The Innovation Factory at Penn State Altoona
Seniors enrolled in Penn State Altoona’s Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology degree program have the opportunity to participate in a unique senior project that spans two fifteen-week semesters. This timeframe allows students to expand the project duration to either winter or summer break if necessary. Students are energized to design projects that incorporate the use of three components—electrical, mechanical, and programming. The students then research the project idea, design the project, source the materials, build the design, and operate and test the final project. The most successful projects feature a detailed description with clear and concise objectives. During the first semester, students will design and purchase any necessary components. Building and testing will occur during the second semester, along with the capstone presentation. Find out more at the Innovation Factory webpage.
EMET 440: Senior Project Presentations
Capstone Design Course sequence—EMET 403 and EMET 440
Design based activities are incorporated into each of the courses in the curriculum. Students make use of the technical information presented in the course material to develop design-based work. The BSEMET program culminates in a capstone design project course sequence required for all students. The course sequence focuses on the planning, development, and implementation of an electro-mechanical design project chosen by the students and approved by the course instructor in consultation with a faculty member. Students work on project planning in EMET 403, the Senior Project Prep course. During the following semester in EMET 440, they complete the construction of an electro-mechanical system. In addition to the design, management, and fabrication of an advanced product or process, the EMET 403/EMET 440 sequence requires formal report writing, project documentation, group presentations, and project demonstrations. The goal of these courses is to demonstrate the ability to manage a major project as a member of a product or process development team. The project must involve the design and implementation of products or processes that integrate electrical, mechanical, and computer control elements. In this project-based course, students are expected to effectively manage their time and team efforts to produce a finished product or process in the fifteen-week semester.
EDSGN 468: Engineering Design and Analysis with CAD
Students design and manufacture a scaled remote control airplane or hovercraft from scratch utilizing advanced CAD software, and 3-D manufacturing techniques.
EMET 230: Computerized I/O Systems
Students were to devise a project requiring at least one actuator, at least one sensor, and using LabView to operate the NI 6009 USB DAQ. They were allowed to work in teams no smaller than 2 and no larger than 4. Teams were required to submit a proposal that detailed the project and listed specific deliverables that were ultimately used to grade the project's success. The professor required them to get my approval on their proposal and deliverables before they could begin work. They had four weeks to complete the project.
EDSGN 100: Cornerstone Engineering Design
In EDSGN 100 the students complete many mini projects (starting on the first day of class) exploring the different types of engineering majors available at Penn State. The culminating project is the final project where students are given the chance to “take the reins”. The final project is a showcase of their skills learned throughout the semester while diving deeper into their intended major. Students are broke into pairs of similar majors (branches of engineering) and complete the entire engineering design process from beginning to end, presenting their final products to their peers during finals week.
