UC, MU, and NKU Senior Design/Capstone Projects University of Cincinnati Team 1: Project Title: Analog Synthesizer with MIDI Control and Digital Effects Abstract: A custom monophonic, modular, Euro-rack mountable analog synthesizer consisting of two Voltage Controlled Oscillators, a Voltage Controlled Filter, and a Mixer was combined with a Euro-rack mountable Digital Effects Bank powered by an Electrosmith Daisy Seed to create awesome sounds for recording and live performances. Team members: Dan String, Jordan Smith, Justin Wade Advisor: Dr. Wei Wei Team 2: Project Title: Stomata, Green Toolkit Abstract: The Stomata project introduces a fresh, innovative approach to tackling urban climate change by pairing sustainable ecosystem design with a modular, cost-effective environmental monitoring device. Our team, focusing on the computer and electrical engineering side, is responsible for building and programming this device to support nature-based climate solutions. Urban areas face serious climate-related challenges—poor air quality, rising temperatures from the heat island effect, and a loss of biodiversity. There’s a clear need for solutions that not only monitor environmental conditions but also support ecological restoration in a scalable, affordable way. Unfortunately, most current technologies fall short in integration, usability, or cost. That’s where Stomata comes in. Our device measures key environmental factors like air quality, soil moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity, with real-time data visualized through a mobile app. It’s designed to be easy to replicate, making it a strong candidate for deployment in other urban areas or academic settings. Ultimately, this project lays the groundwork for smarter, more accessible environmental monitoring and offers a practical solution that we’re piloting right here at the University of Cincinnati. Team members: Khadija Coulibaly, Perry Johnson, Hamza Khairy Advisors: Dr. Drew McAvoy Miami University Team 1: Project Title: 3D Printed Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft Abstract: Our team's goal is to create a fully functional fixed-wing airplane capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), both manually and autonomously, with integrated payload carry and release capabilities. Unlike past teams, our team 3D printed and assembled parts to construct the airframe, which is reinforced with carbon fiber rods. Team members: Aiden Haley, Andrew LaMendola, Ashtin Reip, John Tomtishen Advisor: Prof. Jim Leonard Team 2: Project Title: Duplo Mindstorm Abstract: The Duplo Mindstorm project explores the design and development of a servo and sensor system for a Duplo-based robot. The project required a combination of 3D printing, modeling, and hardware integration to ensure compatibility and functionality with Duplo. Components are housed in custom 3D-printed Duplo blocks, allowing for versatile robot designs, similar to Mindstorms from Lego. Team members: Dana Clark, Cody Radabaugh, Sam Stage, Tommy Trinh Advisor: Dr. Peter Jamieson Northern Kentucky University Team 1: Project Title: All-Terrain Autonomous Guided Vehicle Abstract: The demand for ongoing innovation has increased over recent years due to the positive impact spread across a multitude of industries. While the versatility and application varies upon industry and industry needs, one challenge is known across all industries; that is, being able to create a durable robot while being affordable. This project aims to design an innovative all-terrain autonomous guided vehicle, or rather all-terrain AGV with the ability to navigate both an indoor and outdoor environment in addition to being cost effective. The project encompasses crucial designs such as adding four tracks and a suspension for the outdoor environment, adding a camera to track objects and overall placement of the robot’s location, and using a RPLIDAR sensor to map out the given surroundings. Alongside this, we’ll be using a NVIDIA Jetson Nano using Python to control the robot in addition to a remote to ensure that the robot can move by manual operation alongside being autonomous. Ensuring the robot is affordable, durable, and flexible given the environment it’s surrounded by is crucial for the robot, and the project aims to offer a sustainable solution for any industry while being able to perform tasks alongside being able to carry light objects within any environment. Team members: Conner Degarmoe, Trevor Harms, Chase Gordon Advisor: Dr. Mahdi Yazdanpour Team 2: Project Title: Will be announced soon! Room: Brewhouse, March First Brewing & Distilling, 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45249