Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Projects 2026

Abstract

A surgical tool for restoring hearing through cochlear implantation, the Transcanal Endoscopic Cochlear Implantation Instrument (TECII) is designed to deliver an implant electrode to the cochlea while simultaneously providing surgeons with real-time endoscopic visualization of the procedure. Unlike traditional cochlear implantation techniques that require a mastoidectomy, the TECII leverages the natural ear canal as the surgical pathway. This minimally invasive transcanal approach has the potential to significantly reduce patient trauma, lower the risk of complications, and shorten overall surgery duration.

The device integrates electrode delivery and visualization into a single, compact, and ergonomically designed instrument, enabling surgeons to operate more efficiently with improved precision and control. By simplifying the surgical workflow and reducing reliance on multiple instruments, the TECII enhances usability, particularly in constrained surgical environments. The design prioritizes intuitive handling, allowing for potential single-handed operation while maintaining stability and accuracy during electrode insertion.

In addition to improving surgical outcomes, the TECII emphasizes cost-effectiveness and accessibility. The instrument is designed as a single-use, disposable device, eliminating the need for sterilization and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. This approach also simplifies hospital logistics and supports broader adoption in diverse healthcare settings, including resource-constrained environments.

TECII represents an innovative advancement in cochlear implantation by combining minimally invasive access, integrated visualization, and streamlined functionality. Its design aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance surgeon experience, and expand access to hearing restoration procedures worldwide.

Sponsored by Children's Hospital Colorado

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This project is a feasibility study on position-controlled pneumatic actuators as a potential solution for future robotic surgical systems. It demonstrates that pneumatic actuators can replicate current motor-driven systems by achieving precise position control while withstanding dynamic loads. This approach leads to a reduction in weight at the distal end of the robotic arm.

Sponsored by Medtronic

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Sponsored by Practical Scientific Solutions, Inc.

Star trackers are a critical component of spacecraft attitude determination systems, yet commercial off-the-shelf solutions typically exceed $150,000 per unit. This project presents a low-cost star tracker designed for geostationary Earth orbit applications at an estimated production cost of $3,644 per assembly. The system achieves an attitude accuracy of 14 arcseconds (±5 arcseconds precision) within a 5" × 6" × 8" form factor weighing 3.85 kg. Hardware centers on a FLIR Blackfly S GigE camera paired with a Computar 25mm F2.0 C-mount lens, housed in a custom 6061 aluminum enclosure with a 3-vane stray light baffle. Onboard processing is handled by an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano running a Python-based pipeline that performs image preprocessing, star detection, Tycho-2 catalog matching, and quaternion attitude solutions at 0.5–1.5 fps. Environmental modeling was conducted in ANSYS to validate thermal performance under orbital conditions.

Sponsored by Sierra Space

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