Mechanical Engineering Category
Vanderbilt researchers bring paradigm-shifting technology to endoscopic procedures
Nov. 19, 2020—A collaboration between international and Vanderbilt University researchers is helping to update a tried-and-true medical technology for the 21st century. The development of an intelligent and autonomous Magnetic Flexible Endoscope holds the promise of making colonoscopies safer, less painful, more widely available and less expensive. The article “Enabling the future of colonoscopy with intelligent and...
Wearable sensor algorithms powered by machine learning could be key to preventing runners’ injuries
Oct. 28, 2020—A trans-institutional team of Vanderbilt engineering, data science and clinical researchers has developed a novel approach for monitoring bone stress in recreational and professional athletes, with the goal of anticipating and preventing injury. Using machine learning and biomechanical modeling techniques, the researchers built multisensory algorithms that combine data from lightweight, low-profile wearable sensors in shoes...
Maker class adapts to COVID-19, innovates at the Wond’ry
Oct. 26, 2020—In the COVID-19 era, finding creative ways to solve problems has become more important than ever, especially when it comes to hands-on learning. The director of making at the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, has adjusted his class on engineering and immersive design to help students create in all environments while making things that help people....
Team examines operating limits in solid-state batteries to improve driving range of electric vehicles
Oct. 22, 2020—There is huge momentum toward adoption of battery electric vehicles primarily because performances are meeting or exceeding the properties of traditional automobiles. Consumers want electric vehicles that have similar driving range (energy density) and charging styles and times (power density) to gasoline powered vehicles. “One pathway to improving the energy density of the battery, or...
Vanderbilt wearable exosuit that lessens back muscle fatigue could redesign the future of work
Sep. 30, 2020—Vanderbilt University engineers have determined that their back-assist exosuit, a clothing-like device that supports human movement and posture, can reduce fatigue by an average of 29–47 percent in lower back muscles. The exosuit’s functionality presents a promising new development for individuals who work in physically demanding fields and are at risk for back pain, including...
Vanderbilt leads project to study applications of new Microsoft biothreat monitoring tech
Sep. 22, 2020—NSF Convergence grant involves data from global sensor network to predict pathogen outbreaks Vanderbilt engineers are leading the academic component of a massive Microsoft project that combines robotics, genomics, big data collection—and mosquitos—to monitor the environment and detect potential pandemics and other threats before they cause widespread outbreaks. Microsoft announced today expansion of its PREMONITION program...
Engineering School is No. 37 in 2021 U.S. News undergraduate program rankings
Sep. 14, 2020—The Vanderbilt School of Engineering is No. 37 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings released today. The school is tied with Brown University, University of California-Irvine, University of California-Santa Barbara, and the University of Virginia. MIT is ranked No. 1. The U.S. News rankings of the 206 undergraduate engineering programs accredited by ABET, and where the...
Vanderbilt leads $5 million project to revolutionize neurodiverse employment through AI
Sep. 10, 2020—NSF grant aligns with school’s Inclusion Engineering focus The National Science Foundation has awarded a highly competitive $5 million grant to Vanderbilt University that greatly expands a School of Engineering-led project for creating novel AI technology and tools and platforms that train and support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the workplace. The significant federal...