May 24, 2019

Electrical engineering graduates from the University of South Carolina will see their Senior Capstone Design Project come to life next weekend at the South Carolina State Museum. The team, nicknamed “Martians,” designed and created an interactive 1:8 scale model of the Curiosity Mars Rover that will become part of an exhibit opening on June 1.

During their senior year, Maxwell Dissington, Christopher Armstrong, Jackson Matthews and Walker Graham worked together with staff at the State Museum, using multiple iterations and methods to build the working model. The Rover is built from 3D printed parts and uses Bluetooth communication to control its various motors. Using two live camera feeds, the completed Rover can drive, steer and pick up small objects with its arm.

Dissington says, “This project will be one of the museum’s most enjoyed exhibits as people from all ages can control a piece of equipment that is similar to the real one on Mars.”

The Senior Capstone Design Program challenges students to work on a hands-on project for two semesters during their senior year. Electrical engineering students plan and execute a design of an electrical and electronic system using the theory and skills they have learned in prior engineering courses. Many Capstone Designed Projects are designed in conjunction with industry and private sponsors to solve their business problems.

For more information on senior capstone projects or to sponsor a project, please visit the Capstone Design Project website.