REGINA – Engineering students in their final year of schooling at the University of Regina showed off their last major projects on Saturday.
“We know that people are going to use the stairs everyday anyways, so if we can generate a small amount of electricity every time you step on it, we should,” said Justin Chevalier.
His device, about a cubic foot in size, was connected to a battery.
Chevalier was one of 170 students who participated in the event, which has been running annually for 15 years. The record number of participates is attributed to record enrollment at the school.
“They’ve taken a problem, they’ve come up with a solution, applying the engineering skills that they’ve developed through their entire educational experience here at the university,” said instructor Doug Wegnar.
The projects, developed over eight months by students in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, were partly evaluated by industry professionals.
Lee Miller and his other two teammates created a machine that shoots out hockey pucks.
“To present it to some engineers and profs, it feels really good,” he said.
Tanner Hunt and his team designed an over-the-shoulder restraint, similar in appearance to those found on roller coasters, for people with autism. An airbag inside the portion that rests over the abdomen inflates with the push of a button.
“They need the sensation of being hugged to help with anxiety and stress,” he said.
The plan is to install the chair at a developmental centre at Winston Knoll Collegiate.
“Engineering, in essence, is there to help improve human lives, right?” said Hunt.
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