Rfid Based Assistive Devices: An Interdisciplinary Platform For Senior Design Projects In Engineering Disciplines

Kumar Yelamarthi; P. Ruby Mawasha

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Conference: 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Publication Date: June 20, 2010
Start Date: June 20, 2010
End Date: June 23, 2010
ISSN: 2153-5965
Conference Session: Multidisciplinary Capstone
Tagged Division: Multidisciplinary Engineering
Page Count: 9
Page Numbers: 15.1044.1 - 15.1044.9
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--16961
Permanent URL: https://strategy.asee.org/16961
Download Count: 518

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Paper Authors

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Kumar Yelamarthi Central Michigan University

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Kumar Yelamarthi received his Ph.D. and M.S degree from Wright State University in 2008 and 2004, and B.E. from University of Madras, India in 2000. His current research interests are in the areas of RFID, VLSI Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Arrays, Computer Aided Design tool development, digital design automation, autonomous adaptive systems, applied electronics, and engineering education. He has served as a technical reviewer for several IEEE/ASME/ASEE international conferences and journals, and has written over 45 publications in both technical and educational fields. He is an elected member of Tau Beta Pi and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies.

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P. Ruby Mawasha Wright State University

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P. Ruby Mawasha is the Assistant Dean in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Wright State University. He received a B.E. degree in mechanical engineering from the City College of New York in 1990 and an M.S. and Ph.D., from the University of Akron in 1993 and 1998, respectively. His areas of specialization include engineering education and thermo-fluids. He has co-authored over 15 journal articles and over 50 conference proceedings. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Ohio; and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and American Society for Engineering Education.

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Abstract
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RFID based Assistive Devices: An Interdisciplinary Platform for Senior Design Projects in Engineering Disciplines Abstract

Interdisciplinary projects involving electrical engineering (EE), mechanical engineering (ME), and computer science (CS) students are both exciting and difficult to conceptualize. Answering this challenge, this paper presents an interdisciplinary project platform focused on Radio Frequency Identification based Assistive Devices. The combination of software, hardware, and mechanical design makes this platform an excellent choice for undergraduate student projects in both design and research aspects. Senior CS students have required programming experience to develop software programs, EE seniors have sufficient knowledge to understand the basics of radio frequency, signal processing, and circuit design, and while ME seniors have sufficient knowledge to understand the basics of structural dynamics and thermodynamic analysis. This integration of complex programming, electrical hardware, and mechanical system design provides an excellent educational experience for undergraduate students.

Also, this interdisciplinary platform is systematic and integrated that involves investigating a complex process or system with multiple design and research elements, such as wireless communication, control system design, statistical analysis, structural dynamics, and design for manufacturability. Through working on projects based on this platform, students will be able to study a complex engineering and technology system that: (1) exposes them to applied and cutting-edge technologies; (2) encourages them to participate in an integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum; and (3) involves them in methods of applied technology and skills necessary to transition from academic to professional environments.

1. Introduction

The rapid advancement in technology has laid a path for the design and manufacture of many interdisciplinary integrated technologies. These advancements have provided new avenues for the engineering educators to better prepare tomorrows global citizens through innovative methods capable of responding to the challenges of tomorrow1. On the other hand, the number of individuals/prospective students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions in United States (US) is far less when compared to developing nations. For the US to continue being the global leader in engineering and technology, engineering educators needs to be proactive in preparing tomorrow’s global citizen through interdisciplinary integrated approaches.

One significant methodology that can be used to prepare tomorrows global citizens is actively engaging them in interdisciplinary projects that models professional collaboration, and highlights the significance of engineering and technology in socio-cultural aspects. Radio- Frequency Identification based Assistive Devices (RFID-AD) is one such focus area that can be used for interdisciplinary research in STEM disciplines. Rooted with the key disciplines of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and industrial technology, the RFID-AD projects teach students how to work together on projects of national importance, and highlights the significance of engineering and technology in socio-cultural aspects.

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Citation
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Yelamarthi, K., & Mawasha, P. R. (2010, June), Rfid Based Assistive Devices: An Interdisciplinary Platform For Senior Design Projects In Engineering Disciplines Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--16961