This past weekend, University of Hartford’s ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Student team travelled to Dallas, TX to participate on a national stage in ASME Innovative Additive Manufacturing 3D (IAM3D®) Challenge Competition. They competed with 20 other engineering schools, including names like, Arizona State University, University of Missouri, Texas A&M, California State Polytechnic University, BYU Idaho, New Mexico State University, University of Arkansas, and Northern Arizona University.
The team won the 2nd Place trophy and prize money of $500. Congratulations to all team members!
The challenge was to build a small remote-controlled rover that can simulate working on another planet. The main design task was to 3D print as much of the rover as possible, then use it to collect and move materials on a sand-filled course. It also required remote control of the rover using a camera feed as the controller was not allowed to see the course directly while operating it. In short, it’s a mix of mechanical design, manufacturing, and real-world performance under pressure, like a mini space mission where the designed robot must do useful work.
ASME student section is eagerly awaiting next year’s Design Competition.
If you are interested in joining ASME or the project team in any capacity, visit here.
You can also write to ASME President, Carter Pelletier (CPELLETIE@hartford.edu) or ASME Faculty Advisor, Dr. Suhash Ghosh (ghosh@hartford.edu). All majors are welcome!