduled arrival. The students also had to find balance in a design that was heavy in both programming and engineering. Working together, they found common ground that balanced their skills and the project timeline.

For each of the students, the hands-on work and autonomy the project allowed were highlights of the program. Grace Cronen A’21 has always liked building and tinkering, and the robot allowed her to combine that interest with a research-driven project. Hailey Keen A’21 appreciated using technology as a tool to problem solve, while Julie Bolling A’21 appreciated learning to set and meet deadlines. With their backgrounds, all of the students are ready to change the world. This year, an engineering and technology integrations course was launched for students who already completed the computer science or engineering track to combine both interests. Each of the six seniors who enrolled in the class is interested in continuing on a STEM path in college.

JULIE BOLLING

ENGINEERING TRACK University of Central Florida, major in mechanical engineering or computer science

GRACE CRONEN

ENGINEERING TRACK West Virginia University, major in history/political science or engineering/construction

CLARE GRAMMIG

ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE TRACKS Claremont McKenna College, major in computer science or government

SOPHIA HASARA

COMPUTER SCIENCE TRACK Rollins College, major in computer science and business

HAILEY KEEN

COMPUTER SCIENCE TRACK University of Florida, major in biomedical engineering

RACHEL TROY

COMPUTER SCIENCE TRACK Clemson University, major in computer science or mechanical engineering