Foundations of Engineering Design (EGR 101/102)

This course instills an entrepreneurial mindset by vertically integrating a single design project in two consecutive freshmen engineering design classes. Students combine machine skills, electronics and programming into their projects.

Fall 2024 projects

Scale logo for innovation showcase

3D Printed Robotic Teaching Assistant
Students: Kaleb Santiago, Caleb Yuen, Gabriela Hernandez


Several UGTAs for EGR 101 are designing and programming a 3D-printed robot to assist with delivering lecture material. The robot is capable of speaking and moving around the classroom, engaging with students. It will be controlled via a phone app to enhance interaction and learning.

Spring 2022 projects

EGR 102 ball launcher

Ball Launcher
Students: Ben Levitt, Austin Contreras, Tanner Russell, Lu Yan Tan

The Ball Launcher team designed a device to hold and launch a small ball that is activated by an assistive technology switch and controlled with an Arduino.

EGR 102 Tabletop Busy Board

Tabletop Busy Board
Students: Anthony Alvarado, Zhefan Fei, Shawn Dalzon Meris, Jonah Teschlog

The Tabletop Busy Board team designed an interactive board that children can play with to engage with items that give them sensory input. The board can be mounted to a table and includes outputs like lights, vibrations and sounds controlled by an Arduino. It is activated using assistive technology switches.

EGR 102 Voice Switch

Voice Switch
Students: Steven Jones, Gabriel Sandys, Baowen Huang, Caeden Brewer, Junjie Luo

The Voice Switch team designed, built and programed a voice-activated assistive technology switch. The switch is programmed to understand basic core words such as go, stop, more, turn, eat and drink. The switch can control multiple devices using a standard 3.5mm audio cable.

EGR 102 Skill Builder

Skill Builder Switch 1
Students: Ryan Ehlers, Zoe Castillo, Isaiah Garcia, Andrew Headley

The Skill Builder Switch team designed a switch that develops motor skills like twisting, pulling, squeezing, shaking or other movements. The switch is more than just a momentary switch and incorporates an Arduino for advanced programming. The Arduino code may include a counter so that the switch only activates after it has been triggered a designated number of times.

EGR 102 Skill Switch 2

Skill Builder Switch 2
Students: Aidan Hume, Nicholas Kurgan, Ciana Reynoso, Kristian Trinh

The Skill Builder Switch team designed a switch that develops motor skills like twisting, pulling, squeezing, shaking or other movements. The switch is more than just a momentary switch and incorporates an Arduino for advanced programming. The Arduino code may include a counter so that the switch only activates after it has been triggered a designated number of times.