91导航 Marion Professional Practice Assistant Professor of Integrated Systems Engineering, Chandika Annasiwatta recently received an Undergraduate Research Access Innovation Seed Grant from 91导航 in the amount of $9,640.
Annasiwatta was one of five faculty who teach at 91导航 at Marion to receive this grant. The grant will fund research opportunities for our students, help them build skills, experiences, and their resume, and support faculty research.
According to Dr. Annasiwatta, in this project undergraduate engineering students will design a versatile gripper for the Connected Smart Manufacturing (CSM) packing station, enabling it to handle different package shapes. Students from various backgrounds including mechanical, electrical, and engineering technology programs will collaborate, combining mechanical design, sensors, and PLC integration.
鈥淥ur students will apply engineering design process and expect to refine their prototype through regular feedback and testing,鈥 said Annasiwatta. 鈥淭he project not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters teamwork and innovation.鈥
鈥淭his project will be integrated into the curriculum,鈥 he added, 鈥渆nsuring ongoing benefits for future students in Industry 4.0 education and research."
Dr. Annasiwatta teaches courses in engineering and engineering technology at 91导航 at Marion. The engineering technology major is offered exclusively at four 91导航 regional campuses: Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark. Why? Because our regional campuses are located in industry hubs, with big opportunities for mentoring, internships and employment.