Senior Design Projects - Fall 2025 Showcase

Obscura Comms is a covert communication system that embeds hidden messages within standard LoRaWAN traffic by modifying unused RFU (Reserved for Future Use) bits in the unencrypted MHDR (MAC Header) of downlink packets. These bits are typically ignored by network infrastructure and devices, allowing covert data to be transmitted without disrupting normal operations. The system directly integrates with The Things Stack LoRaWAN Network Server, modifying packet headers at the protocol level during transmission. LoStik transceivers are used to capture the downlink packets at the receiver to confirm successful communication. This approach enables low-profile metadata transmission over public LoRaWAN infrastructure in a covert and novel way. 

Our project aims to ease the STL file creation process for designers and engineers by designing and fabricating a wireless 3D scanning device for STL creation. The device has several constraints, such as size and weight; it must be capable of being portable. Some assumptions were placed on where an efficient system could be fabricated without designing new components. There are limitations, such as technical challenges like needing to be more proficient in machine learning to implement it in our product. This project is about designing our product to be easy to operate, compact, and portable. We found our device to be highly marketable. We expected the operating environment to be controlled. Our device is intended for a market of engineers, designers, and hobbyists. Its intended uses are scanning objects for STL creation while using machine learning to remove any errors in the file creation. We found our product to be ethically sound and culturally acceptable. The device uses a Raspberry PI as its processing unit and an Intel RealSense D415 depth camera to scan. Numerous patents were considered that proposed similar ideas to ours, and we found that our concept differed sufficiently to present any threats to the patented inventions. Our product would succeed in the global marketplace as it is innovative, versatile, and applicable in bridging sectors within the industry. 

This project focuses on designing and implementing a Home Safety System to enhance residential security and overall safety. The system uses various modules, including motion, smoke, flood, camera, and an innovative notification system, to detect intrusions, fire hazards, and environmental risks such as gas leaks. The design uses multiple microcontroller-based control units for data processing and wireless communication for real-time alerts to homeowners via a dedicated mobile application. In addition to its core functionalities, the system is designed with energy efficiency in mind to ensure long-term reliability and low operational costs. The design emphasizes scalability, adaptability, and customization, enabling users to tailor the system to their needs. Future work will involve prototyping and comprehensive testing to evaluate its performance under various conditions. The Vigilant Home Safety System's design aligns with modern safety standards, ensuring a practical, user-friendly approach to enhancing home security and peace of mind. 

The Wireless EV Charging System project was developed to address a critical and growing challenge in modern transportation infrastructure: the inconvenience and rigidity of traditional electric vehicle (EV) charging. As EV adoption surges globally, urban environments and institutions alike are seeking flexible, scalable solutions that improve the user experience while supporting sustainable practices. This project introduces a hands-free wireless charging system using inductive power transfer, tailored for small electric vehicles such as golf carts and adaptable for broader EV applications.

The team’s primary objective was to design, build, and test a functioning wireless charging prototype that could deliver high-frequency power transmission efficiently and safely through a custom-molded enclosure. Operating at a frequency of approximately 85 kHz and delivering nearly 1.5 kW of power—with potential for 2 kW in future iterations—the system demonstrates the core viability of non-contact charging. To optimize inductive performance and reduce electromagnetic interference, 38 AWG wire was used, selected specifically for its performance at high frequencies and minimal skin effect.

Mechanically, the system is housed in a robust fiberglass enclosure, which was fabricated in-house using CAD models and a molding process designed for durability and precision. Fiberglass was chosen for its non-conductive, magnetically transparent properties, ensuring that the enclosure does not interfere with the electromagnetic fields critical to power transfer. The setup was tested in a real-world scenario by integrating the receiver coil onto an FIU golf cart, effectively simulating end-user conditions and validating system reliability. A PVC frame was temporarily used to simulate golf cart ground clearance (estimated under 1 foot) and ensure the separation between the transmitter and receiver coils was realistic.

The development process was guided by multidisciplinary collaboration across engineering, mechanical design, marketing, and manufacturing logistics. Major milestones included the successful assembly of the inductive coil system, enclosure integration, and validation through both bench testing and vehicle-based testing. The team ensured compliance with global standards such as IEC 61980, laying the groundwork for potential international application and scalability.

Throughout the project, challenges such as board overheating and tuning for optimal coil alignment were encountered and resolved iteratively. Future iterations of the system will improve power stability, incorporate advanced cooling strategies, and continue scaling the system for higher wattage needs. These improvements will make the technology increasingly viable for larger vehicles and longer-range applications.

This project is more than a technical success—it represents a vision for the future of EV infrastructure. The hands-free wireless system improves convenience for end users, reduces reliance on cable-based charging systems prone to wear and tear, and enables smarter, safer energy transfer in dense urban or institutional environments. Its modular, durable design and international compliance positioning offer strong potential for deployment in university campuses, smart cities, and public transit hubs worldwide.

In summary, the Wireless EV Charging System prototype demonstrates a working solution that blends mechanical innovation, electrical engineering, and user-centered design to meet the growing demands of a global clean energy transition. It has laid the foundation for scalable, adaptable wireless charging technology that can reshape how people interact with electric mobility.

The Wireless EV Charging System project aims to provide a seamless and efficient solution to electric vehicle (EV) charging by eliminating the need for physical connections. The system employs inductive power transfer technology, allowing EVs to charge by parking over a designated charging pad. The project focuses on enhancing convenience, promoting sustainability, and encouraging EV adoption globally. Since its inception, the project has progressed through multiple design phases, including prototype testing and system integration. Key results indicate that the technology meets safety and efficiency standards, with ongoing efforts to improve performance and reduce manufacturing costs.