Senior Design Projects - Fall 2025 Showcase

The detection and analysis of root systems have become crucial, especially in urban and plantation environments where infrastructure and ecological functions are deeply interwoven. ‘RootSeek’ technology offers a promising solution to monitor and quantify root systems, addressing challenges such as labor-intensive excavation methods that can damage roots and surrounding infrastructure. Root detection remains challenging despite significant advancements, particularly under certain soil conditions or when combined with various geophysical methods. Root damage, if undetected, can severely affect urban environments, plantation productivity, and even long-term carbon storage. 

As demands for immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experiences grow, a significant focus has been on overcoming sensory limitations between the physical and digital worlds. This project aims to develop a weight-haptic glove designed to simulate the sensation of weight for virtual objects in the real world and to enhance realism and engagement in VR environments. Dr. Kamat advised us that using liquid flow and pressure to mimic the weight of real-world items allows users to feel as though they are physically holding objects in virtual space. The research group plans to conduct experiments in Unreal Engine-based environments to explore how varying weights can be simulated, responding to different virtual objects. Additionally, they will experiment with various liquids, assessing their effects on the simulation. Hand-tracking capabilities are being tested with a new VR device to determine how accurately users’ movements are represented in the virtual world. The group aims to optimize efficiency and safety while providing immersive weight sensation and keeping up with market trends. Client interviews and surveys were done to address safety and technical concerns, and the glove's design was revised to improve the ability to handle weights and provide an accurate sensation of heaviness. The project integrates research, experiments, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and technical developments to develop the VR haptic weight glove. Finally, the glove adhered to ethical considerations and reviewed the risk analysis, the standard consideration, and marketability to aim for the product's success. The VR haptic weight glove provides enhanced VR experiences and a safe and efficient environment for training and entertainment, which is vital in society today. 

Traditional, labor-intensive agricultural practices continue to present challenges for efficiency, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making. To address this, our project introduces an Agricultural Environmental Monitoring System that enables farmers to monitor critical environmental variables—such as temperature, humidity, light, and soil moisture—in real-time. The system utilizes long-range LoRaWAN communication to collect and transmit environmental data from the field to a centralized platform. End users can access live and historical insights through a dedicated web interface. Designed with affordability, scalability, and energy efficiency in mind, the solution targets small to medium-sized farms seeking to modernize their operations without the complexity or cost of industrial systems. Encased in a durable, weather-resistant enclosure and powered by a solar-charged battery system, the monitoring unit can be deployed in remote locations with minimal maintenance. With a total deployment cost under $500, this system demonstrates the potential to bridge the gap between traditional farming and precision agriculture through accessible and reliable environmental monitoring. 

Power Pulse 

This project outlines the development process of the GasEssence Innovations wearable gas sensor device designed to enhance the safety of firefighters by detecting and monitoring hazardous concentrations of gas and smoke. The device features an artificial intelligence component that classifies and identifies several types of gasses and smokes in real-time. The rationale behind this device originated from the need for more compact, reliable, configurable, and cost-efficient gas detection wearables as opposed to the existing devices, which are often bulky, costly, or have limited gas detection capabilities. The device will be able to detect gases and smoke such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (CH2O), Ammonium (NH4), and Alcohol. The device components include sensing elements and AI to identify unknown gas and smoke signatures, an LCD screen, visual and audible alarms, and wireless and USB communication for user notifications and remote monitoring. The system will be heat-resistant, dust-proof, and shock-proof, with a prolonged battery life of at least 24 hours. The feasibility analysis, conducted in technical, resource, economic, scheduling, legal, cultural, and marketing categories, indicates that the device has the potential for successful implementation and widespread adoption. The system meets a vital demand in the market by combining real-time AI-based detection, ergonomic design, and wireless connectivity into a single wearable platform. An extensive risk analysis was conducted, and mitigation strategies have been established, particularly regarding sensor accuracy, AI dependability, and environmental durability. The project also includes a comparative marketability analysis of existing products, such as Kepler and Sensly, outlining opportunities for improvement through user experience, enhanced configurability, and AI-driven analysis. Health, environmental, and ethical considerations are addressed to ensure user safety and responsible deployment.