Published: Dec. 2, 2016

ATLAS Expo is a showcase of more than 100 student projects in virtual reality, physical computing, mobile apps, human-computer interaction, design, information and communication technology for development, and more.

Taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 5–6:30 p.m., this lively event is free and open to the public. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of projects visitors will have a chance to explore. (Many more here.)

 

Marla Bernstein and Carolyn Castanon, hold their teddy bear, "Chill Out Carly"between them.

Chill Out Carly

Students: Marla Bernstein and Carolyn Castanon

Project:  A teddy bear that offers encouraging and comforting words when hugged or squeezed. The furry friend is based on an MP3 Trigger Arduino board.  

The virtual reality team stand close together in a computer room that has nice lighting.

Tesseract - A Virtual Reality Exploration and Puzzle Game

Students: Rachel Robinson, Austin Holler, Cade Haley, Rebecca Robb

Project: Escape a maze of odd structures and winding bridges by exploring every surface —floors, walls and ceilings—of the 3D environment where the rules of physics have been suspended. Having built the game in Unity, the team was able to experience and refine their project in ATLAS' brand new Mixed Reality Lab, using some of the best technology currently available.

Ariel Wiggan and Sarah Wachter  squat behind a gray table with their chest and head above it. Between them is their invention, Tentacles of Light, a lamp which resembles a squid, which has  a green head with a face on top and white legs that hang down.

Tentacles of Light

Students: Ariel Riggan and Sarah Wachter

Project: A lamp that resembles a squid, providing fun and decorative lighting for children to enjoy. Wiggan and Wachter designed their lamp in Rhino and 3D printed it in the ATLAS BTU Lab.

Fuji Robledo, dressed in a light blue shirt with her arms crossed,  sits in front of a desk that shows the portable water monitoring system she developed. The device is about the size of a large book and has wires and probes coming out of a clear board.

Low-Cost, Internet-Connected Water Quality Monitoring Unit

Student: Fuji Robledo

Project: A comprehensive monitoring system that records water quality data and transmits it to the cloud. With a pricetag less than one-fifth the cost of commercial systems, it has the potential to significantly improve water quality in Pakistan, where it is slated to be deployed, as well as elsewhere in the developing world.

Megan Leahy dressed in a gray sweater, holds her interactive textbook in front of her.

The Explanimated Textbook

Student: Megan Leahy

Project: An interactive textbook that outlines key functions of human physiology with dynamic content, including animations of biological processes, video and interactive graphics.

Mike Gough and Chandler Zastrow hold their Lampalarm invention in front of a hallway with photos on the wall They are mostly dressed in black.

Lampalarm

Students: Mike Gough and Chandler Zastrow,

Project: Using an Arduino and a variety of sensors and relays, Gough and Zastrow designed and coded the Lampalarm so it is switched on by any mobile phone alarm, so long as the phone is placed in a specific spot on the lamp. Snooze the alarm, and the light temporarily goes out.

 

If you go

What: ATLAS Expo: A showcase of student and faculty work in creative technology and design

Who: Free and open to the public

When: 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7

Where: Roser ATLAS building, 1125 18th St. Throughout the 1st floor and in the Black Box (Basement level 2).

December 2, 2016 Original Article