Our brainstorming process began with an explosion of creativity. As a team, we committed to generating as many ideas as possible before making any decisions, and we ended up with 15 unique concepts—five from each member. These ideas ranged from purely practical to completely imaginative, and they showed just how differently each of us thinks. Over several days in class, we analyzed each idea individually, discussing feasibility, cost, sustainability, purpose, and whether the project would actually challenge us at a senior engineering level.

One of our earliest ideas was to build a miniature race car. It sounded exciting at first, especially because we love engineering and fast-paced design. But the more we talked about it, the more we realized it didn’t truly push our limits. It lacked the real-world impact, emotional meaning, and complexity we wanted for our final-year capstone. It felt like something any engineering team could do—not something that represented us.

We wanted our project to reflect who we are as people, not just as students. So we looked inward and asked ourselves what truly matters to us. That’s when two of our biggest passions stood out: our love for animals. We’ve spent many hours volunteering at animal shelters, socializing with cats at cafés, and learning about animal behavior. One of us is even a vegetarian because of their dedication to animal welfare. Over the years, we’ve seen many anxious small dogs in dog carriers not having enough support. This made us want to use engineering to help animals in a meaningful way.

This became the foundation for our final project: a smart, mobile dog carrier designed to reduce stress, improve safety, and make transportation easier for small dogs and their owners. It combines our personal values, our engineering knowledge, and our shared mission to create something that serves a real purpose.

Engineering Safety Features for Animal Transport in Dog Carriers

Abstract:

We are developing a smart, mobile dog carrier designed for small pets that prioritizes safety, comfort, and convenience. It features a padded interior with soft, washable cushions and shock-absorbing lining to protect the dog during movement. It has proper ventilation with mesh panels to ensure airflow without compromising security. It also has a clear acrylic window panel so the dog remains visible and secure. Mounted on wheels, the carrier can be controlled via a remote to adjust speed and direction, and will overcome any obstacles. The remote will have an on/off button, with directional controls (forward, backward, right, left as well. It will also feature a built-in GPS tracker connected through Bluetooth, which will allow real-time location tracking through a mobile app. The carrier will also sync with the owner’s phone for control. 

Introduction:

Animal safety and comfort during transport is an increasingly important concern, especially for small dogs that may experience anxiety, mobility challenges, or stress in unfamiliar environments. Traditional pet carriers often fail to support these needs, offering limited visibility, inconsistent ventilation, and little protection from sudden movement. As seniors in the Bartlett High School STEM Academy, we set out to redesign pet mobility through our capstone project: a smart, mobile dog carrier engineered specifically for small dogs. Our goal is to blend compassionate, animal-centered design with innovative technology to create a carrier that not only transports pets but also reduces stress, increases comfort, and supports owners through user-friendly controls. This project incorporates key features such as padded impact protection, breathable mesh ventilation, a clear visibility window, remote-controlled movement, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated GPS tracking. Each design choice is intentional, addressing real challenges faced by pets and owners and ultimately creating a safer, more supportive transport experience.

Design Challenges:

As we develop our smart dog carrier, we anticipate several design challenges. Balancing durability with light weight, integrating the remote-control system without compromising comfort, and ensuring proper ventilation while maintaining security are key concerns. Implementing reliable Bluetooth and GPS features, selecting obstacle-ready wheels, and choosing durable, washable materials are additional challenges we will address to create a safe and functional carrier.

Key Safety Features:

• Padded Interior: The interior of the carrier is lined with soft, washable cushions and a shock-absorbing base to protect small dogs from bumps and sudden movements. This design reduces stress and keeps pets comfortable during travel.

• Proper Ventilation: Mesh panels on the sides ensure consistent airflow while maintaining a secure environment for the dog. Good ventilation prevents overheating and helps pets feel calm and relaxed.

• Clear Panel for Visibility: A transparent window allows the dog to see its surroundings, reducing anxiety and helping owners monitor their pet. It also provides a sense of openness, making the carrier feel less confined.

• Mounted on Wheels: The wheeled base makes the carrier easy to transport over various surfaces, reducing physical strain for the owner. It also allows for smooth, stable movement, even when carrying heavier pets or navigating crowded spaces.

• Manual Remote Control: Owners can control the carrier’s speed and direction using a simple remote interface. This allows precise movement in tight spaces and provides full control over the pet’s travel experience.

• GPS/Location Tracker: The built-in GPS tracker enables real-time location monitoring through a connected mobile app. This feature gives owners peace of mind, knowing they can always locate their pet if needed.

• Bluetooth Connection: The carrier syncs with a smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing remote operation and monitoring. It also opens the possibility for future smart features, like notifications or app-based settings.

Behavioral Considerations:

Understanding animal behavior is crucial to designing a safe transport system. Animals may react unpredictably to motion, confinement, or unfamiliar environments. Features like soft lighting, familiar scents, and gentle handling protocols can help reduce fear and agitation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our smart dog carrier combines comfort, safety, and advanced technology to improve the travel experience for small pets and their owners. By integrating features such as comfortable padding, remote control, and GPS tracking, we address both the physical and emotional needs of dogs during transport. This project reflects our commitment to compassionate, innovative design and demonstrates how engineering can create practical solutions that make everyday life easier and safer. The prototype will showcase how the carrier performs in real-world conditions, including movement across different surfaces. Ultimately, the project aims to make pet transportation safer, more accessible, and repeatable for future builds.