ct-logo

Top 151+ Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Ideas

Welcome to our guide on Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Ideas! You’re in the right place if you’re a mechanical engineering student preparing for your last project. Capstone projects are a big deal in your school journey. 

They are your chance to show all the skills and knowledge you’ve learned throughout your studies. This blog will help you select the ideal final project idea. We’ll discuss why picking an interesting, possible, and impactful project is important.

Whether you’re interested in renewable energy, robots, sustainable transportation, biomechanics, or advanced materials, we’ve covered you with different project ideas to get your creativity going. So, let’s dive in and explore some exciting possibilities for your mechanical engineering capstone project!

Why is Choosing a Good Capstone Project Ideas Important?

Table of Contents

Here are a few key reasons why choosing a good capstone project idea is important:

  • Lets you apply what you’ve learned. The capstone project allows you to use all the skills and knowledge you’ve gained in your program.
  • Builds expertise. By diving deep into a topic, you can become an expert on something that interests you.
  • Shows your skills. A great capstone project highlights your abilities to potential employers.
  • Expand your network. Capstone projects often involve working with external organizations or communities.
  • Drives personal growth. An in-depth project helps build planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Creates a sense of accomplishment. The capstone is a major milestone that shows you’ve achieved your degree.
  • Select a topic you’re passionate about. This provides motivation and a satisfying finish to your academic journey.

In short, choosing a capstone project that excites you allows you to fully demonstrate your new skills and abilities while preparing for your future career.

What Are The Factors To Consider When Choosing A Capstone Project? 

Here are some simple tips on choosing your capstone engineering project:

Pick a Topic You’re Passionate About

Choose something you find interesting! You’ll enjoy the project more and stay motivated.

Make Sure It’s Feasible

Don’t pick ideas that are too complex or expensive. Ensure you have the skills, time, and resources to complete it.

Aim for Real-World Impact

Pick a project that solves a real problem or improves lives. This will make your work more meaningful.

Talk to Your Professor

Ask for their advice on project ideas that fit the course requirements. Their guidance is invaluable.

Start Brainstorming Early

Give yourself plenty of time to develop creative ideas and research. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

Be Original

Avoid picking the same projects as others. Come up with fresh, innovative ideas to stand out.

Stay Organized

Make deadlines and track progress. Good time management is key to finishing successfully.

Hope these simple tips help you choose an awesome final project! Let me know if you need any other advice.

151+ Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Ideas

Here’s a list of 151+ mechanical engineering capstone project ideas for students:

  • Design and prototype a low-cost, portable water purification system.
  • Develop a smart irrigation system using IoT sensors and actuators.
  • Design a solar-powered refrigerator for off-grid communities.
  • Create a drone-based package delivery system for urban areas.
  • Develop an automated vertical farming system for urban agriculture.
  • Design a low-cost prosthetic limb with adjustable settings for different activities.
  • Develop a wearable device for monitoring and improving posture.
  • Design and build a small-scale wind turbine for residential use.
  • Develop a bicycle-sharing system with integrated GPS tracking and locking mechanisms.
  • Design a compact, energy-efficient home heating system using renewable energy sources.
  • Create a robotic exoskeleton to assist with lifting heavy objects.
  • Design a pneumatic-powered wheelchair for off-road use.
  • Develop a smart helmet for motorcyclists with built-in communication and safety features.
  • Design an autonomous vehicle for agricultural tasks such as planting and harvesting.
  • Create a modular construction system for building temporary shelters in disaster areas.
  • Develop a noise-canceling system for reducing cabin noise in airplanes.
  • Design a self-balancing electric scooter for urban commuting.
  • Create a smart home energy management system for optimizing energy usage.
  • Develop a device for extracting water from air humidity in arid regions.
  • Design a low-cost, portable ultrasound machine for medical diagnostics in rural areas.
  • Create a solar-powered desalination system for producing drinking water from seawater.
  • Develop a low-cost, energy-efficient cooking stove for use in developing countries.
  • Design a waste-to-energy conversion system for small-scale applications.
  • Create a modular, expandable furniture system for small apartments.
  • Develop a wearable device for monitoring vital signs and alerting emergency services in case of medical emergencies.
  • Design a low-cost, portable electrocardiogram (ECG) machine for remote healthcare monitoring.
  • Develop a smart traffic management system for optimizing traffic flow in cities.
  • Create a low-cost, portable water filtration system for disaster relief operations.
  • Design an automated system for sorting and recycling household waste.
  • Develop a wearable device for monitoring and improving sleep quality.
  • Design a low-cost, scalable wind energy harvesting system for rural electrification.
  • Create a device for detecting and alerting air pollution levels in real time.
  • Develop a smart irrigation system for precision agriculture.
  • Design a compact, portable power generator for camping and outdoor activities.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy consumption in households.
  • Develop a robotic system for inspecting and maintaining bridges and pipelines.
  • Design a low-cost, portable medical imaging device for use in remote areas.
  • Create a device for monitoring and improving indoor air quality.
  • Develop a smart home automation system for elderly care and assistance.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing infectious diseases in resource-limited settings.
  • Create a system for converting food waste into biogas for cooking.
  • Develop a wearable device for monitoring and preventing workplace injuries.
  • Design a compact, portable water desalination system for disaster relief.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing water usage in households.
  • Develop a robotic system for inspecting and maintaining solar panels.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for detecting water contaminants in rural areas.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in commercial buildings.
  • Develop a smart waste management system for optimizing garbage collection routes.
  • Design a portable, self-contained medical clinic for use in remote areas.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in industrial settings.
  • Develop a system for converting agricultural waste into biochar for soil improvement.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing respiratory diseases in children.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing fuel consumption in vehicles.
  • Develop a robotic system for cleaning and maintaining solar panels.
  • Design a compact, portable device for detecting lead contamination in water.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in data centers.
  • Develop a smart lighting system for reducing energy consumption in buildings.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for detecting pesticide residues in food.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing water usage in agriculture.
  • Develop a system for converting organic waste into biogas for cooking.
  • Design a compact, portable device for diagnosing malaria in remote areas.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in schools.
  • Develop a robotic system for inspecting and maintaining wind turbines.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for testing soil fertility in agriculture.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in hospitals.
  • Develop a smart transportation system for optimizing public transit routes.
  • Design a compact, portable device for detecting heavy metal contamination in water.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in office buildings.
  • Develop a robotic system for harvesting fruits and vegetables in agriculture.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing diabetes in rural areas.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in hotels.
  • Develop a smart waste sorting system for recycling facilities.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water quality in rivers and lakes.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in retail stores.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling plastic waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing tuberculosis in developing countries.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in airports.
  • Develop a smart parking system for optimizing parking space usage in cities.
  • Design a compact, portable device for detecting air pollution levels in urban areas.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in warehouses.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling paper waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in shopping malls.
  • Develop a smart traffic signal system for reducing congestion in cities.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water quality in wells.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in stadiums.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling glass waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing malaria in children.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in universities.
  • Develop a smart lighting system for reducing light pollution in urban areas.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing air quality in indoor environments.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in museums.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling electronic waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing dengue fever in tropical regions.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in theaters.
  • Develop a smart transportation system for optimizing school bus routes.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing soil moisture in agriculture.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in gyms.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling metal waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing cholera in emergencies.
  • Develop a smart navigation system for visually impaired individuals.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water acidity in aquaculture.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in libraries.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling textile waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing the Zika virus in affected regions.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in restaurants.
  • Develop a smart transportation system for optimizing delivery routes.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water turbidity in rivers.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in concert halls.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling plastic bottles.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing hepatitis in remote areas.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in stadiums.
  • Develop a smart traffic signal system for reducing congestion in parking lots.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water hardness in wells.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in convention centers.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling food waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing typhoid fever in developing countries.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in sports arenas.
  • Develop a smart transportation system for optimizing taxi routes.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water salinity in coastal areas.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in theme parks.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling construction waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing yellow fever in affected regions.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in cinemas.
  • Develop a smart traffic signal system for reducing congestion at intersections.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water conductivity in rivers.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in casinos.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling organic waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing rabies in rural areas.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in amusement parks.
  • Develop a smart transportation system for optimizing ride-sharing routes.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water temperature in lakes.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in zoos.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling medical waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing bird flu in poultry farms.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in aquariums.
  • Develop a smart traffic signal system for reducing congestion on highways.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water oxygen levels in rivers.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in botanical gardens.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling hazardous waste .
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing swine flu in pig farms.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in theme parks.
  • Develop a smart transportation system for optimizing bus routes.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water nitrate levels in lakes.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in ski resorts.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling automotive waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing mad cow disease in cattle farms.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in botanical gardens.
  • Develop a smart traffic signal system for reducing congestion in school zones.
  • Design a compact, portable device for testing water phosphate levels in rivers.
  • Create a device for monitoring and reducing energy usage in wildlife reserves.
  • Develop a robotic system for sorting and recycling household hazardous waste.
  • Design a low-cost, portable device for diagnosing avian influenza in poultry farms.
  • Create a system for monitoring and optimizing energy usage in wildlife reserves.
  • Develop a smart transportation system for optimizing shuttle routes.

These Mechanical Engineering Capstone project ideas cover various topics and can be tailored to fit multiple levels of complexity and resources available to students. Students can choose a project based on their interests and available resources.

Tips For Success In Capstone Project Execution 

Here are some easy tips for success with your engineering final project:

  • Start early – Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time.
  • Break it down – Break the project into smaller tasks and set deadlines. This makes it less overwhelming.
  • Ask for help – Talk to your professor if you get stuck. Bounce ideas off classmates.
  • Research thoroughly – Learn everything you can about your topic. Understanding it is key.
  • Record as you go – Take detailed notes and photos. Document the whole process.
  • Test, test, test – Test continuously as you develop your project. Fix issues as they come up.
  • Stay organized – Use checklists and notebooks to stay on track. Clutter causes chaos.
  • Relax – Take study breaks and get good sleep. Don’t let stress sabotage your success.
  • Practice presenting – Prepare and rehearse what you’ll say for project presentations.
  • Proofread – Double-check your paper and slides for any errors before turning them in.
  • Enjoy the process – Have fun bringing your ideas to life! The learning experience is invaluable.

Final Remarks

Congratulations on finishing our Mechanical Engineering capstone project ideas guide! This blog has helped give you ideas to find the perfect project for your final endeavor. Remember, your capstone project isn’t just a requirement to graduate – it’s a chance to make a real impact in mechanical engineering. 

Whether you choose one of our ideas or come up with your own, welcome the challenge and enjoy the journey. As you start on your final project, remember the skills you’ve learned, ask your professors and industry professionals for guidance, and manage your time well.

Your hard work and dedication will pay off as you show your abilities and contribute to the exciting world of mechanical engineering. Best of luck with your final project, and may it be the start of many more successes in your engineering career!

Similar Articles

Chemistry Project Ideas

170 Fun & Interesting Chemistry Project Ideas For Students

Science experiments can seem intimidating, but doing hands-on chemistry projects at home is a fun way for students of all…

Product Ideas For School Project

170 Creative Product Ideas For School Projects

School projects let students learn new things and show their creativity. These projects are more than just assignments. They let…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

newlogo of cs Electrical And Elect

CS Electrical & Electronics

Top 100 Capstone Project Ideas For Engineering Students In 2022

top 100 capstone project ideas for engineering students

Hello guys, welcome back to my blog. In this article, I will share the top 10 capstone project ideas for engineering students in 2021, what is a capstone project, topics for a capstone project, etc.

If you have any electrical, electronics, and computer science doubts, then  ask questions . You can also catch me on Instagram –  CS Electrical & Electronics .

Also, read:

  • Top 10 MATLAB Projects For Electrical And Electronics Engineers .
  • Final Year Projects For Electrical Engineering .
  • 100 + Electrical Engineering Projects For Students .

Capstone Project Ideas

What is a Capstone Project?

A capstone project is done for one year by students, they will work on a project for two-semester. In the capstone project, students will study the research papers in deep and design their project by using some tools.

Capstone Project Ideas Are

01. Testing Method and Application for Impulse- Dispersed Current Around Earthing Devices in Power Transmission Networks

02. Fuzzy Approach to Student-Project Allocation (SPA) Problem .

03. Maritime DC Power System With Generation Topology Consisting of Combination of Permanent Magnet Generator and Diode Rectifier .

04. An Urban Charging Infrastructure for Electric Road Freight Operations: A Case Study for Cambridge UK .

05. Low-Voltage Unipolar Inverter Based on Top-Gate Electric-Double-Layer Thin-Film Transistors Gated by Silica Proton Conductor .

06. Safety Distance Analysis of 500kV Transmission Line Tower UAV Patrol Inspection .

07. Analysis of Electrical Impedance Myography Electrodes Configuration for Local Muscle Fatigue Evaluation Based on Finite Element Method .

08. A Comprehensive Review of Wireless Charging Technologies for Electric Vehicles .

09. Electric Vehicle Battery Cycle Aging Evaluation in Real-World Daily Driving and Vehicle-to-Grid Services .

10. Coordinated Scheduling for Improving Uncertain Wind Power Adsorption in Electric Vehicles—Wind Integrated Power Systems by Multiobjective Optimization Approach .

11. Sub-THz Circularly Polarized Horn Antenna Using Wire Electrical Discharge Machining for 6G Wireless Communications .

12. Space Vector Modulation for Distributed Inverter-Fed Induction Motor Drive for Electric Vehicle Application .

13. Bidirectional Three-Level Cascaded Converter With Deadbeat Control for HESS in Solar-Assisted Electric Vehicles .

14. Harmonics and Interharmonics Analysis of Electrical Arc Furnaces Based on Spectral Model Optimization With High-Resolution Windowing .

15. Ageing: Causes and Effects on the Reliability of Polypropylene Film Used for HVDC Capacitor .

16. The Probabilistic Evaluation of Net Present Value of Electric Power Distribution Systems Based on the Kaldor–Hicks Compensation Principle .

17. Decentralized Charging of Plug-In Electric Vehicles and Impact on Transmission System Dynamics .

18. HPC-Based Probabilistic Analysis of LV Networks With EVs: Impacts and Control .

19. Development of a Portable Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy System for Bio-Detection .

20. Risk Assessment on Offshore Photovoltaic Power Generation Projects in China Using D Numbers and ANP .

21. Analysis of Dynamic Processes in Single-Cell Electroporation and Their Effects on Parameter Selection Based on the Finite-Element Model .

22. A New Coil Structure and Its Optimization Design With Constant Output Voltage and Constant Output Current for Electric Vehicle Dynamic Wireless Charging .

23. A Graphical Game Approach to Electrical Vehicle Charging Scheduling: Correlated Equilibrium and Latency Minimization .

24. Sensitivity Guided Image Fusion for Electrical Capacitance Tomography .

25. Design and Building of an Automatic Alternator Synchronizer Based on Open-Hardware Arduino Platform .

26. A Phaseless Microwave Imaging Approach Based on a Lebesgue-Space Inversion Algorithm .

27. Direct Phase-Change Cooling of Vapor Chamber Integrated With IGBT Power Electronic Module for Automotive Application .

28. Vulnerability Assessment of Equipment Excited by Disturbances Based on Support Vector Machine and Gaussian Process Regression .

29. A New Finite-Element Method to Deal With Motion Problem of Electromagnetic Rail Launcher .

30. A Novel Ultralow RON,sp Triple RESURF LDMOS With Sandwich n-p-n Layer .

31. Design and Verification Test of an HTS Leakage Flux-Controlled Reactor .

32. An Ordered Curtailment Strategy for Offshore Wind Power Under Extreme Weather Conditions Considering the Resilience of the Grid .

33. Current Reconstruction of Bundle Conductors Based on Tunneling Magnetoresistive Sensors .

34. WSN-Based Measurement of Ion-Current Density Under High-Voltage Direct Current Transmission Lines .

35. Influence of Rotor-Pole Number on Electromagnetic Performance of Novel Double-Rotor Hybrid Excited Axial Switched-Flux Permanent-Magnet Machines for EV/HEV Applications .

36. Electromagnetic Vibration and Noise of the Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors for Electric Vehicles: An Overview .

37. Incentive-Compatible Market Clearing for a Two-Stage Integrated Electricity-Gas-Heat Market .

38. Teaching Power Electronics With a Design-Oriented, Project-Based Learning Method at the Technical University of Denmark .

39. A Circuits and Systems Perspective of Organic/Printed Electronics: Review, Challenges, and Contemporary and Emerging Design Approaches .

40. MgO Based Magnetic Tunnel Junctions With Co20Fe60B20 Sensing Layer for Magnetic Field Sensors .

41. Reduction of Offset Field in Top-Pinned MTJ With Synthetic Antiferromagnetic Free Layer .

42. Cost-Effective Printed Electrodes Based on Emerging Materials Applied to Biosignal Acquisition .

43. A Review and Analysis of Automatic Optical Inspection and Quality Monitoring Methods in Electronics Industry .

44. Improved English Immersion Teaching Methods for the Course of Power Electronics for Energy Storage System in China .

45. New Improved Model and Accurate Analytical Response of SiPMs Coupled to Read-Out Electronics .

46. Graphene Field-Effect Transistors for Radio-Frequency Flexible Electronics .

47. Statistical Write Stability Characterization in SRAM Cells at Low Supply Voltage .

48. Teaching Electronics to Aeronautical Engineering Students by Developing Projects .

49. Improved ON-State Reliability of Atom Switch Using Alloy Electrodes .

50. Hybrid Thermal Modeling to Predict LED Thermal Behavior in Hybrid Electronics .

51. Fabrication of Phase-Shifted Fiber Bragg Grating by Femtosecond Laser Shield Method .

52. Humidity Sensor Based on Fabry–Perot Interferometer and Intracavity Sensing of Fiber Laser .

53. Switching Performance Analysis of Vertical GaN FinFETs: Impact of Interfin Designs .

54. Analysis of Thickness Variation in Biological Tissues Using Microwave Sensors for Health Monitoring Applications .

55. Ultrasound Measurement Using On-Chip Optical Micro-Resonators and Digital Optical Frequency Comb .

56. EMFi-Based Ultrasonic Sensory Array for 3D Localization of Reflectors Using Positioning Algorithms .

57. Single-Mode Quantum Cascade Laser Array Emitting From a Single Facet .

58. Superior Implementation of Accelerated QR Decomposition for Ultrasound Imaging .

59. Resonant-Type Piezoelectric Screw Motor for One Degree of Freedom Positioning Platform Application .

60. Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer in Cellular Two-Way Relay Networks With Massive MIMO .

61. Dual-Band Bandpass Filter With Wide Stopband Using One Stepped-Impedance Ring Resonator With Shorted Stubs .

62. A Novel Wide-Angle Scanning Phased Array Based on Dual-Mode Pattern-Reconfigurable Elements .

63. Full-Duplex SWIPT Relaying Based on Spatial-Modulation .

64. An Academic Approach to FPGA Design Based on a Distance Meter Circuit .

65. Direct SMT Interconnections of Large Low-CTE Interposers to Printed Wiring Board Using Copper Microwire Arrays .

66. Integrated Reconfigurable Silicon Photonics Switch Matrix in IRIS Project: Technological Achievements and Experimental Results .

67. Lifelogging Data Validation Model for Internet of Things Enabled Personalized Healthcare .

68. Adaptive Zeroing-Gradient Controller for Ship Course Tracking With Near Singularity Considered and Zero Theoretical Tracking Error .

69. Radio Interface Evolution Towards 5G and Enhanced Local Area Communications .

70. Reliability Assessment Model of IMA Partition Software Using Stochastic Petri Nets .

71. Medium-Voltage Power Converter Interface for Multigenerator Marine Energy Conversion Systems .

72. A Hybrid Prognostics Technique for Rolling Element Bearings Using Adaptive Predictive Models .

73. A Hybrid Method of Remaining Useful Life Prediction for Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit .

74. Insensitivity to Humidity in Fabry–Perot Sensor With Multilayer Graphene Diaphragm .

75. Design and Testing of a Kinetic Energy Harvester Embedded Into an Oceanic Drifter .

76. 3-D Dual-Gate Photosensitive Thin-Film Transistor Architectures Based on Amorphous Silicon .

77. Automatic Structure Generation and Parameter Optimization for CMOS Voltage Reference Circuit .

78. CNN-Based Intra-Prediction for Lossless HEVC .

79. Resource Allocation for D2D Links in the FFR and SFR Aided Cellular Downlink .

80. A Hybrid EF/DF Protocol With Rateless Coded Network Code for Two-Way Relay Channels .

81. An Efficient Task Assignment Framework to Accelerate DPU-Based Convolutional Neural Network Inference on FPGAs .

82. Phase Calibration of On-Chip Optical Phased Arrays via Interference Technique .

83. A Multi-Carrier-Frequency Random-Transmission Chirp Sequence for TDM MIMO Automotive Radar .

84. High-Stability Algorithm in White-Light Phase-Shifting Interferometry for Disturbance Suppression .

85. Polarimetric Calibration Scheme Combining Internal and External Calibrations, and Experiment for Gaofen-3 .

86. Wireless Wearable Magnetometer-Based Sensor for Sleep Quality Monitoring .

87. Power-Gated 9T SRAM Cell for Low-Energy Operation .

88. An Improved Matrix Generation Framework for Thermal Aware Placement in VLSI .

89. Trip-Point Bit-Line Precharge Sensing Scheme for Single-Ended SRAM .

90. Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces to Achieve the Full-Duplex Wireless Communication .

91. Toward Energy-Awareness Smart Building: Discover the Fingerprint of Your Electrical Appliances .

92. Analysis of the starting transient of a synchronous reluctance motor for direct-on-line applications .

93. Motor Design and Characteristics Comparison of Outer-Rotor-Type BLDC Motor and BLAC Motor Based on Numerical Analysis .

94. IEEE Draft Guide for Motor Operated Valve (MOV) Motor Application, Protection, Control, and Testing in Nuclear Power Generating Stations .

95. A Novel Track Structure of Double-Sided Linear PM Synchronous Motor for Low Cost and High Force Density Applications .

96. A Novel Dual Three-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor With Asymmetric Stator Winding .

97. A new two-motor drive to control a two-phase induction motor and a DC motor .

98. Development of a 7.5kW High Speed Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Spindle Motor for CNC Milling Machine .

99. Optimal Design of the 2nd Generation TMED Traction Motor .

100. Power factor correction and power quality improvement in BLDC motor drive using SEPIC converter

These are the different capstone project ideas from IEEE website. I hope this article “capstone project” may help you all a lot. Thank you for reading.

  • 10 Tips To Maintain Battery For Long Life, Battery Maintainance
  • 10 Tips To Save Electricity Bills, Save Money By Saving Electricity
  • 100 (AI) Artificial Intelligence Applications In The Automotive Industry
  • 100 + Electrical Engineering Projects For Students, Engineers
  • 100+ C Programming Projects With Source Code, Coding Projects Ideas
  • 1000+ Control System Quiz, Top MCQ On Control System
  • 1000+ Electrical Machines Quiz, Top MCQs On Electrical Machines
  • 1000+ Electronics Projects For Engineers, Diploma, MTech Students

Related Posts

what is passive and active cell balancing

What Is Active And Passive Cell Balancing, Why Cell Balancing Is Required

6G Technology What To Expect Beyond 5G

6G Technology: What To Expect Beyond 5G

Hello, guys, welcome to our blog. Here in this article, we will discuss 6G technology, the evolution of 6G technology,…

Inverter and battery for house

Best Inverter And Battery To Buy In 2021

Hello guys, welcome back to my blog. In this article, I will discuss best inverter and battery to buy in 2021,…

WhatsApp us

Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students

40 Best Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students: Shaping the Future

Unlock innovation with our diverse collection of Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students! From coding challenges to hands-on engineering marvels, discover projects that blend your academic prowess with real-world problem-solving.

To turn all those STEM brainwaves into something seriously cool! Forget the boring stuff; we’re talking about projects that’ll make you go, “I did that!”

Imagine it like a DIY adventure, but for STEM enthusiasts. Whether you’re the coding maestro, the engineering whiz, or the science guru, these capstone projects are your VIP ticket to hands-on, mind-bending fun.

No more snooze-fest assignments; this is your moment to shine. It’s like putting a bit of your STEM genius into the real world. Ready to rock the STEM stage? Grab your curiosity and let’s turn those ideas into something mind-blowing!

Table of Contents

The Importance of Capstone Projects

Check out the improtance of capstone projects:-

Grand Finale Alert!

Ready for the ultimate showstopper? Your capstone project is like the grand finale of a fireworks display, wrapping up all your learning with a bang! It’s YOUR time to shine.

Real-Life Problem Busting!

Forget hypotheticals; it’s time to get real. Capstone projects throw you into the ring of real-world problems. It’s like being a superhero, but instead of a cape, you’ve got your brain and skills ready for action!

Mixing Skills Smoothie

Get ready to be the master chef of your skills kitchen! Your capstone project is where you throw in coding, sprinkle some research magic, and maybe even add a dash of teamwork. It’s like creating the most epic smoothie of your academic journey!

Professional World Bootcamp!

Say hello to your personal bootcamp for the professional world. Capstone projects prep you for the challenges ahead – project management, thinking on your feet, and teamwork. It’s like a crash course in being a pro!

Your Superhero Moment!

Capstone completed? Cue the superhero music! This is your moment to show the world (and future employers) that you’re not just a student; you’re a superhero who conquers challenges!

Become the Academic Adventurer!

Time to channel your inner Indiana Jones of academia! Capstone projects let you embark on a research adventure, discovering new things and leaving your mark. It’s like being the hero of your academic story!

Learning Through Action!

Capstone projects are not about snooze-worthy lectures. They’re about action! It’s like learning to ride a bike by actually riding – hands-on, immersive, and way more exciting.

Backstage Pass to Industry VIPs!

Your capstone journey might include mingling with the pros. Imagine it as a backstage pass to the industry concert. Who knows, you might end up having coffee with your professional idols!

Passion Explorer Mode On!

Capstone projects are like GPS for your passion. They help you discover what makes your heart race in your chosen field. It’s like unlocking the secret door to your dream career.

Cheers to You and Your School!

Finishing your capstone project isn’t just a solo victory; it’s a party for your school too! You both did it! It’s time to throw your cap (literally or metaphorically) and celebrate your epic achievement!

Capstone Project Ideas For STEM Students

Check out some of the best capstone project ideas for STEM students:-

Coding and Software Development:

  • Craft a system where your home dances to your tune! Control lights, temperature, and security with a magic app or a simple voice command.
  • Dive into a world where studying is an adventure! Create a VR experience that makes complex subjects as exciting as your favorite video game.
  • Imagine an app that’s your health sidekick! Track fitness, get personalized workouts, and let AI sprinkle some health wisdom your way.
  • Make voting a party with blockchain! Build a system that keeps elections transparent, secure, and as easy as tapping a button.
  • Navigate campus like a superhero! Develop an AR app that turns every building into a story and every corner into an adventure.
  • Bring shopping to life! Create an online store where a friendly chatbot guides users through the wonderland of products.
  • Forget paper and pens! Create a system using face recognition or RFID to take attendance without breaking a sweat.
  • Turn language learning into a game! Build an app that listens to your words and cheers you on to pronunciation victory.
  • Unveil the secrets of social media! Develop a tool that spills the tea on trends, engagement, and the overall vibe.
  • Let’s code together! Create a platform where coding becomes a group adventure, with devs jamming in real-time.

Robotics and Automation:

  • Gift your drone wings and a mission! Create a drone that patrols autonomously, keeping an eye on things and reporting back.
  • Make plants feel like VIPs! Develop a system that pampers them with the right temperature, humidity, and water levels.
  • Rehab goes robotic! Design a helpful robot that guides and supports people through their recovery journey.
  • Time for the recycling magic! Create a robot that sorts waste with a flick of its robotic wand, making Mother Earth smile.
  • Send packages on a solo mission! Develop a robot that delivers parcels with ninja-like navigation skills.
  • Turn factories into enchanted realms! Use PLC to weave spells that control and monitor manufacturing spells.
  • Give a robot a brain of its own! Build a robotic buddy that learns from humans and becomes the ultimate sidekick.
  • Create a simulator where self-driving cars practice their moves, dealing with traffic jams, tricky turns, and unexpected surprises.
  • Introduce a cleaning sensation! Develop a robot that effortlessly glides through homes, making cleaning a breeze.
  • Choreograph a drone ballet! Explore the magic of drone swarming, where they move as one in a mesmerizing dance.

Biotechnology and Health Sciences:

  • Bring healthcare to your screen! Create a telemedicine platform where doctors make house calls through video consultations.
  • Turn into a water quality detective! Craft a biosensor system that sniffs out contaminants and ensures water safety.
  • Create a superhero leg! Design a prosthetic limb that listens to your thoughts, making movement feel like second nature.
  • Peek into your genetic crystal ball! Develop an app that predicts your genetic future, helping you plan ahead.
  • Mini superheroes inside your body! Build a drug delivery system using nanotech, ensuring meds reach the right spot.
  • Make tissues like a 3D printing wizard! Dive into bioprinting, creating artificial tissues for medical wonders.
  • Pop on a smart lens! Design a lens that not only corrects your vision but also keeps tabs on your glucose levels.
  • Make health a breeze! Craft an app that’s your health haven, covering fitness, nutrition, and a bit of mental zen.
  • Your personal medicine whisperer! Create a platform that suggests treatments based on your unique genetic melody.
  • Control devices with your thoughts! Develop an interface that turns brain signals into electronic magic.

Environmental Science and Sustainability:

  • Spin the renewable tunes! Design a system that jams to the rhythm of renewable energy, optimizing its beats.
  • Green spaces become the stars! Create a tool that orchestrates the perfect symphony of urban greenery for sustainability.
  • Send drones on a pollution patrol! Build flying scouts that report on air quality, helping us all breathe easy.
  • Transform farms into tech marvels! Develop an IoT system that turns farming into a precision dance, boosting crop yields.
  • Turn trash into treasure! Explore ways to convert waste into energy, making every piece of rubbish a potential power source.
  • Send a cleanup crew to the ocean fiesta! Create a robot that collects plastic and keeps our oceans sparkling.
  • Let the sun make fresh water! Develop a system that uses solar magic for water desalination, making the sea drinkable.
  • Make electricity dance to a smart beat! Implement a grid that grooves to the rhythm of energy efficiency.
  • Create packaging that hugs the planet! Design materials that decompose like fairy dust, leaving no trace.
  • Turn recycling into a celebration! Develop an app that connects communities, turning trash into treasures.

Executing Your Capstone Project

Time to rock your Capstone Project! Here’s your down-to-earth guide to making it happen:

  • Imagine your project as a journey. Map out the steps you need to take, like planning a road trip with cool stops along the way.
  • Get your tools ready. Whether it’s a laptop, lab equipment, or a trusty notebook, gather your gear like a hero gearing up for a quest.
  • If you’ve got a team, keep the chat alive. It’s like a group text for your STEM gang. Regular check-ins keep everyone in sync and ready to conquer.
  • Brace yourself for twists and turns. Every challenge is a chance to learn. Think of it as leveling up in a video game—each obstacle makes you stronger.
  • Celebrate the small wins. Successfully debugged your code? Dance it out. Nailed that experiment? Fist bump the air. Little victories add up to one big win.
  • Stay flexible. Plans might change, and that’s okay. Think of it like a dance—you improvise and keep grooving even when the beat changes.
  • Share your progress. Get feedback from your mentors or classmates. It’s like getting advice on your killer playlist—external input makes it even better.
  • As you near the finish line, fine-tune your work. It’s like putting the finishing touches on your favorite jam—make it smooth and perfect.
  • Keep your space tidy. A clutter-free workspace is like a calm sea—smooth sailing for your project ship.
  • When it’s showtime, strut your stuff. Share your journey, the highs, the lows—it’s your moment to shine like a rockstar.

Executing your Capstone Project is a gig to remember. Ride the waves, dance to the beats, and enjoy every moment. Your STEM adventure is about to become legendary!

How do I find a Capstone Project idea for STEM?

Ready to dive into the exciting world of a STEM Capstone Project? Here’s a laid-back guide to help you snag that perfect idea:

  • What gets you buzzing with excitement? Dive into your passions, whether it’s coding, experimenting, or building things. Your project should feel like a joyride, not a chore.
  • Take a stroll around your world—school, community, or even your daily routine. Any pesky problems you’d love to tackle using STEM? Your project could be the superhero solution!
  • Check out the cool stuff happening in the tech world. Anything catch your eye? It could be the next big thing or the missing link for your project.
  • Gather your buddies, mentors, or anyone willing to brainstorm. No idea is too wild! Throw them all on the table and see which ones spark that “aha” moment.
  • What skills do you want to level up? Your project is a chance to boost your superhero skill set. Pick an idea that feels like a fun skill-building adventure.
  • Peek into different STEM industries. What’s cooking? Any space for your project to shine? It could be the game-changer they didn’t know they needed.
  • Check out the stories of STEM heroes and sheroes. Anything inspiring? Maybe a twist or improvement on their ideas could be your ticket to project stardom.
  • Join STEM hangouts, forums, or clubs. Chat with other STEM enthusiasts. You might stumble upon ongoing projects or find pals to join your project party.
  • Take stock of your resources and time. What can you realistically pull off? Your project should be a fun challenge, not a stress marathon .
  • Share your top ideas with your favorite teachers, mentors, or even your pet cat. Seriously, anyone who’ll listen! Their feedback can turn a good idea into a stellar one.

Remember, this project is your chance to shine in the world of STEM. So, pick an idea that feels like your own personal superhero journey—adventurous, a bit challenging, and totally awesome!

What makes a good Capstone Project?

Cooking up the perfect STEM Capstone Project? Let’s keep it as simple and engaging as your favorite recipe:

  • Think about what gets you pumped in the world of STEM. Your project should feel like picking your favorite game to play—it’s gotta be exciting!
  • Your project should be like fixing a real-world hiccup. Maybe it’s something bothering your school or community. Time to use STEM to be the fixer!
  • Be the cool inventor! What can you add or change to make your project stand out? Get those creative juices flowing.
  • Check your backpack for resources. Your project should be like planning a fun trip—it’s gotta be exciting but fit in your backpack (resources and time).
  • Want to share the magic? Think about teaming up with friends, mentors, or even your science-loving cousin. Teamwork can turn your project into a group adventure.
  • Treat your project like leveling up in your favorite game. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about learning new skills and having fun along the way.
  • What’s hot in the STEM world right now? Your project should be like picking the coolest outfit for the season—stylish and up-to-date.
  • Your project should be a bit like learning a new dance. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the moves you learn along the way.
  • Your project should be like leaving your mark on the world. How will it help others or add some extra sparkle to the STEM scene?
  • Finally, imagine your project is a story you can’t wait to tell your buddies. Prepare a cool show-and-tell—clear, fun, and with a touch of magic!

So, there you have it! Your STEM Capstone Project should feel like the coolest adventure in your favorite game, mixed with a bit of teamwork, creativity, and a whole lot of fun. Ready, set, STEM-magic time!

And that’s a wrap, STEM trailblazers! As we bid adieu to our Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students journey, just know this is not a goodbye but a “see you later” in the world of science, tech, engineering, and math.

Your chosen project isn’t just a wrap-up of classes; it’s your chance to show the world what you’re made of—pure STEM magic. Whether you’re coding up a storm, concocting experiments, or engineering solutions, your Capstone Project is your time to shine.

So, as you tackle the challenges and revel in those “Aha!” moments, remember it’s all part of the ride. Big wins, tiny victories—they all count. Your STEM journey is more like a cool series finale, leaving everyone in awe.

This isn’t a farewell—it’s your springboard into what’s next. Your project isn’t just a project; it’s your story in the ever-evolving book of STEM. Your curious mind, your ability to adapt, and the skills you’ve polished during this journey are your forever companions.

So, go on, STEM pals! Let your Capstone Project be that masterpiece that makes everyone say, “Wow, that’s amazing!” Your brilliance is bound to light up the STEM galaxy.

Rock it, STEM champs! Your Capstone Project isn’t just an ending; it’s a launch into the stratosphere of STEM greatness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a capstone project in stem.

A capstone project in STEM is a culminating academic endeavor that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Can I collaborate with industry professionals on my capstone project?

Yes, collaborating with industry professionals is a great way to gain real-world experience and insights for your capstone project.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

149 Capstone Project Ideas & Examples – 2024

June 6, 2024

The word “capstone” originally referred to the decorative, final piece of masonry that would be affixed to the top of a new building. But in terms of schooling, what is a capstone project? Academically, “capstone” is a fitting metaphor, as a capstone project serves as a culminating, crowning illustration of your scholarly work. The capstone project synthesizes the learning you have done in various fields, demonstrates your level of expertise in your specific area of study, and often marks the end or milestone moment of a current study path. In short, it’s a big achievement! In this article, we’ve outlined a few tips for cultivating your perfect capstone thesis and have included a list of capstone project ideas to get you started.

General Capstone Writing Tips

As you select a topic for your capstone project, be sure to consider the following criteria:

Personal Interest . A capstone project is meant to be the culmination of or milestone representing your specific path of study; as such, it should be a project that actually interests you! Perhaps you’ve already been working on a passion project or long-term scholarly paper on a topic that excites you. Or maybe you’ve heard about a specific branch of inquiry within your field that you find compelling and want to explore further. Whether you’re new to a specific capstone subject or have been working on it for a while, it’s important to know that your actual interest in a subject can increase your productivity and learning. [i]

Existing Research . For any new piece of scholarship, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand and acknowledge the current knowledge and findings that exist around your thesis. As an advancing practitioner in your field of study or profession, you should already have a sense of what other scholars and experts have said about your capstone project idea, but this is a moment to fully explore: Who are the major players in this professional or scholarly conversation? What are the most important pieces of research that ground this field of study? What recent innovations have been made in this topic?

Stakes . If you’ve ever been involved in a debate or had to write a persuasive speech , you know that an important question to answer is: “So what?” Why is this capstone project idea important? What will be affected if the ideas in your capstone do or do not come to pass? What exactly is at stake here?

Examples Continued

Stakeholders . The stakeholders of a capstone are those who will be affected by the information in your project. Perhaps you’ve already engaged in community service and have seen a gap that can be filled by your particular area of expertise. Maybe you are one of the stakeholders in your research. In every capstone project, your readers should know who will be most important to your work.

Identify a gap or problem . If you’ve done your research properly, then you now know what current holes or gaps exist in your field. Make sure you frame your capstone so that your audience is aware of the work that needs to be done.

Fill the gap . This is your moment to shine! What is your specific hypothesis? What kind of research will you conduct to prove it? Specifically, how is your work contributing to this field of study? To this profession?

Feasibility and Scope . The last question you need to ask yourself is: Can I actually do this project? Do you have the time and resources to complete the work you’re proposing? Is your capstone actually doable? If you find that your project seems too big, don’t despair! Many capstone project ideas can be narrowed down for specificity and feasibility. Take a look at the example below:

Very broad:

“What are some recent developments in women’s health research?”

More specific and feasible:

“What are the most current findings on early diagnostic testing and maternal health outcomes amongst American women?”

Capstone Project Examples

Below, we’ve listed 150 capstone project examples in various fields. Think of all of these focus questions and ideas as jumping-off points. Some are very broad, while others are much more specific. Your capstone project will most likely fall under the “specific” category (see “feasibility and scope” above), but broader topics and focus questions can get you started down the path of your own particular branch of research.

Computer Science Capstone Project Ideas

1) In what ways does social media influence current developments in information systems and marketing?

2) What recent developments have we seen in natural language processing? What innovations do we hope to see?

3) How is cybersecurity an essential consideration in political and public policy?

4) What is the potential for virtual reality within the fields of mental healthcare and / or physical rehabilitation?

5) How can cybersecurity better function in the healthcare industry?

6) What are current and developing applications for machine learning algorithms?

7) How can we develop more secure data encryption?

8) What are the current needs for development in image processing and design?

9) How does artificial intelligence promise to elevate, innovate, revolutionize, or render obsolete various fields and / or methodologies inside and outside of computer science?

10) What current developments exist in the field of neural networks?

11) In what ways can we develop more efficient data encryption algorithms?

12) What specific roles does computer science play in national defense?

13) Exploring automated testing systems.

14) In what ways have smartphone interfaces changed human behavior? Can we predict future changes?

15) What recent innovations have we seen in cloud computing and what changes can we expect to see in this field?

16) How can we improve specific algorithms that conduct market-based analysis?

17) What are the current most important ethical questions surrounding big data and information systems?

18) What are the current expectations around the development and use of cryptocurrency?

19) What specific relationships exist between national policy and internet censorship?

20) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of computer science that specifically interests you !)

Nursing and Medical Capstone Project Ideas

21) What roles might nurses have in administering pain management and anesthesia?

22) In what ways can we address the country’s nursing shortage?

23) In what ways is the field of nursing expected to change in the near future?

24) What innovations can be made in continuing education for nurses?

25) In what ways can nurse practitioners and PAs function more effectively in primary care and specialty settings?

26) Going forward, what roles can nurses play in mobile health and telemedicine?

27) How can clinical settings improve their mental and emotional health outreach for employees?

28) In what ways do nurses and PAs function in specific research roles (e.g. cancer research)?

29) Development of cultural sensitivity training and eliminating health equity disparities in the nursing field.

30) Recent developments in women’s health initiatives and research.

31) In what ways can communication efficacy be addressed in clinical settings?

32) What is the relationship between medical care and specific public policies?

33) Nursing, management, and leadership roles.

34) In what ways can technology improve nursing and healthcare initiatives?

35) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of medicine or scientific inquiry that specifically interests you !)

Humanities and Arts Capstone Project Ideas

36) How does art function in the political and public spheres?

37) What specific developments have we seen in the field of graphic design in the past decade?

38) Analyzing the relationships between marketing, commercial viability and contemporary literature.

39) In what ways do the humanities function in ecocriticism and the Anthropocene?

40) Social media and communication.

41) What are some recent examples of the relationship between popular culture and political propaganda?

42) Current distinctions between pop culture, avant-garde, and highbrow literature and art.

43) What is the role of philosophy in current public debate?

44) In what ways do / have the humanities function(ed) within and / or outside of the public sphere?

45) What is the role of the digital humanities in ancient / early modern / modern history?

46) What recent developments have we seen in the fields of women’s and gender studies?

47) How has a globalized media culture impacted our views on cultural exchange / postcolonialism / hegemonic power structures?

48) In what ways have sustainability initiatives become an essential part of art, theatre, fashion, film, and literary production?

49) Race, class, gender and / or sexuality, and recent developments in the construction of personal identity.

50) How does appropriation function in the realm of cultural production?

51) What is the current role of cinema in public and political culture?

52) Creativity and new genres in the wake of social media, artificial intelligence and monoculture.

53) How can / do museums and public spaces function as sites of cultural production?

54) In what ways has artificial intelligence begun to shape the arts and humanities?

55) Recent innovations and gaps in ____________. (Have you already done some research on a particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of humanities research that specifically interests you!)

Engineering Capstone Project Ideas

56) What is the role of engineering in specific manufacturing practices?

57) In what ways are environmental and sustainable efforts transforming various industries (transportation, manufacturing, public use, energy, etc.)?

58) How does artificial intelligence promise to function in various engineering fields?

59) What are the functions of drones in supply chains?

60) How does engineering specifically function in the production and management of public health (water purification and distribution, waste management, etc.)?

61) What recent innovations have we seen in the fields of engineering and defense?

62) Assessing the feasibility of solar power, wind power, etc.

63) In what ways can engineering facilitate specific infrastructure innovations in public spaces?

64) What does the privatization of the aerospace industry demonstrate about the relationship between public and commercial scientific research?

65) In what ways does current engineering promise to disrupt fields like the automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, etc. industries?

66) Examining various uses of 3D printing.

67) What are some recent innovations in electric, geothermal and/ or nuclear energy?

68) What is the current relationship between extraction engineering and the public sphere?

69) How does the field of robotics function in medicine and public health?

70) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of engineering or scientific inquiry that specifically interests you !)

Education Capstone Project Ideas

71) How do charter schools currently function in the education system?

72) What current pathways exist for continuing education in the teaching field?

73) What roles does artificial intelligence play in the future of education?

74) Disciplinary practices and education for early childhood, middle school, high school, etc.

75) Addressing income and resource disparities between public school districts.

76) In what ways does gender currently function in STEM education?

77) In what ways can mental health initiatives more thoroughly benefit students, staff, and educators?

78) In what ways is parental involvement a factor in current curriculum models?

79) What are the advantages and disadvantages of various modes of virtual learning, technology in the classroom, asynchronous learning, e-learning, etc.?

80) How can we address the current teacher shortage?

81) What are the current relationships between politics, public policy, school funding and curriculum development?

82) What recent innovations have we seen in outdoor learning, Montessori schooling, forest schools, eco-education, etc.?

82) How can schools facilitate better curricula and funding for special needs programs?

83) What is the current role of the arts in public education? In private education?

84) What is the relationship between public policy and homeschooling?

85) In what ways do race and class currently function in specific conversations around education?

86) What are current concerns and developments in the practices of school safety?

87) What developments are currently underway in curricula involving interdisciplinary and project-based learning?

88) What benefits and drawbacks currently exist in extracurricular programs and initiatives for students of various age groups?

89) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of education or curriculum planning that specifically interests you !)

Biology Capstone Project Ideas

90) What are some recent developments in the ethics of stem cell research and cloning?

91) How has public disease testing changed since the pandemic?

92) What is the role of the biologist in mining, extraction, and geoengineering?

93) What recent innovations have been made in pesticide production, distribution, and wider use?

94) How can biology serve manufacturing industries to prevent contamination and supply chain stalling?

95) How do specific ecosystems currently function in regard to climate change? What changes are predicted to these ecosystems in the next decade and why?

96) In what ways are biologists’ roles evolving in the development of biomechanical medical devices?

97) What roles do biologists play in understandings of human reproduction and DNA?

98) How are pharmaceutical and recreational drugs currently understood and classified?

99) What recent biological innovations have been made in the production of food? What developments do we foresee in this branch of biology?

100) In what ways are biological systems affected by various forms of energy extraction and consumption (electrical power, gas, wind and solar power, etc.)?

101) How does A.I. promise to affect the roles of biologists in various fields?

102) What current biological threats do we face in terms of biological warfare? How are biologists crucial players in national defense?

103) Explore a relationship between the biochemical signatures of the body and mental wellness / illness.

104) In what specific ways is the organic movement both a biological consideration and a marketing strategy?

105) How do biologists play significant roles in the prevention of spreading infectious diseases?

106) What are the relationships between human population growth or decline and natural ecosystems?

107) How is marine life affected by human activity (recent understandings and developments)?

108) How do biologists function in public and political conversations around sustainability?

109) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of biology that specifically interests you !)

Psychology Capstone Project Ideas

110) What recent developments have been made in research around specific social media platforms and mental health?

111) What roles did the pandemic play in social and mental health amongst particular age groups?

112) How are recent developments in digital communication (“ghosting,” “swiping,” “liking”) indicative of disordered psychological behaviors?

113) Considering particular contexts like time and place, explore the relationships between psychological wellness and gender.

114) Investigate stress reduction efficacy amongst particular populations.

115) What is the role of mental health awareness in policies and conversations around public health?

116) What role does psychology play in pain management?

117) In what ways are clinical psychologists and therapists uniquely poised to conduct empirical research?

118) What recent developments exist in research around various types of trauma?

119) What daily interventions need to be explored in the reduction of anxiety and sleep disorders?

120) What is the developing role of telemedicine and online mental healthcare?

121) In what ways are particular prescription drugs more or less effective when paired with traditional types of psychotherapy?

122) In what ways do companies utilize psychology in marketing and branding?

123) What is the role of the child psychologist in public schools?

124) In what ways can HR departments benefit from on-staff mental health workers?

125) Explore distinctions between child psychologists and early childhood educators.

126) What interventions can be made in the realm of public policy to lessen the social stigma of mental health disorders?

127) How can psychology be used to create more efficient workplaces?

128) In what ways can new technology like apps and AI be implemented in the ongoing care of mental health patients?

129) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of psychology that specifically interests you !)

Business and Accounting Capstone Project Ideas

130) What are the current impacts of globalization on business strategy?

131) How can organizations change communication practices?

132) What are the relationships between sales, brand perception, and social justice movements?

133) In what ways are women perceived and compensated in the finance field? How has this developed over the past decade? What developments remain to be seen?

134) What leadership training programs and strategies best serve managers?

135) Exploring sustainable business practices.

136) In what ways can company structure influence business innovation?

137) What are the current trends and best practices for inter-departmental conflict resolution within businesses?

138) Exploring effects of mergers and acquisitions for specific companies.

139) What is the specific role of HR in performance management amongst employees?

140) Recent explorations of forensic accounting in cases of embezzlement.

141) Perform a case study analysis of a particular taxation policy.

142) What are some important features of the ethics of non-profit accounting?

143) In what ways can we measure international accounting standards?

144) Due to the pandemic, how have budgeting and financial planning methods evolved in recent years?

145) What specific impacts can we predict in the accounting field as a result of AI and other advancing technologies?

146) Perform an analysis of marketing strategies that utilize social media.

147) How can companies maximize consumer engagement in saturated markets?

148 Which technologies and designs are most effective in brand management and dispersion?

149) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of business or accounting that specifically interests you !)

Capstone Project Examples – Works Cited

[i] Kahu, Ella., Karen Nelson, Catherine Picton. “Student Interest as a Key Driver of Engagement for First Year Students.” Student Success. Volume 8, Issue 2, pp. 55-66. July 2017.

  • College Success
  • High School Success

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

  • 2-Year Colleges
  • ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
  • Application Strategies
  • Best Colleges by Major
  • Best Colleges by State
  • Big Picture
  • Career & Personality Assessment
  • College Essay
  • College Search/Knowledge
  • Costs & Financial Aid
  • Data Visualizations
  • Dental School Admissions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • General Knowledge
  • Graduate School Admissions
  • High Schools
  • Homeschool Resources
  • Law School Admissions
  • Medical School Admissions
  • Navigating the Admissions Process
  • Online Learning
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Private High School Spotlight
  • Research Programs
  • Summer Program Spotlight
  • Summer Programs
  • Teacher Tools
  • Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

Skip to Content

  • Graduate Programs
  • Undergraduate Programs
  • News & Events

What Is a Capstone Project in Engineering?

For Faculty Lecturer Alyssa McCluskey , the capstone project at the University of Colorado’s Engineering Management Program (EMP) boils down to two things: agency and opportunity. 

Agency, because students can chart their own course. And opportunity, arising from that agency, allows students to become leaders on their own or within their organizations. McCluskey ought to know: Capstone worked for her as a student and she knew, eventually, it could work for others as well.

“In my civil engineering capstone, we could explore and create different solutions to the use of biosolids, and I was really proud of the report and presentation that we produced,” McCluskey says. “I did send the report to my future employer, a research institute in Boston, and was hired partially based on the document that I had sent them. And I just remember really enjoying the process. So I wanted to bring that to this Program as something to offer the students.

What Is a Capstone Project?

In the Engineering Management Program, students can now elect to cap off their engineering curriculum with a capstone project. The project can be anything that uses their management and engineering skills to make a product, design software or find innovative ways to affect change within their industry.

In the past, students were given a list of topics to write an 8-10 page paper using concepts learned throughout the program to culminate their degree. McCluskey found that the traditional method was serving neither students nor faculty well. This method seemed like just regurgitating material and lacked a meaningful experience for students to use what they learned throughout the degree.

Looking for more flexible options for CU students, the EMP decided to offer two paths for degree completion: completing the full coursework, 30 credit hours, or taking 27 credit hours of coursework and completing a final 3-credit capstone project in their final semester. 

“We made the capstone flexible so students can explore any ideas or topics of interest,” McCluskey says. “Anything from hot topics in project management to anything they found interesting over their courses in the EMP. I encourage them to look at courses they really enjoyed, talk with professors they enjoyed learning from, meet with professionals working in areas they are interested in and think of topics around that.”

A Diverse Range of Capstone Project Ideas

EMP just launched this program and there are four students in the first cohort, each working on a unique capstone project. All of them are focused on finding practical solutions to real-world problems.

One student’s capstone is about finding effective methods and tactics to increase employee engagement within the Office of Information Technology (OIT).

“This is a student who’s employed at OIT at CU,” McCluskey says. “And so she was asking how do we retain our employees and make them happy and want to stay? She found some startling statistics that close to 50% of employees are thinking of leaving.”

This capstone is especially topical given the nature of the Great Resignation where many employees are seeking better opportunities and are no longer willing to settle for the status quo.

“She did a number of surveys, listened to podcasts, took some courses and came up with a plan that she’s trying to implement within her department based on the capstone she worked on,” McCluskey adds. 

Another fascinating engineering capstone project idea was one student’s mission to make a more sustainable satellite, combining interests in both sustainability and the aerospace industry. 

“They developed a tool to quantify the environmental impacts of producing, launching and disposing of a satellite,” McCluskey says. After inputting the information into a spreadsheet, it comes out with “the carbon footprint of what the satellite would produce. And not only that but also ranking which areas you should spend your [resources] and get the most bang for the buck that’s most probably going to reduce your carbon footprint,” McCluskey says.

Given the concerns about orbital “space junk,” this capstone project addresses a need in aerospace that could be all the more germane as technology allows us to explore beyond our own planet.

And for the person on the move  whose arms are constantly full and trying to literally—and figuratively—juggle the messiness of life, one student came to the capstone project with an idea already in hand: “merge bottle technology”—magnetized stacking water bottles that allow you to carry different beverages or food in one place, even at different temperatures.

“What I saw was great,” McCluskey says. “As a parent, you’re having to carry all these things, right? Also, he found that people in the healthcare industry and first responders who might be on a shift for a long time were interested right away. You can keep something hot, you can keep something cold, you could put food in one and drinks in another. Teachers as well. They have all these bags and bunches of containers they carry around. So instead of having multiple water bottles for your coffee and your water, you could just carry one stack.”

Yet another capstone project focuses on the uncertainties inherent in software product development and how that uncertainty affects humans at the neurobiological level. 

“This student is in the software product management field, so she studied how we can better support employees to deal with uncertainty,” McCluskey says, “and she came up with four main things that companies can do to help their employees deal with that.”

The capstone project identified four key strategic theories—frequent stakeholder communication, a transparent roadmap with dependencies, iterative feedback opportunities and integration and focus on analytics—that empower product managers to ameliorate uncertainty among stakeholders during the software development process. 

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that students focus their capstone project not on abstract concepts, but on tangible strategies that have the potential for immediate real-world application. As a result, these capstone projects can help a student stand out as a desirable employee and a potential leader in their field or company.

Communication and Research: Soft Skills for Engineers that Pay Dividends

Many people—even many experts— know their field and products inside and out but struggle with communicating their ideas and knowledge to key audiences within their company or to clients. To help develop these skills, part of the capstone project incorporates a communication course. 

“This involves working on your writing, working on your presentation skills, and working on peer reviews,” McCluskey says. 

Good communication also means translating sometimes complex ideas and knowledge into a “language” that a wide audience can understand. That’s a skill that students refine over the course of their projects. 

“You may understand something so well that you’re using acronyms others don’t know and you just lose the reader right away,” McCluskey says. “So that’s something we spend some time on. What’s nice is that we switch throughout the semester with our peers as well as the instructors and advisors so that if anybody is unfamiliar with something, it’s highlighted.”

Another benefit of the capstone project is that it allows students to stretch and improve their research skills beyond the usual Google search. Rachel Knapp, assistant professor and applied sciences librarian at CU, spoke to the capstone cohort and went over online resources available to CU students via OneSearch and discussed best practices in research strategies—for instance, how to narrow a topic and get the best out of information searches and how to determine which journals you may want to publish in. If capstone students get “stuck” in their research or are not getting the results hoped for, they can set up an appointment with a CU librarian to help with ideas and options. 

Armed with this information, the capstone gives the students a chance to put into action much of what they’ve learned during the EMP and presents a valuable opportunity to live out what being an engineering manager is all about.

“They come in and they are the project manager of their capstones, ” McCluskey says. “So they get a chance to implement all the things you can think of that go into that: time management, building out your product schedule, problem-solving skills, thinking ahead, identifying what you might run into that’s going to cause a problem. They start to build their confidence because they’re now experts on this topic.”

Taking on a project of this nature flexes many skills including writing and planning, constructively giving peer feedback, and setting and achieving goals—while also making a student an attractive hire or a more effective contributor in their current position.

“The student who created the toolbox for the sustainable satellite,” McCluskey says, “is actually presenting to some higher-ups in his company who have expressed interest in what he’s done. So that’s not only letting our student be seen by people up in his organization but also giving him a way forward and fast track in that sense.”

“This is a Chance to Explore Something That Interests You”

For students, these ideas for capstone projects lead to something beyond typical coursework: the freedom to explore. Instead of listening to lectures and wondering, “Will this be on the test?” EMP capstone cohorts take the reins of their interests and bring those ideas to the world with the idea of solving a problem for individuals  (teachers/mothers/first responders) or an entire industry (more sustainable satellite building for aerospace).

“This is a chance to explore something that interests you,” McCluskey says. “You’re not coming to a class prescribed exactly what you have to learn. You get to choose where you want to put your time and where your interests lie. It’s a win-win: You’re getting credit for it, and you're also coming out with something that you might personally believe in or want to move forward with.”

McCluskey is proof positive of the benefits of the capstone. She still works with advisors she knew from 30 years ago. 

She says, “You’re really developing those relationships as well, not only with your classmates through working together in peer reviews and class, but also with your advisor and other professionals you interact with over the semester.” 

“I’m their guide on this adventure,” McCluskey adds. “I bring in some guest speakers so they can learn from outside experts. I try to base the guest speakers on student interests like entrepreneurship and journal editors for publishing papers to help spark and refine student ideas. I also have lectures and guest speakers on communication best practices throughout the course, and then help them stay on track.”

Advisors, faculty or working professionals who are chosen by each student, meet with them at least five times over the semester, all the while reviewing the work. These relationships may bear fruit later in a career and provide an important sounding board for bouncing around new ideas.

And in the end, the progress made quite literally puts a capstone on the Engineering Management Program.

“It gives you confidence and pride in the culmination of your degree,” McCluskey says. “It's not just a piece of paper, you actually have a product that you've developed and the ability that you can do something like this.”

Engineering Capstone Projects: For EMP, It’s Just the Beginning

For McCluskey, this is an exciting time. Seeing the four students come through the capstone project fills her with optimism for the future of the project and, more importantly, what it offers to EMP students willing to take on the capstone and flex their engineering skills.

She sees students come in with ideas that are all over the board and then with her help along with other advisors, refine the ideas so they are manageable and attainable. It is gratifying for McCluskey to hear what the cohort had achieved at the end of this pilot program.

“We had them present to all the advisors at the end of the semester and they offered beautiful presentations,” she says. “They were high quality. They were very articulate. They answered questions. It was fun to see the advisors’ excitement with the different products.”

It could be that one student's capstone becomes the cornerstone of another student’s in the future; that it could, as McCluskey says, “spawn another idea for the next capstone. There might be somebody interested in a project that someone else did before and they could take it to the next step.”

For now, the capstone project is offered only in the spring semester, but with growing interest, it could be offered every semester.

The hope is that each session of capstone projects will spur more inspiration and more innovation.

“I was ready for some bumps along the road,” McCluskey says. “I was able to be pretty agile and move where I saw the needs that were there. So I’m really excited to learn more from these students and watch more students grow from an idea to a product they’re proud of. So I’m excited to just have more of them.”

Learn More About the EMP Capstone

To learn more, please visit the Engineering Management Program website or email [email protected] for more information about the capstone project.

Logo

The Young Engineers Guide To University Capstone Projects

capstone projects engineering

Engineering degrees are as wide and varied as the potential careers on offer out in the real world. There’s plenty of maths to learn, and a cavalcade of tough topics, from thermodynamics to fluid mechanics. However, the real challenge is the  capstone project. Generally taking place in the senior year of a four-year degree, it’s a chance for students to apply everything they’ve learned on a real-world engineering project.

Known for endless late nights and the gruelling effort required, it’s an challenge that is revered beforehand, and boasted about after the fact. During the project, everyone is usually far too busy to talk about it. My experience was very much along these lines, when I undertook the Submarine That Can Fly project back in 2012.  The project taught me a lot about engineering, in a way that solving problems out of textbooks never could. What follows are some of the lessons I picked up along the way.

It’s A Team Game

capstone projects engineering

Engineering is a team sport, and a big capstone project will drill this into you quickly. The bigger the project, the larger the team, and it’s important to learn how to work in such an environment in order to succeed. I led a team of seven other budding engineers, who aimed to design, build and test a flying submersible vehicle in just under twelve months.

In that team, there were a mixture of personalities, skills and cultures. Keeping this in mind is key to getting the best out of your people. There’s little to be gained by demanding your orthodox Jewish team mate show up to work on Saturday morning, just as it makes little sense to put your fluid mechanics expert on to dreary stress analysis problems. A happy team is a productive team, and it generally makes sense to play to your strengths where possible. Understanding your team is key if your project is to be a pleasant experience, or a disaster.

We were lucky to have a broad spectrum of abilities across the team. One member stepped up to manage the team’s documentation, becoming a pro at LaTeX. Another put his modelling abilities to work on the CAD side of things, while another ran the stability calculations to ensure we’d have a working aircraft at the end of the day.

capstone projects engineering

Obviously, it was important for all team members to have an idea of the greater scope of the project, but allowing team members to find their niche helped everyone buy in to the greater whole. Sometimes, difficult decisions had to be made, and there will always be work that nobody wants to do. But by sharing tasks carefully and with everyone contributing to the best of their abilities, we were able to achieve more as a team.

Get this right, and you’ll have a less stressful project, and finish with a group of lifelong friends. Get this wrong, and you’ll get destroyed in the peer assessment and never want to talk to your team again. You’ll be spending a whole year in the trenches together, so make sure you choose the right people!

You’re Gonna Have A Lot Of Meetings

Unfortunately, when you’re working with other people, you’re gonna have to have meetings to keep everyone abreast of developments. This goes for team members, as well as outside stakeholders such as sponsors or project supervisors. If managed poorly, these meetings can become excessively long and tiresome, so it’s important to stay on top of things.

capstone projects engineering

Agendas should be short, sharp, and shiny – and provided in advance. It’s a massive waste of time if you’ve called a meeting and nobody has brought the necessary materials because you didn’t make it clear beforehand. It’s likely your project supervisor is a professor who is busy with all manner of other things, and won’t tolerate such mistakes, so don’t make them in the first place.

It’s also important to keep discussions on topic. Don’t spend 40 minutes discussing the relative merits of fiberglass versus carbon fiber when you haven’t even decided on a basic layout for your vehicle, as an example. These things happen quite naturally, but it’s important to pull the conversation back to the key agenda topics if you’re going to get out of the room before sundown.

Finally, it pays to learn when you’re communicating effectively. If you’re raising your voice or stating the same thing over and over again, and people still aren’t understanding you, it’s likely time to change tack. You may need to understand their position first, before beginning to explain your own. Also, drawing a diagram often helps. Or in my case, getting someone else to draw a diagram because your own skills are somewhat lacking – Thanks, Lara!

Making Stuff Is Hard

capstone projects engineering

If you’re lucky, you’ll go to a university with a well-equipped machine shop. They’ll let you spend untold hours turning out parts, and you’ll graduate with a great appreciation of the machinist’s craft. We weren’t so lucky, and instead had to prepare drawings to have our parts produced by the university’s own machining staff. This in itself is a powerful learning experience, as it’s important to be able to create drawings to standard that can be properly interpreted by others.

Between the university’s workshop and our CNC machining sponsor, we learned from experienced operators what works and what doesn’t in a variety of machining methods. Sitting down in meetings with our production partners, we were able to learn from their decades of experience. We set about refining our parts to cut production costs to the bone, something we likely wouldn’t have thought to do had we been let loose ourselves on the tools. Learning from the pros about how to minimise set ups and avoid repetitive tool changes reduced our costs by a factor of ten.

There were also pitfalls along the way. Our composites knowledge was weak, and we were trying to do some things a little unconventionally. Combined with a miscommunication, our wings ended up twice as heavy as intended, significantly harming our flight performance. Capstone projects are strictly time-limited due to the constraints of the degree, and a small mistake such as this one proved difficult to remedy after the fact. It’s important to stay sharp and detail oriented, from start to finish.

Don’t Forget About Presentation

capstone projects engineering

A significant part of a capstone project is documenting and presenting the project. The reality is, many capstone projects fail to achieve all of the lofty goals they set out to reach at the start of the year. Ours was no exception – our flying submarine did become airborne, but failed to achieve a submersible mission before deadline. Despite this, the true purpose of the capstone project is to learn – and our documentation and presentations reflected this.

We were able to discuss the stability criteria and structural requirements for a fixed-wing submersible vehicle. Our testing regime had highlighted the viability of using a single ducted thruster for both air and underwater propulsion. We’d also learned how to build effective thrust testing rigs, as well as unconventional wing structures with some success. In this regard, we had a lot to show for our work, and many other teams were in the same position.

By producing clear documentation of our work, and presenting our final seminar with clarity and focus, we were able to communicate to the audience and markers the value of our project. This in turn led to us achieving solid grades, which is what we were all there for in the first place!

In summary…

If you’re approaching your capstone project, a little prep work done early can go a long way. Find a project you’re passionate about, and assemble a team of students with the right attitude and skills to get the job done. Prepare yourself for the inevitable mistakes along the way, and soak up as much knowledge as you can from the people who are there to help you. Your capstone project can be a great stepping stone towards your eventual career , so it pays to get it right. Good luck with your studies, and if you’re doing something really great, you may just want to let us know!

capstone projects engineering

Read more from this series: Young Engineer's Guide

8 thoughts on “ the young engineers guide to university capstone projects ”.

Would that I could have chosen my project. Our Capstone projects were assigned, and unfortunately I was assigned to a project that frankly didn’t contain much to interest me, as it had nothing to do with my engineering concentration, (predominantly a mechanical/industrial project), and was sponsored by a company that decided to kill the project some time during our second semester without telling us.

I spent one of the longest amd most frustrating years of my life trying to be useful as an electrical engineer on a project that legitimately only needed an electrical engineer for just about a single day of work. My entire contribution from the electrical side was sizing an AC motor, the correct wire gauge, and the very rudimentary ladder logic needed to run it from a foot pedal and incorporating an end stop. It took me about 30 mins it, and about 3 times that to write up and diagram. To make matters worse, someone felt that these moderate tasks needed not one EEs, but rather two! I did what I could to help in other areas, but mostly I was relegated to documentation and administrative tasks. I wish I had fond memories of Capstone, but frankly I feel like it was a huge waste of time and money.

Oh man, that is terrible! I can’t imagine who thinks assigning capstone projects is a good idea. Sorry you had to go through that bud, I agree, waste of time and money.

One thing I’d note is that every university is different when it comes to these types of projects. We were teams of two or three, corporate sponsorship were not common, and projects focused on functionality, not fluff (presentations). IMO, you are going to school to be an engineer, not a marketing person, graphic designer, manager, or a sales person. Why is so much emphasis put on those things at some universities? If they want custom graphics, flashy presentations, and structured management, why doesn’t the university get the relevant schools involved in the project?! I mean, a lot of engineers dabble in other ‘arts’ like graphic design and project management, but that isn’t what you are paying the university for. Just seems silly.

I loved my project. I was already working so I didn’t spend as much time as I should have on it, but it worked!

The presentation portion of a capstone project isn’t about marketing, it’s about communicating what was accomplished and how the technology works. This is a critical part of the engineering process. It doesn’t have to be flashy and marketing like, but it does need to be clear and concise; achieving both is an invaluable skill to a competent engineer. I can’t tell you how many engineers I’ve worked that didn’t have this skill and how hard it’s been to communicate with them. Ultimately just about all had their careers severely limited by this deficiency.

Just about everything in this article relates directly to work where I am juggling about 6 -10 projects at a time. While I haven’t done a capstone project, I would certainly consider a technical capstone project on a resume as prep for life in IT.

Fort Hays State University has a capstone class for IT (information networking and telecom) bachelor of science students. I don’t know what it entails (I didn’t do the BS program, only the MS), and I can’t find a concise description of the class, but it seems appropriate for perspective future administrators and analysts.

Different universities and countries have slightly different systems obviously.

Here in the UK they’re just called a final year project – and they aren’t necessarily team based. I did a solo project for mine. Anyway – I think there’s a couple of things you can add to this list that are worth bearing in mind (I think!). Obviously these are based around having some choice over your final year project.

1: Choose something that interests you :

Its a lot of work and you’ll be driving yourself – that’s much, much harder if you’re not interested. You’ll naturally put more work in and do better if you care about the project. A good project, that you’re interested in doesn’t just serve you well at uni, but in your first job interviews you’ll have something to talk about. Something you can talk about animatedly, will take you a long way.

2 : Make sure there’s different types of skills involved :

Couple of reasons for this. It allows you to demonstrate an understanding of how different “tools” interact and apply more of what you’ve learned. It also reduces your exposure to failure. So rather than a project that solely focuses on say, FEA or a build and test of something, choose one that involves some simpler FEA and a build and test. If one element of your project is unsuccessful then you’ll still have plenty to talk about.

3 : Don’t over-reach :

It’s easy to get sucked in at the beginning into dreaming up a project that you’ll struggle to deliver. Understand what you need to reach a minimum viable result. It’s better to do something more modest and do it really well than try and try to deliver the moon on a stick – and end up with a stick. The best thing would be something that you can scale up or down depending on . There’s a lot going on in you’re final year – be kind to yourself.

4. There’s a good story in failure as well as success :

“The best laid schemes of mice and men go oft astray” or “shit happens”. If stuff doesn’t work out how you’d planned – fail well. Test results give you a different answer than you were expecting – concentrate on showing how your original assumptions have been challenged by reality.

Thanks for the bit about being cool with Orthodox Jews and Sabbath. I am one and I have had my troubles with university group partners and employers. We can be the best(or worst we are human) part for the job but I greatly appreciate working with people who can treat my day off and what I can/can’t eat etc as a fact on a datasheet rather than passive aggression or openly begging I break my rules. I do not exclusively exist for a team or an employer and a day away form your topic a week and some other rules are part of getting me or others of my tribe who don’t roll on shabbos to work with you, these rules probably also contribute to better mental health as we do take time away from work to have family or at least away time.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please be kind and respectful to help make the comments section excellent. ( Comment Policy )

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Never miss a hack

If you missed it.

capstone projects engineering

Lithium-Ion Battery Hotswapping, Polarity, Holders

capstone projects engineering

A Look At The Small Web, Part 1

capstone projects engineering

Reinforcing Plastic Polymers With Cellulose And Other Natural Fibers

capstone projects engineering

Ask Hackaday, What’s Next?

capstone projects engineering

If Wood Isn’t The Biomass Answer, What Is?

Our columns.

capstone projects engineering

Assessing The Energy Efficiency Of Programming Languages

capstone projects engineering

Supercon 2023: Ben Combee And The Hacker’s Guide To Audio/Video Formats

capstone projects engineering

Hackaday Links: September 8, 2024

capstone projects engineering

Fun And Failure

capstone projects engineering

Hackaday Podcast Episode 287: Raspberry Pi Woes, Blacker Than Black, And Printing With Klipper

capstone projects engineering

By using our website and services, you expressly agree to the placement of our performance, functionality and advertising cookies. Learn more

Senior design projects in Electrical and Computer Engineering

student holding circuit board

The Senior Design Project provides a capstone experience for undergraduate students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students work in teams of 3-4 students in this year long course sequence to design and prototype a system of their choice.

Past projects have included a variety of topics ranging from home automation systems to ultra wide band wireless links, assistive robots, and wireless drumsticks. Each team is advised by a faculty member in the department and projects undergo several formal reviews. The learning goals for the senior design project include technical design, team work, presentation skills, an understanding of realistic constraints, economics, and ethics.

Visit the Senior Design Project  website to see this year's teams.

Global footer

  • ©2024 University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Site policies
  • Non-discrimination notice
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of use

Industry & alumni

Industry-sponsored student capstone projects.

In the 2020/21 academic year the industry capstone program was supported by 51 sponsors and 77 real-world projects. Three hundred twenty students from across the College of Engineering participated. Despite a fully virtual environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our dedicated sponsors and resilient students collaborated successfully to reach meaningful and impactful outcomes. Scroll down to learn more about each project.

3D Printed Footwear Component Perception

adidas is a global company rooted in sport with a primary focus in scalable 3D printed footwear. adidas strives to understand the relationship between mechanical and material properties and experiential and emotive metrics in 3D printed, lattice-based footwear components. The students worked to form the foundation of “Sensory Standards,” a library that helps to identify the relationship between the mechanical and materials properties of a footwear component and the emotive response it inspires.

Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corporation (ANPC)

Transponder Landing System (TLS) Airdrop

Download project poster

Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corporation (ANPC) makes transponder-based aircraft navigation systems which allow for landing in remote environments and places without traditional airport infrastructure. The Transponder Landing System (TLS) has recently been scaled down from a shipping container form factor to the Small Footprint Precision Approach Landing Capability (SF-PALC) design which makes the whole package able to fit on a 463L pallet- a MIL-STD pallet which is used for transport of items of a variety of shapes and sizes on many different military vehicles and aircraft. The student team worked to design a way to airdrop the TLS from an aircraft in flight, while ensuring the system lands in a target area undamaged, upright, and ready for mission performance.

AeroVironment

Mechanism Development for Autonomous Deployment of a Small UAV from a Puma LE SUAS Secondary Payload Bay

AeroVironment is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, tactical missile systems and electric vehicle charging and test systems. The company serves militaries and government agencies in the U.S. and more than 35 allied nations, as well as businesses and consumers. The student team worked to design a very small multi-rotor UAV and deployment mechanism that fits within the secondary payload bay of an AV Puma LE to help infantry personnel to scout and survey a variety of targets.

Alaska Airlines

Interactive Layout of Passenger Accommodation (LOPA) Tool

LOPAs are a standard way to represent the layout of passenger accommodations within an airplane, such as seats and lavatories. They are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to certify an airplane. The student team worked to create a web-based application that provides a seamless user interface for creating LOPAs – with a cloud-based LOPA storage and permission management system – to improve project creation, multitasking, and editing. The student team also worked to integrate part information from all fleets into an easily accessible display system.

Amazon.com Services LLC

Cold Chain Inbound Optimization

Cold chain logistics refers to the transportation and handling of temperature controlled products such as groceries, pharmaceuticals, and chemical goods. Amazon’s current Freight Inbound (AFI) Network for cold chain delivery is dependent on third party shippers and managed by suppliers. This is not cost effective and prevents Amazon from managing their inbound cold supply chain. The student team created an automated optimization tool for inbound cold chain transportation network that processes the input variable and generates the most cost efficient execution plan for inbound deliveries based on constraints creating a more transparent, informed, timely, accurate and cost effective transportation process.

Applewhite Aero

Baton - A Precision Descent Device

One of Applewhite Aero’s unmanned aerial, precision-delivery systems, the Baton, has two basic functions of payload delivery for critical supplies (e.g. blood plasma or anti-venom) and landing a sensor or sensors (e.g. a matrix of sensors such as temperature, sound, or video monitors). The student team worked to refine the design and increase the reliability, functionality, and utility of the system the Applewhite Baton, to help improve delivering supplies during search and rescue.

ARVR Academy

eCoffee: Remote Ordering Development

In many current smartphone retail purchase applications, retailers lack foot traffic, exposure to customers, and have difficulties reducing inventory, while consumers lack access to time-limited sale items. The student team worked to design and implement a web interface/retailer dashboard that allows retailers to manually send notifications to customers, and a corresponding customer application that allows customers to place orders.

Blue Origin

Investigation of Transport Erector Bearing In-Service Intervals

Within the aerospace industry, transport erectors are used to maneuver a shuttle or rocket from a horizontal position into a vertical one. These highly loaded critical structures are often operated in coastal environments, and are therefore prone to corrosion. The student team focused on the bearings found within these complex systems, and developed custom test methods to observe the materials’ behavior when subjected to a corrosive environment. By studying the corrosion and wear response of metals that are commonly used in bearing systems, there is the potential for increased cost saving opportunities, not only in the manufacturing of the part but also in the maintenance performed throughout its lifetime. The student team simulated in-service conditions by carefully selected metals and subjecting them to heat treatment, corrosion, hardness, and tribology testing. From this data, in-service inspection intervals were developed to be used in the maintenance of a bearing part found on a transport erector.

Boeing Employees’ Credit Union

Cloud-Based Voice Recognition Security System

Voice recognition is widely utilized for automatic fraud detection. The student team developed a cloud-based voice recognition security system that helps the bank staff verify new and existing members of BECU.

3D Printed Lattice Structure

Boeing is interested in assessing the suitability of lattice structures to replace traditionally machined fittings for use in primary structures (fixed leading and trailing edge fittings). The student team worked to create a titanium structural fitting using structural optimization and lattice structures to replace a traditionally manufactured fitting. The team characterized 3D-printed titanium behavior and design, and analyzed and tested creative lattice-type and hybrid geometries to optimize performance.

Automated Composite Stringer Trim

Boeing Product Development needs a solution for the trimming of a green stringer charge. The stringer is in the cross-section of a T with the blade (aka web) pointing up. The forming operation leaves excess on both the base flange and the blade of the T which must be net-trimmed prior to the next operation. The student team designed a method to stabilize the flexible blade during the trimming operation in order to ensure a high-quality cut and high rate capability. The team also did a failure modes analysis for the design.

Carbon Fiber Material Handling Vacuum Pallet

The student team worked with Boeing Product Development to explore a linear flow line for handling long, narrow beams that are positioned along the length of an airplane wing or fuselage (called stringers). Carbon fiber pre-preg material is laid up, trimmed, rotated, and transported on a universal handling tool (pallet) that provides indexing to each process cell. The team created a design for the pallet and indexing system, built a prototype that can accommodate material up to 6”x24’’, and demonstrated the ability of the handling tool to automatically connect to a vacuum system and secure and release carbon fiber material of a variety of sizes.

Disaster Response Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) RFP

In order to help coordinate a response, provide the necessary situational awareness, and maintain open and reliable communications to a large wildfire or hurricane disaster area, a rapidly deployable fleet of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (aUAV) is necessary. The fleet of UAVs should communicate with each other and allow coordinated coverage of a large area, while allowing units to swap out when they need refueling. The student team worked to design a medium to high altitude, high endurance UAV, carrying a surveillance payload to provide the necessary information and assist with communications and observations.

Machine Learning Platform for Post Process and In-Process Inspection

Currently at Boeing camera footage of manufacturing processes are manually filtered through human supervision and require inspection for quality control. The student team worked to help Boeing apply computer vision techniques to automate defect detection and assist with quality control, and created an easy-to-use application to deploy these techniques onto local machines.

Mechanical Fixture of Thermoplastic Composite

Thermoplastic matrix composites have gained attention as an alternative to thermosets due to their lack of shelf life, recyclability, and their ability to melt and resolidify. Aerospace companies such as Boeing are interested in repairing these parts using epoxy and other thermoset materials, but additional surface treatment is required due to their lower surface energy. Energetic surface treatment methodologies like atmospheric plasma, laser treatment, and UV light have shown promise as a robust method to increase the surface energy before structural bonding. Currently, these surface treatments are controlled by bulky robotic arm systems which are often impractical in terms of costs and accessibility to parts on aircrafts. The student team worked to design and build a prototype mechanical fixture/guidance system that is less expensive and able to attach to the aircraft in any orientation.

Powder Bed Fusion Build Characterization Phase 2

Recent advances in titanium powder bed fusion technology offer attractive aerospace design solutions. However, to offer additive parts as competitive alternatives to traditional casting and machined parts, materials and processes resulting in performance variations must be well understood for wider commercial usage. Research and development is needed to understand the influence of key process parameters on material properties. From Phase 1 study conducted by a capstone team last year, students performed in-depth literature research on powder recyclability and effects on performance. In Phase 2 this year, the new student team focused on understanding performance variations resulting from different material supply (same grade of the material but different powder fabrication method and different vendors). The student team built multiple sets of tension coupons from various titanium material suppliers and performed characterization and static testing. They characterized metal properties with respect to the material supply, the processing variations caused by the differences in supply, and root causes for variations in properties. Results will drive recommendations for material supply and process control parameters that optimize performance/quality.

Standardization of Boeing Tooling Communication and Information

Tooling at Boeing refers to unique structures and equipment built for very specific production needs (these are individualized and do not refer to traditional tools). Tooling fulfillment is currently inconsistent and fails to meet projected schedules in the 767 Line, resulting in an increasingly large backlog. The student team worked to improve communication, accountability, and order visibility in the Tooling Value System (TVS) to prevent and address tooling order delays.

Thermoplastic Chopped Fiber Static Properties Investigation

The student team investigated the static properties of thermoplastic chopped carbon fiber composites and predicted how these properties change with variations in the orientations of the fibers. The results of this project give early information to Boeing to help streamline design processes for complex parts. With this data, Boeing can more effectively map out the alignment of complex carbon fiber parts to handle the unique stress conditions of these parts, and ultimately eliminate the need to test individual parts. Additionally, utilizing thermoplastic carbon fiber parts gives Boeing more opportunities for diverse, lightweight, and strong materials to manufacture quality airplanes.

Thermoplastic Composite Wing #3: Thermoplastic Weld Static Property Investigation

Two years ago an interdisciplinary capstone team designed and built a three foot symmetric wing, then tested the wing in the UW low-speed wind tunnel. Last year a ME capstone team designed, but did not build, a 3ft asymmetric wing for use on a Formula SAE car. This team did extensive research on feasible welding techniques to join thermoplastic (TP) composite internal structure with TP composite skin. Building on the past two years of work, this year’s student team developed a feasible welding technique that the students can implement and characterize the strength of the weld. The results will contribute to building a welded thermoplastic wing for a Formula SAE car in the future.

Uprights via Ti464AIV Manufacturing

The student team worked to establish a process for topology optimization (TopOp) and 3D printing of the upright and other parts of an electric formula-style car for the UW Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE). The upright rigidly transfers loads from the tires and brake calipers to the chassis. A design for the upright was finalized by a capstone team last year that achieved a 24% weight reduction, and a 300% increase in stiffness. This year’s team printed and processed the final design, validated loads, boundary conditions and material properties, and conducted testing to correlate finite element modeling (FEM) results.

Booz Allen Hamilton, UW Applied Physics Laboratory, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport

Human-Powered Submarine (HPS) Autopilot

University of Washington Human Powered Submarine is a student organization that races single-occupant submarines around timed courses. The student team worked to provide proportional, integral, derivative (PID) control of the submarine control fins to mitigate unintended roll at high velocities in races.

Cyberworks Robotics

Autonomous Self-Driving Wheelchair Lateral Drift

Autonomous Wheelchairs increase freedom and ease of mobility for the most vulnerable people in society. However, their autonomous navigation suffers from occasional loss of loop closure and localization. This can be disastrous in the real world either in a hallway, roadway, or sidewalk. The student team worked to develop a system that uses camera vision to check for lateral drift of the wheelchair from the desired path.

FUJIFILM Sonosite

Left Ventricular Opacification Feature for Point of Care Ultrasound

Left Ventricular Opacification (LVO) provides a means to better visualize the left ventricular cavity with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging (using microbubble contrast agents). Point of Care (POC) users are typically interested in delineating the left ventricle border for qualitative assessment of the ejection fraction and for visualization of the significant anatomical features of the heart in emergency or critical care situations, and would use LVO on patients whose body habitus makes this difficult with echo imaging alone. The student team worked to evaluate the FFSS LVO feature on the transthoracic echo (TTE) transducer for POC applications and suggested technical specifications for an LVO mode as well as an improved prototype setting.

Seattle Goodwill E-Commerce Physical Growth Plan

Seattle Goodwill’s e-commerce has been expanding rapidly with increased growth expected. The student team worked to design a streamlined facility, improve existing processes, and create a flexible design that allows for expansion and future improvements to optimize the effectiveness of Seattle Goodwill’s e-commerce sector. The team created a process-based layout with a CAD drawn floorplan that significantly increases the items that are processed per month, improved the flow of items, and allows for future expansion.

Nomad Deployment Recipes

The student team worked to develop an open source command-line utility and Application Programming Interface (API) to support single-command application deployment and service catalogs (chart repositories) in Nomad, HashiCorp's workload orchestration and scheduler.

Rise of Web-Based Computing Trends on Client Side

The student team worked to explore behaviors and trends of web-based usage and specific user hardware attributes, to identify trends in user behavior that might be helpful for future CPU development.

Just Biotherapeutics

Developing an in Silico Modeling Approach for Protein Purification Process Development

Therapeutic proteins, an important class of drugs for many disease areas, are typically produced in bioreactor cell culture systems. Bioreactor outlet streams contain many non-product components of the cellular machinery, so therapeutic proteins must be isolated with downstream purification steps. Proteins are typically purified by liquid chromatography, where packed bed columns selectively remove the target protein or impurities from the complex bioreactor feed stream. Purification process development (PD) requires extensive experimentation for every new drug development campaign because the optimal chromatography process depends intimately on the surface chemistry of the target protein. The time and cost of purification PD could be reduced by replacing some or all of this experimentation with computational modeling. The student team worked to build and characterize inferential models to predict protein chromatography behavior from molecular properties.

Additive Manufacturing Spring Rod

Rod springs are widely used in aircraft door mechanisms to secure component and mechanism positions. Conventional manufacturing technologies use a spring and guiding mechanism, assembled in three parts. Last year a student capstone team demonstrated that it is possible to design a spring rod in one single element (without assembly) using 3D printing. This year’s student team manufactured, tested, and iterated the design, validated against FEA analysis, and developed a parametric design tool to aid in the design of family of similar springs. The testing covered compression testing, stiffness characterization, fatigue, humidity effects, and the effects of internal friction, hysteresis, and strain relaxation.

Linewidth Enhancement Factor Measurement for Radio over Fiber Simulation over Multimode Optical Fiber

Currently aircraft primarily use flexible steel cables and coax cables for control systems; however, the data demand of these systems is increasing exponentially. Optical communication systems utilize light, transmitted over fiber-optic cables, to deliver signals between computers and offer many advantages over electrical systems, such as low power consumption and high data transfer rates. Single-mode fiber (SMF) is well-characterized but transmits only a single signal and is sensitive to vibration and thermal instability, so multimode fiber (MMF) would be more advantageous. The student team worked to characterize a SMF signal with a physical test bench that can determine linewidth, or a way to quantify the received signal’s power and quality in order to determine the respective qualities of both SMF and MMF signals and determine whether MMF is appropriate for aircraft applications.

Spherical Bearing Function Performed by Elastic Bearing

Spherical bearings are used in mechanical design to address misalignment. These bearings are costly for a small component and have a complicated assembly process. Replacing a spherical bearing with a plain bearing means the capability to self-align is lost resulting in a poor contact distribution in the bearing (i.e., line or point contact). The student team designed a one piece bearing that is additive manufactured and has a contact surface that can accommodate the required loads under misalignments of up to 3° while still providing the required radial positioning. The team tested strength, bending, stiffness, and friction.

Lockheed Martin

Open Source Data Hub for Prognostics and Health Management

The student team worked to make state-of-the-art machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques more accessible to engineering domains by providing suitable benchmark datasets with interactive tutorials for advancing prognostics.

McKinstry Co., LLC

Reducing our Carbon Footprint, One Building at a Time

By some estimates, building operations and construction account for more than 50% of the carbon footprint of the United States. For decades, great attention has been placed on reduced energy use in buildings. However, in the last few years, awareness has grown that the carbon created in the construction of buildings (known as embodied carbon) is of critical importance. The Carbon Leadership Forum at UW has been a center of thought leadership in reinventing buildings structures and systems to have substantially lower embodied carbon. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) components of new construction buildings can result up to 10-15% of the total embodied carbon of a building design. The student team set out to find ways to reduce the carbon footprint of building MEP systems.

Techno-Economic Evaluation of Water Treatment Methods for Hardness Reduction

Water hardness plagues many commercial and industrial users; there are numerous disparate technologies to address the challenge. However, the performance of these technologies are rarely directly compared and never compared on a CAPEX/OPEX & levelized cost basis. The student team worked to investigate the performance of various water purification technologies for the purpose of determining which technology can best address water hardness issues, and worked to establish a baseline for four technologies: Reverse Osmosis, Chemical Treatment, Ion Exchange Resins & Electrodialysis Reversal.

Anomaly Detection for Disaster Prevention in an Industrial Setting

Industrial equipment degrades with time, making it hard to predict when a potentially costly system failure will happen. In certain cases, equipment’s acoustic signatures change as a result of degradation. The student team worked to demonstrate the ability of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to detect various acoustic anomalies, help improve performance metrics, and perform inference.

Apply the Design Pattern of Entity Component System (ECS) for a Cross-Platform Network Layer

Minecraft's game engine is built on an ECS architecture, but currently its network and replication system is outside of the ECS. The student team worked to build a sandbox multiplayer game with an ECS engine using EnTT game programming library. The team also built a replication system around that game and recommend a design pattern for an ECS replication system for Minecraft that assumes a reliable data transfer protocol.

Build an AI Behavior System for Minecraft

Minecraft has over 131 million active users each running more than 300 mob entities per game. Mob entities compete for resources and produce high load on the Minecraft server. The student team worked to optimize mob behavior by implementing AI algorithms to improve game performance and reduce the server cost usage.

Improve Minecraft Pathfinding

In the world of Minecraft, there are many different types of mobs with distinct mob sizes and moving abilities. The current pathfinder in Minecraft has a very high time complexity in helping a mob with sizes larger than 1x1 find the optimal path to its target. In addition, Minecraft is limited in the types of blocks they can add due to limitations in the pathfinder. For example, vertical slabs create unique challenges that the existing blocks do not have. The current pathfinder in Minecraft cannot find the optimal path if the optimal path involves partial blocks. The student team worked to run pathfinder with various mob sizes with partial blocks, determining that Big O runtime is not affected when all search notes are generated before pathfinding.

Minecraft Save Test Framework

Minecraft Bedrock edition is currently utilizing “LevelDB” to save worlds data. This works well, however Minecraft is pushing the technology to the limits. The student team worked to develop a testing framework in C++ that can be used to test and evaluate key/value store implementations in order to allow future Minecraft developers to easily experiment with “LevelDB” replacements.

MilliporeSigma

Bag Handling Optimization

MilliporeSigma currently uses two lab technicians to perform sampling, which involves holding the bags, sampling the media and returning the bag to the holding bin. The student team worked to develop a solution to improve the long-term efficiency and reduce the number of lab technicians by assisting them in the bag handling process without causing cross contamination. The team built and tested a final prototype featuring an ambidextrous handle and ratcheting clamp that is used by a single lab technician, supports media filled bags upright without spilling, and makes media sampling easier.

Mobility Innovation Center (MIC) and Sound Transit

MIC Park & Ride Project

The student team worked to help the UW Mobility Innovation Center (MIC) and Sound Transit create a cost-effective electronic system to gather data about the utilization of parking spaces and to share more accurate information about parking availability.

Moonbeam 3D Ideation Tool

Moonbeam uses virtual reality and artificial intelligence to transform the future of remote creative collaboration. They build tools to help corporate innovation groups work more effectively with startups without the constraints of geography. The student team worked to develop features to support remote collaboration through diagramming within VR.

MWD Technology & Innovation Center

Improving BaTi03 Dielectric Capacitor Operating Temperature

MWD Technology & Innovation Center LLC & CalRamic Technologies LLC specialize in processing low and high voltage ceramic capacitors. These companies seek to push the limits of current class 2 dielectrics by processing dielectrics operable above 225˚C with greater than 10 M-ohms of resistance. Such devices would benefit aerospace systems, satellite systems, military systems, geothermal detection devices, etc. The student team worked with current MWD BaTiO3 dielectrics, tested the effects of compositional changes and modified sintering conditions on the device resistivity using electrical impedance spectroscopy with a goal to raise operating temperature for BaTiO3 dielectrics in capacitors without reducing charge storing ability and to build a framework for future efforts.

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration (CADRE) R&D

The Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration (CADRE) project led by NASA is an initiative focused on the creation of a network of shoe-box-sized mobile robots that could enable future autonomous robotic exploration of the moon, Mars, and beyond. The student team worked to create a software stack to facilitate joint navigation between multiple robotic operators. Additionally, the team created design proposals for improved mobility and charging by creating an improved robotic tail, creating a charging platform, and creating a circuit designed to characterize solar cell efficiency, taking into account dust and debris accumulation on the cells.

Novo Nordisk

Beta Watch: Reducing Patient Burden

Chronic illness, defined as any disease that requires at least one year of ongoing medical attention, affects half of all American adults and at least 7% of American children, and is particularly devastating in underserved communities in the US where they are contracted at a higher rate than the national average. The economic burden of chronic illness, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, in the US is unprecedented. Chronic illness also imposes great psychological distress and reduces quality of life for diagnosed individuals and their loved ones. There is growing evidence showing positive outcomes in self-management of chronic diseases with behavioral interventions. However, many of these solutions require active monitoring and burden the patient and caregiver with the need for constant monitoring. The student team tackled the needs of young Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) patients to help manage and monitor symptoms to reduce daily stress and burden associated with T1D. Beta Watch is a medical storage accessory that can attached to a mobile phone and safely and discretely houses all daily essentials of T1D care. Paired with an educational, T1D tracking mobile application, Beta Watch helps T1D patients manage the burdens associated with the chronic illness.

Under Pressure: Measuring Continuous Blood Pressure

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are both common conditions that have a high prevalence of co-existence, and are also highly associated with obesity. These conditions are considered risk factors for many diseases, including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, renal failure, and congestive heart failure, so treatment of these conditions is essential. Monitoring blood pressure is a key factor in managing the co-existence of these conditions. Blood pressure is currently measured using inflatable sphygmomanometer; however these measurements need to be made by a health care worker or at home using an automated tool. Blood pressure can vary greatly over time due to various influences such as diet, stress, body position, temperature, and a wide variety of other factors. For this reason, it is difficult to obtain an accurate baseline blood pressure reading and understand how various interventions and lifestyle choices impact blood pressure. The student team worked to develop a method for unobtrusively measuring blood pressure several times a day to provide accurate information to clinicians and researchers aiming to reduce the hypertension and improve outcomes for chronic illnesses.

Infrastructure Power Management System “PowerMan”

Nutanix is a cloud computing company that offers a variety of services for on-premises and hybrid cloud deployments. Nutanix offers a disaster recovery service, Xi Leap, which utilizes Nutanix’s own data centers to provide reliable storage for disaster recovery. Presently, the Nutanix data centers do not have a central solution for power management. To perform even a trivial power cycle operation, they must file an IT ticket, which is costly in terms of time and human labor. The student team worked to design a system as a microservices type application, developing on local Kubernetes cluster, to provide workload isolation and scalability, including processing incoming requests, securely communicating with devices in the Nutanix data center, and returning a response to the user.

Autonomous Trucks: Camera-Radar Sensor Fusion for Object Classification and Tracking

Reliable visual perception plays a critical role in enabling autonomous vehicles to safely navigate unseen, unstructured environments. In order to anticipate and avoid obstacles, such a perception system needs to detect, classify, localize, and track dynamic objects within range of the vehicle. Many perception systems in state-of-the-art autonomous vehicles rely on LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to produce an accurate geometric representation of the vehicle’s environment; however, such systems can be costly to acquire and maintain. The student team worked to create a system to that helps with 3D object classification, detection, and tracking of dynamic objects to improve motion planning and navigation in autonomous driving.

Autonomous Trucks: Thermal Imaging Camera-Machine Learning for Object Classification

Many autonomous vehicle systems in development today rely on traditional color video in addition to LiDAR and/or Radar information to identify and localize objects surrounding the vehicle by utilizing Deep Neural Networks. Unfortunately, some classes of objects such as pedestrians and cyclists can be difficult to identify. The student team worked to analyze the possibility of using thermal imaging data instead of camera data, and developed a Neural Network to optimize performance.

Chassis Joint Stiffness Study

To accurately model the dynamics of a tractor semi-trailer, it is important to accurately model joint stiffness within the chassis and attached components. There are several ways in which joints can be modeled in simulation, but it is difficult to say which is most correct for stiffness without physical testing. The student team planned and conducted physical tests of some typical joints found in a tractor chassis to measure their stiffness, created finite element models to replicate the tests, and compared simulation and test results to determine the most accurate way to model the joints. They ultimately analyzed test results to choose the best joint model(s).

Large Part Light Weighting

The student team worked to select a new composite material for the roof structure of the Peterbilt 579 Ultraloft truck manufactured through PACCAR. The goal of the project was to select a composite roofing material that will provide better mechanical properties than the current randomly oriented glass fiber sheet molded composite (SMC) while not spending more than $3 per pound of weight saved in overall structure. The team conducted mechanical testing of selected carbon fiber composites to compare to the original SMC material, performed a cost analysis on the manufacturing process for the new composite, and conducted a roof crush test simulation through finite element analysis (FEA) to demonstrate how the new composite will meet and exceed the properties of the old material.

New Stress Durability Fixture for Adhesive Validation

Residual stress can lead to premature failure and reduced durability of bonded joints. Most test methods for predicting long-term performance of bonded joints decouple aging and environmental conditioning from constant- or cyclic stresses. Other test methods that apply stress during environmental conditioning do not record stress during tests and are susceptible to changes in stress as the fixture and load-train thermally expand and contract. The student team worked to develop a test fixture capable of applying, measuring, and adjusting stress in bonded joints during exposures simulating thermal-shock, high-temperature processing, and environmental aging.

Remote In-Vehicle User Testing

With the onset of COVID-19, user testing for PACCAR trucks significantly decreased. The student team worked to improve the user testing process, meet safety guidelines, and practice social distancing to allow truck testing to resume remotely. Their solution was required to be completely remote, flexible, maintain WiFi connection at all times, and not distract the driver.

Spherical Drive Robotic Platform

Currently robots’ movements are not very maneuverable for traveling in multiple directions. The student team worked on building a prototype for a self-balancing spherical robot that can be more flexible, agile, and overall, more maneuverable.

ngMeeting: Live Meeting Transcription and Action/Topic Summarization

To help aid effective decision-making following a meeting, as well as extensive note taking during a meeting, the student team worked to increase the accuracy of ngMeeting, a meeting transcription system that records in-person and telephone meeting conversations to make spoken communications close to real-time, accurate, and easily searchable and actionable.

Seattle City Light

Managed EV Charging

The student team worked to write a transportation electrification plan including solar generation for UW Transportation and for Recology, as well as develop a software tool to schedule and allocate charging for an EV fleet that meets operational requirements while optimizing the demand for solar grid capacity. The software tool and transportation electrification designs will help UW transportation achieve its goal of reducing the university’s carbon footprint to 45% in 2030 and help Recology electrify its fleet efficiently in the near future.

Sironix Renewables

Efficient Purification of Green Surfactants

Sironix Renewables is a growing start-up company exploring manufacturing routes to a new line of plant-based surfactants. These high performance green surfactants include personal care, industrial, and agricultural applications, among others. Sironix is exploring multiple synthetic routes to produce materials in an economically-viable and environmentally-responsible manner. In one iteration, a patented series of reactions is carried out to produce the surfactant precursors, followed by a series of separations and purifications, recycling of solvents and unused reactants, and treatment of waste streams. The advantage of this specific process is a facile synthesis of the desired materials, while drawbacks include the use of multiple solvents and the production of several waste streams that must be mitigated or disposed of. While the technology and practice of the reactions for this route are well established by the company, a thorough design and analysis of the downstream separations required for an industrial scale production based on this technology needs to be conducted. The student team worked to evaluate separation methods to identify one or more suitable purification methods for each of the separation challenges in this process, optimized the separation train(s) using a process simulator, conducted an economic analysis to determine the most beneficial separation method, and incorporated the economic analysis with provided technoeconomic data for the overall process, to determine the financial viability of the process as a whole.

Automation of Time and Motion Data Collection Processes

Time and motion studies are the basis of determining how much labor is required to staff Starbucks stores to support customers and inform business decisions on new beverage, food and equipment programs. While important, time and motion studies are resource intensive, and can be unreliable and prone to error. The student team worked to prove the feasibility of a system that could accurately recognize one key object manipulation activity in the Starbucks store and time how long it took to complete by utilizing transfer learning with machine learning models to classify human actions with video data.

Intelligent Mode Selection for Synchronized Cardioversion

Synchronized cardioversion (sync cardio) is a frequently used therapy for the treatment of potentially life-threatening arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and pulsatile ventricular tachycardia. Sync cardio is a therapeutic electrical shock delivered at a precisely controlled time point in the cardiac cycle. Incorrect shock timing can lead to ventricular fibrillation (VF)—a lethal arrhythmia. Devices that perform sync cardio can also deliver unsynchronized defibrillation shocks and have different operational modes for defibrillation and sync cardio. Being in the wrong device mode for the intended therapy can have major adverse consequences leading to patient death. For example, applying a defibrillation shock to a patient who should have received sync cardio can lead to VF. On the other hand, being in sync cardio mode when a patient is in VF can prevent the device from delivering a lifesaving defibrillation shock. Decades of post-market device surveillance indicates that such adverse events are rare but continue to occur. The student team worked to develop a novel monitor/defibrillator feature that intelligently selects the appropriate device operating mode, and either advises the operator or automatically switches to that mode. The greatest lifesaving impact is expected where healthcare providers are either inexperienced or need to use a variety of device models.

Wireless Airway Management Systems for Emergency Medical Applications

Capnography is the waveform that shows how much CO2 is present at each phase of the respiratory cycle. End-Tidal CO2 (ETCO2) is the partial pressure of CO2 detected at the end of exhalation. The value is normally 35-45 mmHg. Existing capnography devices utilize side stream technology, which is inconvenient, messy, and bulky, and does not provide Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with the most helpful, real-time feedback. The student team worked to create a portable capnography device that is capable of measuring End-Tidal CO2 from the exhaled breath of patient, as well as inspiratory and expiratory flow rate and airway system pressure so that EMTs can know, real-time, whether they are ventilating a patient properly.

Wireless Blood Oxygenation Sensor: Refactoring Prior Work

The student team worked towards designing a wireless pulse oximetry measurement device capable of measuring SpO2, SpCO and SpMET. The project is a continuation from a project last year in 2019/20. This year’s team iterated on last year’s device by refactoring and simplifying the system design to make the device more compact and suitable for use in real medical settings.

T-Mobile Programmable Narrowband IoT Button

Achieving customized functionality on NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) devices can be time and resource intensive. Creating a single, customizable device would essentially eliminate the development process and give the user great flexibility. The student team worked to create an end-to-end NB-IoT device which communicates over the T-Mobile narrowband network. Deliverables included a frontend web application, a backend for data storage, an IoT portion, and interconnections that execute automated functions.

Is This SIM a Drone?

SIM card usage in drones is increasingly popular because it provides longer range (cellular) connection than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The problem with this trend is that base station antennas are optimized for terrestrial coverage and drone SIM usage can cause interference as well as expose networks to security issues. Technology exists to accommodate for SIM usage in a drone, i.e., telecom providers offer drone-specific data plans. The student team worked to use a logistic regression model to help T-Mobile find a way to identify customers using SIM cards on cellular data plans to connect those clients to the appropriate technology for their needs.

Talking Rain

Kitting Facility Supply Chain Analysis and Refrigerated Freight Prediction

Talking Rain is a fast-growing beverage company known for their popular brand, Sparkling Ice. They are interested in reducing costs in their supply chain by scheduling fewer unnecessary refrigeration trucks and implementing a centralized kitting system. The student team built an optimization model that finds the optimal city to locate the kitting facility to minimize total transportation costs.

Logistics of the Implementation of a Concentrate Kit

The Talking Rain Beverage Company is the creator of the beverage Sparkling Ice. Currently, Sparkling Ice is created directly from raw material at both the Talking Rain facilities and copackers. This process could be improved using a concentrate kit which would decrease cost, processing time, error rate, and required storage space. The student team worked to calculate the required storage space for the current demand, find the feasibility of implementing the concentrate kit system, and give concentrate implementation recommendations.

TE Connectivity

Design of High Speed Rotary Insertion Mechanism

The TE Connectivity Automation Manufacturing Technology (AMT) team is looking for innovative designs for a rotary insertion machine. An insertion machine is used to insert metal contacts into a plastic housing to form a connector part. Most insertion machines today have horizontal or vertical motions, which involves a change in direction after every insertion. A rotary insertion machine would not have to change directions, increasing the speed of the process. This rotary design would enable potentially higher speeds of the insertion process than what is achievable through linear motions. The student team designed prototypes, analyzed them using simulations, and created a final design model in CAD of the rotary insertion machine.

Optimization of Scheduling for Manufacturing Processes

TE Connectivity designs and manufactures connectivity and sensor parts. The Automation Manufacturing Technology team is looking to minimize total inventory and production costs on their Universal Mate-n-Lock manufacturing processes. Currently, connector assembly machine schedules do not include low volume parts resulting in a sub-optimal process. The student team built a tool to improve demand forecasts based on historical values, recommend optimized sequences for scheduling, and recommend minimum order quantities for low volume parts.

Error Detection of Text Queries Transcribed from Voice Input

People use their voices for in-car navigation systems. However, the system might have trouble processing exactly what the user says, depending on noise from surroundings and accents. The system will come up with a few strings for what the user could have said. For example, if the user said “university,” then the system’s voice processor might hear two possibilities: “university” and “universe city.” The student team worked to rank these possible queries in order of likelihood of what the user actually meant in order to help increase in-car navigation system accuracy.

Toray Data Management System

Toray is a cutting edge carbon fiber composites manufacturing company continuously developing high performance materials for companies like Boeing whose aircraft have increasingly utilized composites for their high strength to weight ratio. The composite development Toray is involved in generates vast amounts of data that is currently only being stored in Windows files system, with cross-experiment analysis only possible through Excel. The student team worked to create a data management tool to improve data accessibility and streamline cross-experiment analysis. The solution is capable of storing raw data, recording extracted values from data sets, and analyzing sample sets based on designated parameters, all through a user-friendly UI. The database was designed following relational database normalization forms to reduce redundancy and ensure data integrity. This improved data management has the potential to be the groundwork for advanced data science technologies at Toray which are increasingly becoming essential in the research and development of modern materials.

Intelligent Chatbot for Customer Support

Tupl, Inc. is a technology company that provides technical services and support to a variety of companies. Tupl sought to design an intelligent chatbot that can accurately and efficiently address the needs of a phone company’s customers. While the chatbot is usually powered by natural language processing and machine learning, the student team worked to have the chatbot identify user intent from text input, as well as classify a user’s problem, respond with logical answers, and take correct actions according to different customers’ situations.

UW Applied Physics Laboratory

Measuring Thickness of a Melt Jacket Around a Melt Probe Descending Through Glacial Ice

The University of Washington Applied Physics Lab (APL) and NASA Jet Propulsion lab have designed melt probes to study water under thick layers of ice on “Ocean Worlds” of the solar system such as Europa. The problem with the current probe is that there is no way of determining the melt jacket thickness around the probe, while it is deep under the ice. This data is required to prevent the probe from being trapped due to water freezing around it. The student team worked to design a hardware and software solution that would measure the melt jacket thickness, using piezoelectric transducers.

UW College of Engineering

Fiscal Web Portal ENGINE Phase II

Currently, the College of Engineering lacks a modern tool to manage requests for administrative services, specifically financial transactions. The student team worked to design and develop a web application that serves as an advanced ticketing tool for UW College of Engineering departments to manage fiscal related tasks (reimbursement, travel, purchase, etc.) from users' request submission through fiscal staffs' approval or denial.

UW Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, National Science Foundation

Blockchain and AI Algorithms for Disaster Response

In the immediate aftermath of a mega-quake, all disaster response agencies and personnel will be completely overwhelmed. External help (primarily from the government) is unlikely to come immediately after a disaster. If neighborhoods rely mostly on such help, as is currently the status quo, it is likely there will be more fatalities and greater economic loss. As a result, neighborhoods are urged to prepare for community-based survival for up to three weeks. This means that residents must be able to share useful information, carry out essential activities (e.g., staying cool/warm in summer/winter, securing food), and use effective socially integrated technological solutions to enhance their ability for survival and real-time response. The student team worked to develop technologies that enable real time information gathering and sharing (while safeguarding privacy), and solutions for efficient resource matching by leveraging social ties.

UW Medical Center

Cyclotron Beam Current Amplifier: Redesign and Expansion

The Particle Cyclotron creates proton and neutron beams to remove tumor cells in cancer patients. As more cyclotrons have moved towards using proton beam radiation therapy, the cyclotron at UW Medicine is the only one left in the US that uses neutrons to kill cancerous cells. Having been developed in the 1980s, the cyclotron has many components that are now outdated and that require redesign consideration. The cyclotron’s Beam Current Amplifier (BCA) System works by receiving feedback from devices that narrow beams and particles throughout the system, known as collimators. The BCA System receives the collimators’ current when the particle beam is misaligned and represents it using a digital dial. Operators use this information to tune the trajectory of the beam. The student team worked to redesign the BCA System, now called the Beam Current Signal Conditioner Card, from an analog system to a digital system. This modernization and redesign helped with display output feedback precision, machine bulkiness, spacing and safety replacement issues, and also reduced the number of parts required to run the system.

Disrupting Ransomware with Endpoint Deception Hax

Ransomware attacks are becoming more prevalent in the world. Some ransomware is designed to avoid computers with certain configurations. The student team worked to find common configurations that these ransomwares check for and to exploit them as a technique to obstruct ransomware encryption. They also worked to expedite the testing process to allow for rapid testing in the future.

WA Department of Transportation

UW Civil and Environmental Engineering Hydro-Cub

The hydraulic infrastructure or assets maintained by the state of Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) such as sewers, pipes, and culverts, need frequent monitoring for upkeep. The student team, building upon a platform from last year’s team, worked to improve a remote controlled monitoring device that is able to access difficult to reach or tight spaces.

Upstream Escalator

Whooshh Innovations, Inc. designs novel approaches to transport fish over natural and man-made barriers. Whooshh has successfully used a portable, modular flume fishway that mimics a highly turbulent stream channel with three sections that, when linked, entices salmon and other strong swimmers to swim up an elevation of 4-6 feet and places them at the entrance of the fish passage system. The student team worked to design a new portable, modular flume fishway that is passable by fish with differing swim behaviors and abilities (non-jumping, weak swimmer), to expand the use and application of Whooshh’s technology. The team analyzed several possible designs using 2D and 3D computational fluid dynamics and studied the effects of several design parameters on the flow conditions. They also analyzed the manufacturability of the designs and tested flow conditions with a scaled model.

Harry Potter Marauder's Map

Similar to the way Harry Potter Marauder’s map functions in the popular and well-known literature series, this student team worked to provide a multi-target multi-camera tracking system to help improve the security of a mapped space as well as the tracking of an individual within a mapped space. Some examples of how this technology can be used include tracking at risk individuals in a long-term care homes or detecting unauthorized intrusions.

Package Theft Detection on Wyze Cams

Package theft is a problem that negatively impacts the public especially during a pandemic situation where the demand for online shopping and package delivery increase tremendously. The student team worked to build a machine learning based software system that can identify package theft and improve home security levels for families and companies.

  • Directories
  • Degrees & Programs
  • Admission & Aid
  • Academic & Career Advising
  • Student Life
  • Mechanical and Materials Engineering
  • Department Home
  • Materials Science and Engineering (B.S.)
  • Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
  • Materials Science and Engineering (Minor)
  • Renewable and Clean Energy (Minor)
  • Combined Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
  • Aerospace Systems Engineering (M.S.)
  • Materials Science and Engineering (M.S.)
  • Mechanical Engineering (M.S.)
  • Renewable and Clean Energy (M.S.)
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Research Areas and Faculty

Capstone Design Projects

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers
  • Course Descriptions
  • Curricular Advising Policies
  • Faculty and Staff Directory
  • Department News

All mechanical and materials engineering students are required to complete a capstone project in their senior year. Below you will find a list of past capstone projects from our engineering students.

2023 Fall Semester Projects

  • Rapid Solidification Machine (PDF) Team Members: Anthony Carver, Jesse Potts, Landon Tuck, Courtney Wuilleumier  
  • Design and Development of an Extrusion-Based 2.5D/3D Printer for Electronic Packaging (PDF) Team Members: Alex Adams, Dylan Hall, Jacob Harrison, Jeet Patel  
  • Development of a Grease Lubrication Mechanism for a Two-Disk Contact Set-Up (PDF) Team Members: Devin Blankenship, Braden Russell, Kevin Kemp, Austin Sherwood, Alex Plas  
  • Green Automated Aquaponics System (PDF) Team Members: Intissar Elhani, Alan Whiting, Kevin Grubb, Evan Gehret  
  • CFD Modeling of Formula 600 Race Car (PDF) Team Members: Sean Barber, Ethan Cornell, Bailey Hoelscher, Tamal Kambarov, Viswanathan Ramesh  
  • Low Head Ocean Energy Storage (PDF) Team Members: Adam Hume, Cameron Floyd, Carson Estep, Dustin Leonard, Samuel Boys

2023 Spring Semester Projects

  • Convertible Home Gym Apparatus (PDF) Team Members: Connor Schock, Noah Bledsoe, Jackson Nix  
  • Battlefield Model Design (PDF) Team Members: Hameed Juma, Jeff Denton, Lemuel Duncan, Zach Baker  
  • Metal Air Batteries for EVs and Electronic Devices (PDF) Team Members: Alexis Burt, Logan Nielsen, Ian Thompson  
  • Wave Power Conversion (PDF) Team Members: Luke Banks, Bryce Ullman, Emma Vuckovich  
  • SAE Baja Collegiate Design Series (PDF) Team Members: Clay Minor, Logan Rowland, Elliot Wiggins, Julia Sentman, Dominic Manns, Stephanie Gangl  
  • Hybrid UAV Power System (PDF) Team Members: Lucas Duncan, Riley Hall, Abigail Kerestes, James Schmitz  
  • Optimization of Joining Methods for Generator Converter Chassis (PDF) Team Members: Tyriek Craigs, Seth Perkins, Robert Hall, Jacob Evans  
  • Optimization of Temperature Gradient in Magnetic Inductors (PDF) Team Members: Kyle Schroder, Alan Hingsbergen, Blake Martin, Jordan Stanley  
  • Optimized Wire Coiler for GE Aviation (PDF) Team Members: Connor Allen, Bradley Jones, Alex Strack, Kaitlin Willi  
  • Solar Splash Electric Boat Competition (PDF) Team Members: Brice Prigge, Bryar Powell, Chase Mansell, Evan Hannon  
  • Ultralight Copper Current Collectors for Flexible Batteries (PDF) Team Members: Connor Wyckoff, Branen Bussey, Dryana Russell, Mashuj Alshammari  

2022 Fall Semester Projects

  • Modular Vibration Testing Kit for Vibrations Lab Course (PDF) Team Members: Michael Ahlers, Seth Madison Tyler Motzko  
  • Design of Complex Fluid Electrical Conductivity Cell (PDF) Team Members: Bradley Cripe, Garrett Gniazdowski, Gaspard Matondo, Scott Osborne  
  • Structural Optimization of Quadcopter Landing Gear (PDF) Team Members: Taha Etekbali, Jilian Sollars, Katrina Knight  
  • Convertible Home Gym (PDF) Team Members: Max Carnevale, Randa Richards, Kevin Hall, Michael Orengo  
  • IDC Spring Crimping Tool (PDF) Team Members: Aleni Burcham, Samuel Sowers, Alexander Smith, and Luke Lieghley  
  • Ocean Wave Energy Generation (PDF) Team Members: Cameron Slater, Ben Ferree, Daniel Ploss, Austin Shurlow

Past Capstone Projects

  • Micro Turbine Engine Design Competition
  • Additive Manufacturing Process Design
  • SAE Baja Competition
  • Fluid Viscosity Measurement
  • Folding UAV
  • Wheel Life Prediction
  • Dual-Plane Airfoil
  • Resonance Wave Power
  • Autonomous Aerial Remote-Sensing Drone
  • Serial Grinder and Imaging System to Create 3-D Images of Vertebrate Rich Sedimentary Rock Cores
  • Customizable and Low-Cost Water Quality Monitoring Platform for Grand Lake St. Marys
  • Robotic Football Competition
  • Wood Materials Project
  • Self-Learning Targeting System
  • Convertible Home Gym
  • Additive Manufacturing Welding
  • Programming & Optimization
  • Characterizing the Performance of a UAV for a Future Hybrid Powertrain
  • Configurable Bike
  • Mechanical Tester for Printed Electronics
  • Porous Testing Medium
  • SAE Aero Design Competition
  • Solar Splash Design Competition

Take the Next Step

Finding the right college means finding the right fit. See all that the College of Engineering and Computer Science has to offer by visiting campus.

[email protected]

Engineering and Computer Science, College of

[email protected]

ASEE Diversity Recognition Program bronze

Departments and Programs

  • Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering
  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Engineering
  • Success Stories

About Wright State

  • Accreditation
  • National Recognition
  • Quick Facts
  • Academic Calendar

Information For

  • Counseling and Wellness
  • Disability Services
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology (CaTS)
  • Parking and Transportation

Map of Wright State University Dayton and Lake Campuses

  • Make a Gift
  • Wright State Cares

Wright State University

  • X (formerly Twitter)
  • Copyright © 2024
  • Accessibility
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Web Support

Current students

Senior design projects.

Project topics Design process Capstone expo Sponsor a project Industry Capstone Program

Senior design projects (also known as "capstone" projects) are the centerpiece of the ME curriculum's professional component, allowing students to be involved in interesting, real-world activities. Each senior is required to complete this course. Capstone projects are each advised by a full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member who works with the teams.

A crowded room with people discussing and viewing poster presentations at an exhibition.

For more detailed information, please visit ME Undergraduate Advising Canvas: Capstone Page .

Without exception, all ME 495 projects must be team efforts. Teams must consist of between three and five students.

Project topics

Students can pursue their varied technical and professional interests through a selection of projects that include:

A person in a purple shirt works on a laptop connected to a complex robotic device with wires and mechanical parts in a workshop.

Student club-based

  • Human Powered Submarine
  • Husky Robotics
  • Formula Motorsports

Four individuals work on a project involving a medical dummy and electronic components on a table.

  • Mechatronics
  • Engineering Innovation in Health

Five individuals stand in front of a presentation poster at a science exhibition.

  • Industry-sponsored projects
  • Student-inspired projects
  • Faculty-guided projects

Design process

Capstone design projects allow students to experience the rigor and structure of a full-cycle design, including:

  Problem definition

  benchmark studies,   concept generation and feasibility study,   engineering design analyses,   prototype fabrication and testing.

Through the capstone courses, students learn to fully define a design problem. This includes not only a statement of the project deliverables and objectives in the layman's or client's terms, but also a full definition of the agreed upon functional requirements and constraints (quantified). In the case of the competition-based projects, the problem definition is based on the detailed rules and guidelines of the competition.

All of the capstone projects draw upon at least several fundamental engineering science areas and involve significant quantitative analysis often in the form of numerical simulation, typically preceded by approximate analytical solutions. Industry-inspired projects are carefully selected on the basis of the required fundamental engineering science areas and also to align with the core expertise of the faculty adviser.

All projects must include a written report. Although the form of the report may vary according to the nature and requirements of the individual project, all final reports must contain the following (or equivalent) sections:

  • Risk and liability
  • Ethical issues
  • Impact on society
  • Impact on the environment
  • Cost and engineering economics

Capstone expo

At the end of each academic year, ME undergraduates showcase their capstone design projects through posters, prototypes, exhibits and demos at an annual capstone expo.

capstone projects engineering

Sponsor a project

  • For health-related projects, contact Kat Steele , Albert S. Kobayashi Endowed Professor
  • For all other types of projects, contact Jill Kaatz , CoE Industry Capstone Program Director

Industry Capstone Program

The Industry Capstone Program brings together UW students and professionals to tackle real-world, interdisciplinary engineering problems. Sponsors bring in projects from their organizations and provide support to teams of creative, talented engineering students who will design and build innovative solutions.

View capstone projects

CodeAvail

Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering

Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering

Every Civil engineering student should do a capstone project. This is because it allows them to use what they’ve learned into the real-world. The Campston project will help you in solving real-world problems, developing critical thinking skills, and getting hands-on experience in their chosen field.

Students also learn project management , communication, and teamwork skills through capstone projects. These skills are important to become a successful engineer. Also, capstone projects allow students to show potential employers they are skilled and ready to work.

Project is a compulsory matter for all engineering students who are pursuing engineering. If you are an engineering student, you must submit a project with an individual or a group in the final year of your engineering degree.

This blog will discuss”30 Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineers.” In this project idea, there are many project ideas that you don’t hear about and some project ideas you may know already. But we will describe how you can use that for your projects. Let’s start.

What are capstone projects?

Table of Contents

A capstone project is a student’s last project in the last semester or year of an undergraduate or graduate program. A capstone project in civil engineering is usually a large design, analysis, or research project. This project requires students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies to solve a real-world engineering problem. They also develop a solution to an engineering challenge.

What Do Civil Engineers Do?

Civil engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure and physical structures essential to modern society. This includes bridges, highways, airports, buildings, water treatment plants, and sewage systems.

Some specific tasks that civil engineers might perform include:

  • Designing infrastructure: Civil engineers use their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and materials science to create plans. They also use their knowledge for designs for various infrastructure projects.
  • Overseeing construction: Civil engineers also oversee the construction process, ensuring workers follow the plans and the project should be completed on time and within budget.
  • Ensuring safety: Civil engineers ensure that the structures they design and build are safe and will not harm the public.
  • Environmental considerations: Civil engineers must also consider environmental factors. Such as the impact of their projects on the natural landscape. They should ensure they don’t have any potential impact on nearby communities.
  • Maintenance and repairs: Civil engineers are also responsible for maintaining and repairing infrastructure as needed to ensure it remains safe and functional for years.

30 Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering

Here are 30 Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering includes:

1. Design and analysis of suspension bridge

In this project, students design and analyze the load-carrying capacity of a suspension bridge. They also evaluate the performance of various materials and shapes for the bridge. It will be one of the best capstone project ideas for civil engineering if they make a project out of that.

2. Design and implement an earthquake-resistant building

As a civil engineer, one of the best capstone project ideas for civil engineering is to design a building that can withstand earthquakes. You can also simulate seismic waves’ effects on different building materials.

3. Analysis and optimization of traffic flow 

As a civil engineering student, you can Analyze the traffic flow in a specific area. You can also identify bottlenecks and suggest improvements to optimize traffic flow.

4. Construction management software development 

Develop a software application that simplifies the management of construction projects. It also includes scheduling, resource allocation, and budget tracking.

5. Design and analysis of water supply systems

Another best capstone project ideas for civil engineering is to design and analyze the performance of water supply systems. It includes pipelines, pumps, and treatment facilities.

6. Development of sustainable infrastructure

Civil engineers can Develop sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure, such as roads and buildings made from renewable materials.

Take structural engineering assignment help to learn more about other project ideas

7. Design and analysis of energy-efficient buildings

Design and analyze buildings that consume less energy using renewable energy sources, better insulation, and other energy-saving measures.

8. Design and analysis of geotechnical structures

Design and analyze structures built on or in the ground. Such as tunnels, retaining walls and foundations.

9. Design and analysis of storm water management systems

Design and analyze systems that manage stormwater, such as drainage systems and retention ponds.

10. Design and analysis of sewage treatment systems

Civil engineers can Design and analyze systems that treat wastewater. It also includes biological and chemical processes in this project.

11. Development of sustainable transportation systems

Develop environmentally friendly transportation systems. It also includes public transportation systems and bike lanes.

12. Design and analysis of wastewater treatment plants

As a civil engineer, you can Design and analyze wastewater treatment plants. That uses the latest technologies and processes to reduce pollution.

13. Design and analysis of green roofs

Design and analyze roofs covered with vegetation, which can help reduce heat island effects and improve air quality.

14. Development of smart cities

Develop cities that use the latest technologies and processes to improve quality of life. It reduces pollution and enhances safety.

15. Analysis and optimization of water distribution networks

Analyze the water distribution networks in a specific area and suggest improvements to optimize water distribution.

16. Design and analysis of renewable energy systems

Design and analyze renewable energy systems. Such as solar, wind, and geothermal .

17. Design and analysis of dam safety

Design and analyze the safety of dams and evaluate the potential impact of natural disasters on dams.

18. Development of affordable housing

Develop affordable housing solutions. That meets the needs of low-income families.

19. Design and analysis of waste management systems

Design and analyze systems. That manages waste, including recycling and landfill systems.

20. Design and analysis of coastal protection systems 

Design and analyze systems. That protects coastal areas from erosion and flooding.

21. Development of smart irrigation systems

Develop irrigation systems. They use sensors and other technologies to optimize water usage.

22. Design and analysis of bridge safety

Design and analyze the safety of bridges and evaluate them. The potential impact of natural disasters on bridges.

23. Development of smart grids 

Develop energy grids that use sensors and other technologies. To optimize energy distribution and reduce waste.

24. Design and analysis of underground utility systems

Design and analyze systems that manage underground utilities. It includes electrical and telecommunications systems.

25. Development of autonomous construction equipment

Develop autonomous equipment that can be used in construction projects to improve safety and efficiency.

26. Design and analysis of landslide mitigation systems

Design and analyze systems. That mitigates the impact of landslides, including retaining walls and drainage systems.

27. Development of disaster-resistant buildings

Develop buildings that can withstand the impact of natural disasters. Such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

28. Design and analysis of transportation infrastructure

Civil engineers can Design and analyze transportation infrastructure. It also includes roads, highways, and public transportation systems, to improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility.

29. Development of sustainable waste-to-energy systems

It is one of the best capstone project ideas for civil engineering. Develop systems that convert waste into energy, such as incineration or gasification.

30. Design and analyze water treatment systems for remote communities

Design and analyze water treatment systems for remote communities. That lack clean water, considering energy consumption and cost-effectiveness factors.

Conclusion 

Civil engineering capstone projects allow students to explore what they have learned so far and how to do in the real world. Through these projects, students can show their skills to design, analyze, and manage complex engineering projects.

The 30 project ideas for civil engineering we have discussed in this blog cover a broad range of areas within civil engineering, including structural, geotechnical, transportation, and environmental engineering. 

We hope that the capstone project ideas for civil engineering given in this blog will inspire civil engineering you to explore new areas.

Thanks for reading our blog!

Related Posts

8 easiest programming language to learn for beginners.

There are so many programming languages you can learn. But if you’re looking to start with something easier. We bring to you a list of…

10 Online Tutoring Help Benefits

Do you need a computer science assignment help? Get the best quality assignment help from computer science tutors at affordable prices. They always presented to help…

ME Capstone Design

Capstone Design is a culminating, project-based course that serves as the pinnacle of the academic experience of undergraduate students at the UH Cullen College of Engineering. It is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application and offers a unique opportunity for the students to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired throughout their studies.

Capstone students engage in a hands-on, real-world project that challenges them to solve complex problems, innovate, and collaborate with peers and industry professionals. The projects require them to integrate knowledge from their field of study, think critically, and develop creative solutions. It is a unique opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities, gain valuable insights, develop leadership skills and group dynamics, learn how to handle scheduling conflicts while meeting weekly deliverables and deadlines, and develop strong communication skills.

At the end of each semester students showcase their efforts at the Capstone Design Conference held on the UH Campus to a panel of judges, invited guest, media and their peers. This is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to see how their project was conceptualized by the UH Engineering student teams.

COURSE RETROSPECT

Capstone Design in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston has been in existence with more or less the same requirements since 1981. The course itself has taken several forms over the years including a joint course with Industrial Engineering (from 1985 to 2010) and with Electrical and Computer Engineering (2003 to 2005). It was a three-credit-hour course until the fall of 2010. Currently, the capstone design requirement is two, “mechanical engineering only”, three-credit-hour courses taken in the fall (MECE 4340) and continued in the spring (MECE 4341). For the fall 2015 and spring 2016, the course had 147 students working in 39 teams on 34 different projects, including 8 projects related to the designing, building and competing in the 2016 Formula SAE competition in Lincoln, NE, June 14 through June 18, 2016. The UH team finished 26th out of 80 entrants. Multiple teams are allowed to work on the same projects under certain conditions. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) requires that engineering curricula provide a “capstone” experience to students. The ABET also requires that students be involved in design activities in which “realistic” constraints are imposed and in which results in the “realization” of an artifact.

  • Message from the Chair
  • UH Calendar
  • Pathway Professor
  • Research Areas
  • Faculty Expertise
  • Laboratories & Facilities
  • Centers and Consortia
  • Theses and Dissertations
  • Industrial Relations
  • Accreditation
  • Program Administration
  • Curriculum Flow Chart
  • Advising Information
  • Societies & Organizations
  • Capstone Design
  • Scholarships
  • Accelerated BS/MS
  • Degree Programs
  • Online Graduate Degrees
  • Non-Degree Certificate Programs
  • Graduate Courses
  • Degree Plans
  • Graduate Student Association
  • Guidelines for Purchases and Reimbursements
  • UH-Extend Online ME Graduate Programs
  • Online Programs at the Cullen College
  • Momentum Magazine
  • EN Action Another action
  • Free Counselling

Thanks for visiting TopUniversities.com today! So that we can show you the most relevant information, please select the option that most closely relates to you.

  • Looking for undergraduate studies
  • Looking for postgraduate studies
  • Student but not looking for further education at the moment
  • Parent or Guardian
  • University administrator
  • Professional

capstone projects engineering

Thanks for sending your response.

Your input will help us improve your experience. You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.

Already have an account? Sign in

What is a capstone project? And why is it important?

User Image

Stephanie Lukins

Share this Page

Facebook

Table of contents

  • Introduction

It prepares you for the working world

It helps build your cv and help you stand out as a candidate , it offers valuable practical experience – something many graduates do not have, it hones on specific skills that are highly valued by employers.

Sponsored by York University

What is a capstone project?

The capstone project has become an integral part of the university degree curriculum. It can take many various forms, but its purpose remains the same. The capstone project is a unique opportunity to carry out independent group research in order to devise an innovative solution for a real-world problem. While a project of this scope and scale can be challenging, it can also be very rewarding.

The capstone project is usually the final assignment and plays a vital role in preparing students for the world of work thanks to its practical applications and ability to help hone students’ professional knowledge and skills.

At York University in Toronto, Canada, things are a little different. In 2019, the university revised the traditional capstone project and created C4: Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom . While it still possesses the fundamentals of the traditional capstone project, C4 is a new, year-long initiative that brings students together from various degree programmes to work in interdisciplinary teams with faculty and project partners on real-world challenges pitched by non-profit organisations, start-ups and businesses to create social impact.

TopUniversities spoke to Megan Tran and Javeria Mirza, two students at York University, to find out about their capstone project and why they feel it has played an important role in not just their academic development, but their professional development as well.

What is the purpose of a capstone project?

The capstone project is designed to consolidate final-year students’ learning with valuable hands-on experience to help develop them into well-prepared and well-rounded graduates.

Students work together in small groups to come up with innovative solutions for real-life problems, all while gaining valuable insights into the demands and responsibilities of the working world. This gives students a chance to bring their leadership and management skills alive and understand the consequences of their decisions in a ‘safe space’.

C4 gives students an insight into global affairs, international relations as well as social corporate responsibility and sustainability. 

Final-year bachelor’s in international studies student Megan and master’s in political science student Javeria were two of the eight interdisciplinary students, from the Faculty of Environmental Studies, the Lassonde School of Engineering, Glendon College, and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies at York University who worked together on the ‘Solar Floatie’ project.

“As a group, we were all interested in using technology and design-thinking for good. Our collective passion for social impact brought us together as a team. CooperLab at York University led by Professor Thomas Cooper was already spearheading the idea of an inflatable solar collector,” said Javeria.

“But how we went about developing the technology and what we wanted to use it for was up to us,” added Megan.

“ The Solar Floatie was born when the engineering side of the solar collector project was merged with the anthropology side and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework to propose a sustainable implementation model,” explained Javeria.

Undertaking a capstone project demonstrates to prospective employers that you’re more than just a potential candidate with the necessary academic qualifications. It shows your dedication to an issue which demands time and effort, as well as strict professionalism, work ethic and experience working in a practical, hands-on setting.

As a graduate, the reality of securing a job can be difficult as many roles demand practical experience. Many graduates are conceptually strong and suitable candidates, but a lack of applied knowledge in practical settings can make it challenging to demonstrate such experience and skills on their CV or in an interview.

The capstone project is a great solution and is something which both Megan and Javeria felt helped bridge that critical gap and has given them a competitive advantage as young professionals.

“It gave me an opportunity to learn outside a traditional academic setting and allowed me to explore my interest in sustainability and passion for social impact,” said Megan. “Since being a part of this project, I’ve been involved with a variety of organisations carrying out work that align with these passions.”

Javeria echoes Megan’s sentiments.

She said: “Bridging the lessons learnt during the capstone project such as the value of continuously learning, taking initiative, and working effectively with people from diverse disciplinary backgrounds has been invaluable in both my UN work and my graduate studies.”

Testimonials

Saurabh Kulkarni

"I’d been working as a data analyst back in India. I knew what my career prospects were and it was just a case of deciding which university would be better suited. Obviously, that's where the QS rankings proved useful."

Read my story

Saurabh Kulkarni Durham University Business School student

Jugnu Nagar

"I chose to remain in India for my gap year to take on several different opportunities and roles and gain more real-life experience. I found out what it’s like to work in an office, and also learned a lot about myself during that time."

Jugnu Nagar JECRC University student

Bibil Jose

"QS were a huge help from the very beginning. When I felt overwhelmed about the options available, it was my counsellor who helped me to clarify my goals and find a programme that would be best suited for my future."

Bibil Jose Arizona State University student

Pratibha Muthukumarasamy

"I’m grateful to have selected a co-op programme for my degree. It helped me gain significant industry skills and amazing memories that I will take into my career. My resume already looks full of experience before I’ve even graduated."

Pratibha Muthukumarasamy University of Waterloo student

The capstone project encompasses a real-life working culture which aims to instil a set of specific skills that are both highly valued by employers and will ultimately serve students well into their careers.

York University’s C4 focuses on the development of a wide range of skills, including creative, critical, and strategic thinking, effective communication, teamwork, problem solving and research analysis through diverse learning approaches and perspectives. Students deepen their sense of social and ethical responsibilities as they learn to mobilise their knowledge across disciplines and work effectively in interdisciplinary teams while engaging professionally with their peers and professors.

Lead image: Solar Floatie project team members work on assembling the solar energy collector, under Professor Thomas Cooper’s direction. Credit: York University

capstone projects engineering

+ 2 others saved this article

+ 3 others saved this article

Stephanie image

As the former Head of Sponsored Content for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, Stephanie created and published a wide range of articles for universities and business schools across the world. She attended the University of Portsmouth where she earned a BA in English Language and an MA in Communication and Applied Linguistics.

Recommended articles Last year

capstone projects engineering

Top universities for physics

Keshala image

Top mechanical engineering schools

Holly image

Top universities for veterinary science

Discover top-ranked universities.

universities

events every year

Sign up to continue reading

capstone projects engineering

Ask me about universities, programs, or rankings!

capstone projects engineering

Our chatbot is here to guide you.

QS SearchBot

capstone projects engineering

Top 14 Capstone Projects on Electronics (Videos Included)

Electronics

Top 14 capstone projects on electronics (videos included).

In this article, you will gain knowledge about electronics and capstone projects that you can develop on top of it. We have included amazing and unique capstone projects, we will be discussing what is a capstone project then guidelines on how to choose a capstone project followed by some amazing tips and information on some of the best electronic capstone projects you can do as your final year project or senior project.

Have you checked out our projects on Electronics yet? Electronics Kit will be shipped to you and you can build using tutorials. You can start with a free demo today!

1. Wireless Communication (Career Building Course)

2. Animatronic Hand

3. Embedded Systems (Career Building Course)

4. Home Automation using IoT

5. Robotic Arm

6. Sensor Guided Robotics

7. Smart Energy Meter using GSM

8. Solar & Smart Energy Systems

9. Automatic Solar Tracker

10. GPS & GSM based Tracker

11. 5 Arduino Projects

12. Biometric Authentication

13. Access Control with RFID

14. Automated Railway Crossing

15. 4 Smart Energy Projects

16. PCB Manufacturing

17. Health Monitoring Wearable

18. Persistence of Vision

19. Smart Traffic Lighting System

20. Automation using PLC

Explore more about capstone project

What is a Capstone project?

A capstone project is a highly academic and major project that is taken up by a student in the final year of their respective academic degree. It is the basic requirement for completing an academic course and getting a degree.

The main aim of the capstone project is to encourage students to showcase their areas of expertise in a particular field. The requirement of a capstone project demands it to be unique and innovative with no plagiarism involved.

Latest projects on Electronics

Want to develop practical skills on Electronics? Checkout our latest projects and start learning for free

Tips & guidelines for writing a capstone project

  • Brainstorming and coming up with a list of topics or projects.
  • Selecting a unique topic among shortlisted projects.
  • Choose a project which is relevant to your expertise and matches your course.
  • Choosing a project or topic which adds value and is challenging.
  • Take care of the feasibility of the project, choose a project that you can complete within a given time frame.
  • After selecting the topic plan your work.
  • Divide the project and set a daily goal and spend that time on it daily.
  • Make a complete overview of the project and spend time to proofread and make changes accordingly.

Selecting a capstone project can be a tedious task. Don't worry we have got you covered, we have researched and compiled best electronics capstone projects that you can start working on without any delay. Some of the best electronics capstone projects are discussed below.

Skyfi Labs helps students develop skills in a hands-on manner through Electronics Online Courses where you learn by building real-world projects.

You can enrol with friends and receive kits at your doorstep.

You can learn from experts, build working projects, showcase skills to the world and grab the best jobs. Start Learning Electronics today!

1. Animatronic Hand

The animatronic hand project is based on animatronic technology. It is a technology that facilitates the working of machines as humans by mimicking humans, as well as animal’s functionality. It can mimic movements like smiling, picking, moving fingers, etc. making it a cool capstone project.

The animatronic hand can identify and replicate the same actions the user does with his hands like making gestures with fingers and seeing the animatronic hand mimics it perfectly. In this electronics project, you will develop one such project where it will copy your hand movements. You will use Servo motors, Flex sensors, and Arduino board to build this project.

Click here and learn to make an animatronic hand

2. Home automation

Home automation is a trending technology. It helps the user to control all of the home appliances remotely through the internet. Home automation can be useful at times to detect theft and trespassing in a home effectively, it also brings comfort for its users.

In this electronics project, you will use Arduino to build a home automation system to remotely operate the home appliances.

Click here and learn to make a home automation project

3. Robotic Arm

A robotic arm is a complex combination of mechanical and electronic components. It is an intermediate level Arduino project and can be done as a capstone project. The Robotic arm can be programmed to perform various functions like picking, turning, sorting, spacing, etc. Its various cool functionalities are very useful in industrial applications.

In this electronics project, you will use Arduino to build a robotic arm that can be controlled via Bluetooth.

Click here and learn to make a robotic arm

4. Smart energy meter using GSM

Have you ever wondered why you are getting higher electricity bills, or want to know which device or appliance is consuming more power then try this smart energy meter using GSM project.

The smart energy meter can send you updates about the energy consumption of an appliance for a particular instance of time. It sends the updates to the user device by SMS service. In this capstone project, you will use the Arduino board with the GSM module to build a smart energy meter.

Click here and learn to make a smart energy meter using GSM

5. Automatic solar tracker

The problem with solar panels arises when the sun moves from its position concerning time. The conventional solar panel is not designed in a way that helps them get sunlight for the maximum amount of time. So the automatic solar tracker comes into the picture. An automatic solar panel has a sensor that senses the movement of the sun and adjusts the panel accordingly.

In this capstone project, you will use the Arduino board and solar panel to build an automatic solar panel.

Click here and learn to make an automatic solar tracker

6. GPS and GSM based tracker

A GPS and GSM based tracker can send a continuous update about its position using google maps to the user mobile.

In this electronics project, you will use GSM, GPS and Arduino microcontroller to build the location tracker device.

Click here and learn to make a GPS and GSM based tracker

7. Biometric authentication

A biometric authentication device allows or denies access to a person based on his fingerprint data.

In this electronics project, you will use a biometric reader, LCD, and Arduino microcontroller to build the Biometric authentication device.

Click here and learn to make a biometric authentication

8. Access control with RFID project

RFID refers to radio frequency identification. This is the most popular technology used for identification purposes.

In this electronics project, you will use the RFID cards, RFID readers, DC motors and Arduino microcontroller to build the RFID access control project.

Click here and learn to make an Access control with RFID project

9. Automated railway crossing

An automated railway crossing closes and opens gates based on train arrival. In this capstone project, you will use sensors and microcontrollers to build an automated railway crossing.

Click here and learn to make automated railway crossing

10. PCB manufacturing

To make an electronic project one needs a PCB (printed circuit board). hence knowing its manufacturing is very important.

In this project, you will use software tools to make a PCB prototype of a clap circuit.

Click here and learn to make PCB

11. Health monitoring wearable glove

Wearable gadgets are becoming a trend. These are one of the biggest inventions of the time. We will be focusing on the health-based application.

In this capstone project, you will use a pulse sensor, LCD and an Arduino microcontroller to build a health monitoring wearable glove that senses and displays the heart rate.

Click here and learn to make health monitoring wearable   

12. Persistence of vision

Persistence of vision refers to the illusion which tricks the brain to detect motion when images are shown in succession.

In this project you will use LED, DC motors and Arduino microcontroller to make an LED-based POV display.

Click here and learn to make the persistence of vision device

13. Smart traffic lightning system

A smart traffic lightning system can autonomously control the flow of traffic with efficiency without human intervention.

In this electronics project, you will use IR sensors, traffic framework, and Arduino microcontroller to make smart traffic lightning system

Click here and learn to make a smart traffic lightning system

14. Automation using PLC

A PLC (programmable logic controller) can be used to automate electronic devices. In this PLC project, the robot can pick and place objects in the conveyer belt system.

In this capstone project, we will use PLC, SMPS, relays, motors and Arduino microcontroller to make an automated robot with PLC

Click here and learn to make automation using PLC

If you have any queries let us know in the comments, our experts will get back to you shortly.

Join 250,000+ students from 36+ countries & develop practical skills by building projects

Get kits shipped in 24 hours. Build using online tutorials.

Blogs you might like on Electronics

Subscribe to our blog.

Stay up-to-date and build projects on latest technologies

☎ Have a Query?

StatAnalytica

15+ Best Capstone Project Ideas for Civil Engineering In 2023

Capstone Project Ideas for Civil Engineering

Are you looking for capstone project ideas for civil engineering, if so then you are at the right place. Here in this post, we will tell you 10+ capstone project ideas for civil engineering in 2023. One of the most important experiences for students in their senior year is completing a capstone project. This project enables seniors to apply their knowledge and hands-on technical skills they’ve learned in class and lab sessions to real-world engineering design projects.

The project can be a research paper, an art piece, a software application, or anything else that showcases the student’s educational achievements and helps them demonstrate how they learn. The project may also require a presentation and an evaluation from professors, peers, or industry experts.

As a civil engineering student, a capstone project is one of the final requirements to complete your degree program. It’s an opportunity for you to showcase your knowledge and skills, and apply them to a real-world problem in the field. 

If you’re struggling to come up with a capstone project idea, here are some suggestions to get you started.

What is a Capstone Project?

Table of Contents

A capstone project is a final academic project that students undertake during their last year of study, typically in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. It is a culminating project that integrates and applies the knowledge and skills that students have acquired throughout their academic program to a real-world problem or issue. 

Capstone projects can take many forms, depending on the field of study and the specific requirements of the program, but they generally involve independent research, critical thinking, and the application of practical skills to solve a problem or create a solution. Capstone projects often require students to work closely with a faculty advisor or mentor and may involve collaboration with industry partners or community organizations. 

The outcome of a capstone project is typically a report, a presentation, or a prototype, which demonstrates the student’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world context.

Here in this section, we will tell you 10+ Capstone Project Ideas for Civil Engineering that you can implement in 2023.

1. Design And Analysis Of A Transportation Network

Transportation is a critical aspect of civil engineering, and a capstone project on this topic can cover various areas such as traffic flow, road construction, public transportation, and traffic safety. You can choose to design and analyze a transportation network for a specific region or city, taking into account factors such as population density, road conditions , and traffic patterns. You can also explore the use of new technologies such as smart traffic lights or autonomous vehicles.

2. Sustainable Building Design

Sustainability is an essential consideration in modern building design, and a capstone project on this topic can cover various aspects such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. You can choose to design a building that uses renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, or explore the use of green building materials. You can also investigate the potential environmental impact of a building throughout its lifecycle, from construction to demolition.

3. Analysis Of Soil Stability And Foundation Design

Soil stability is a crucial consideration in civil engineering, and a capstone project on this topic can explore various aspects such as soil mechanics, foundation design, and slope stability analysis. You can choose to investigate the impact of various factors on soil stability, such as rainfall, earthquakes, or changes in soil composition. You can also explore new techniques and technologies for foundation design, such as the use of geotextiles or soil anchors.

4. Water Resource Management

Water resource management is a significant concern in civil engineering, and a capstone project on this topic can explore various aspects such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. You can choose to investigate the potential impact of climate change on water resources, or explore new technologies for water treatment and distribution. You can also analyze the impact of land use on water quality and explore strategies for reducing pollution.

5. Design And Construction Of Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable infrastructure is becoming increasingly important in modern civil engineering, and a capstone project on this topic can explore various aspects such as the design and construction of sustainable buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. You can choose to investigate the use of new materials such as recycled plastic or explore new construction techniques such as modular construction. You can also investigate the potential environmental impact of infrastructure projects and explore strategies for reducing their carbon footprint.

6. Structural Analysis And Design

Structural analysis and design is a core aspect of civil engineering, and a capstone project on this topic can explore various areas such as the analysis of existing structures, the design of new structures, and the use of new materials in construction. You can choose to investigate the impact of various factors on structural stability, such as wind loads, earthquakes, or changes in temperature. You can also explore new techniques and technologies for structural design, such as the use of composite materials or the development of new structural systems. This is the best project idea among other capstone project ideas for civil engineering.

7. Urban Planning And Design

Urban planning and design is an essential aspect of civil engineering, and a capstone project on this topic can explore various areas such as land use planning, urban design, and the impact of urbanization on the environment. You can choose to investigate the potential impact of new development on the urban environment, or explore strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of urban areas. You can also investigate the use of new technologies such as 3D modeling or virtual reality in urban planning and design.

8. Design A Building

A building is an important and functional structure that provides many essential services for the community. As such, it makes a great capstone project idea for civil engineering students.

Senior capstone projects are designed to provide hands-on experience in the engineering process and apply knowledge learned during the four years of engineering classes. These interdisciplinary and open-ended projects often involve teamwork, report writing and oral presentation of the design, and open-ended problem solving.

Capstone courses have been found to be an effective way for engineering schools to meet ABET Criterion 3 (Professional Outcomes and Assessment), which calls for graduates who have professional skills. They are also beneficial for improving student confidence and self-esteem and can cultivate leadership abilities and positive cultural values within a school.

9. Design A Transportation System

Designing a transportation system can be a great capstone project idea for civil engineering students. It involves a team of students, working in collaboration with an instructor and a real-world client.

A transportation system is a complex network of vehicles that moves people or goods from one point to another. These systems are used in a variety of situations, from letting individuals get to work on time with the help of a bus or train to allowing airlines to tell consumers when an airplane will arrive at its destination.

A transport system requires infrastructure to operate, and this includes roads, bridges, railways, pipelines, and cable. Roads, for example, consume land, so a more efficient transportation system will use less land.

10. Design A Water Supply System

A water supply system includes three basic elements: a source of supply, the processing or treatment of the water, and the distribution of water to consumers. The water is transported from the source to the treatment plant by conduits or aqueducts, either under pressure or in open-channel flow.

The water is then delivered to users through the distribution system, which may comprise service lines or premise plumbing. The latter, sometimes called piping within the building or home, is usually smaller in diameter, which leads to greater surface-to-volume ratios than in other distribution systems.

In addition, some water utilities design dual systems, which separate pipe networks for potable and nonpotable supplies of water. The latter includes reclaimed wastewater or water of sub-potable quality that may be used for fire fighting and other special purposes.

11. Design A Wastewater Treatment Plant

For many countries, water scarcity is a problem that needs to be addressed through processes for preserving and recycling water. A key part of this is wastewater treatment.

Wastewater is used water from households, businesses and industries that must be cleaned before it can be discharged into the environment. This includes human waste, food scraps, oils, soap and chemicals.

A sewage treatment plant is the central facility for the treatment of wastewater, from household septic systems or municipal sludge disposal facilities. It typically has three main stages: primary, secondary and tertiary treatment.

The secondary treatment phase removes suspended solids, usually by biological processes that convert the organic matter to carbon dioxide and water. This process helps maintain a healthy dissolved oxygen balance in receiving streams, rivers and lakes.

12. Design a Highway

If you are looking for a capstone project that can be used to learn about the design process in civil engineering, you might consider designing a highway. These roads are commonly the quickest routes from one city to another, and they save time by eliminating the need for local driving.

When designing a highway, you should consider the type of traffic that will use it. A highway that allows vehicles can be called an expressway or freeway, while a highway that only allows pedestrians and cyclists can be called a roadway.

You will need to determine the lane configuration for your highway and create a design report that includes topographic site plans, material quantities, and basic cost estimates. You will also need to prepare tech- nical reports for each subarea of the project. This is the last project ideas among 11 other capstone project ideas for civil engineering.

13. Traffic Management and Optimization

Design an intelligent traffic management system using sensors, cameras, and data analytics to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance road safety. Consider intelligent traffic signals, adaptive routing algorithms, and smart transportation solutions.

14. Structural Health Monitoring

Create a project that utilizes advanced sensor technologies to monitor the structural health of bridges, buildings, or other civil engineering structures. Implement real-time data collection and analysis techniques to detect and predict potential structural issues, enabling proactive maintenance and ensuring public safety.

15. Geotechnical Engineering

Create a project focused on geotechnical engineering, such as slope stability analysis, foundation design, or soil improvement techniques. Incorporate geotechnical investigations, laboratory testing, and numerical modeling to provide practical solutions for geotechnical problems.

16. Disaster Resilience and Risk Assessment

Design a project that addresses the resilience of civil infrastructure to natural disasters. Develop risk assessment methodologies, disaster mitigation strategies, and emergency response plans to minimize the impact of events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods.

Well, above are some of the best capstone project ideas for civil engineering that you can implement in 2023.

  • Digital Electronics Projects
  • Civil Engineering Project Ideas

Elements of Capstone Project for Civil Engineering

A capstone project for civil engineering typically consists of several key elements that must be included to ensure a comprehensive and successful project. The following are the most common elements of a capstone project for civil engineering:

1. Project Proposal

The project proposal is the initial document that outlines the scope and objectives of the project, including the research question or problem statement, the research methods to be used, and the expected outcomes or deliverables. It is usually submitted to the faculty advisor or committee for approval before the project begins.

2. Literature Review

The literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature and research related to the project topic. It identifies gaps in knowledge, inconsistencies, and areas where further research is needed.

3. Research Methodology

The research methodology describes the methods and techniques that will be used to collect data and analyze the results. It includes details on the sample size, data collection instruments, data analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations.

4. Results and Findings

The results and findings section presents the data collected and analyzed during the project, along with any conclusions drawn from the data. It includes tables, graphs, and other visual help to support the analysis and interpretation of the data.

5. Discussion and Analysis

The discussion and analysis section presents an in-depth analysis of the results and findings, including an interpretation of the data, an evaluation of the research methodology, and a discussion of the implications of the findings for the project topic.

6. Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the key findings and conclusions of the project, and provides recommendations for further research or practical applications of the project results.

7. References and Citations

The references and citations section lists all the sources used in the project, following the appropriate citation style .

8. Appendices

The appendices section includes any additional materials or data that were not included in the main body of the project, such as survey instruments, interview transcripts, or technical drawings.

9. Presentation

The presentation is the final component of the capstone project, which is presented to the faculty advisor or committee in a formal setting. It summarizes the key elements of the project and includes a discussion of the findings and recommendations.

How To Make Efficient Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering

If you want to make Capstone Project Ideas for Civil Engineering more efficient then you can follow these tips which are mentioned below:

1. Choose a Relevant and Interesting Topic

Students should choose a topic that is relevant to civil engineering and of interest to them. The topic should be specific and manageable in scope, and should have potential for practical application.

2. Define the Problem Clearly

The problem statement should be clearly defined, so that the research objectives and scope are well-defined. This will help ensure that the project remains focused and relevant.

3. Develop a Realistic Timeline

Students should develop a realistic timeline for their project, with specific milestones and deadlines. This will help them stay on track and complete the project on time.

4. Select a Capable Advisor

Students should select an advisor who is knowledgeable in the field of civil engineering and who has experience with capstone projects. The advisor should be available and willing to provide guidance and support throughout the project.

5. Conduct Thorough Research

Students should conduct thorough research using reliable sources, such as academic journals, industry reports, and government publications. They should also consult with experts in the field and conduct site visits, if necessary.

6. Use Appropriate Methodology

Students should use appropriate methodology to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, interviews, or experiments. They should also ensure that the data is analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques.

7. Keep the Project Organized

Students should keep their project organized by using a project management tool, such as a Gantt chart or a task list. This will help them stay on track and ensure that all components of the project are completed on time.

8. Be Creative

Students should be creative in their approach to the project, and explore new ideas and solutions. They should also be open to feedback and suggestions from their advisor and other experts in the field.

9. Demonstrate Professionalism

Students should demonstrate professionalism throughout the project, by communicating clearly, meeting deadlines, and presenting their work in a professional manner.

By following these tips, students can make their capstone project for civil engineering efficient and effective, and produce a high-quality project that demonstrates their knowledge and skills in the field.

In conclusion, a capstone project for civil engineering is a culminating project that integrates and applies the knowledge and skills that students have acquired throughout their academic program to a real-world problem or issue. The project typically involves independent research, critical thinking, and the application of practical skills to solve a problem or create a solution. 

To make an efficient capstone project for civil engineering, students should choose a relevant and interesting topic, define the problem clearly, develop a realistic timeline, select a capable advisor, conduct thorough research, use appropriate methodology, keep the project organized, be creative, and demonstrate professionalism.

A successful capstone project for civil engineering should include a comprehensive project proposal, literature review, research methodology, results and findings, discussion and analysis, conclusion, references and citations, appendices, and a formal presentation. By completing a capstone project, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world context, and to make a valuable contribution to the field of civil engineering.

Q1. What are some examples of civil engineering capstone project ideas?

Sustainable building design, transportation network improvement, stormwater management, bridge or highway structure analysis, environmental impact assessment, water supply system design, renewable energy system optimization, wastewater treatment plant design, seismic retrofitting, sustainable urban drainage system design.

Q 2. How do I choose a suitable capstone project idea for civil engineering?

Identify interests, research trends and challenges, consult with faculty and professionals, assess available resources, define project goals and scope, consider societal and environmental impact, brainstorm and evaluate multiple ideas.

Related Posts

best way to finance car

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

how to get fund for business

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

Top 111+ Capstone Project Ideas in Computer Science for Students

Capstone Project Ideas Computer Science

  • Post author By Amar
  • February 20, 2024

As a computer science student close to finishing your degree, your final project is a big chance to use all the knowledge and technical skills you’ve learned over the years. This final project allows you to show off your abilities, creativity, and understanding of the exciting field of computer science.

More than just a requirement to graduate, the final project lets you dive into a special area that interests you and matches your career goals. Whether you love developing new artificial intelligence programs, building strong and flexible software systems, or exploring cybersecurity, this project allows you to solve real-world problems and develop new solutions.

With technology always changing, there are countless exciting final project ideas in computer science. The choices are endless and thrilling, from using machine learning to improve prediction to using blockchain for secure data management or even creating augmented reality and virtual simulations.

In this complete guide, we’ve carefully gathered a collection of over 111 thought-provoking and engaging final project ideas covering the many areas of computer science. Each idea has been chosen to spark your curiosity, challenge your problem-solving skills, and provide a rewarding experience that solidifies what you’ve learned and prepares you for the professional world.

Table of Contents

Importance of Capstone Projects

Capstone projects are a huge part of many college programs, especially in computer science, engineering, and business. These final projects let students use the things they learned in their studies as a real challenge.

What Are Capstone Projects?

A capstone project is a big assignment that is the last thing students do before finishing their college program. Instead of a normal class with lectures and tests, a capstone has students identify and solve a hard problem. They use the skills they have learned in communication, analysis, and technical areas.

Capstone projects can be different things, like:

  • A long research paper
  • A project to design or create software
  • A project for a real company
  • Making a plan for a new business

No matter what kind of project it is, all capstones have the same goal – combining what students know and getting them ready for a real job.

Why They Matter for Computer Science

Capstone projects are extra important in computer science programs because the field is so hands-on. Unlike some subjects that are just theory, really understanding coding, design, and solving computer problems means practicing a lot.

Through a computer science capstone, students get precious experience with things like:

  • The full process of developing software
  • Planning and managing a project
  • Understanding what a system needs to do
  • Writing code and fixing errors
  • Working together in teams and communicating

Most importantly, a capstone puts students in the kinds of open-ended, multi-part challenges they will face in real computer science jobs. This unstructured setup makes students develop technical skills and important abilities like creativity, critical thinking, and independent learning.

The capstone project is the highest point of a student’s college experience. It shows they are truly ready to start working as professional computer scientists.

Recommended Readings: “ Top 59+ Amazing Poster Board Project Ideas – Inspiration & Creativity “

111+ Amazing Capstone Project Ideas in Computer Science

Here is the list of the top 111+ most amazing capstone project ideas for computer science, please take a look: 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

  • Make a talking computer friend using words.
  • Suggest movies, books, or music you might like.
  • Figure out if people are happy or sad in their messages.
  • Recognize faces in pictures.
  • Create a computer friend that listens to your voice commands.
  • Help doctors find out what’s wrong with people using computers.
  • Stop spam emails with the help of computers.
  • Make a computer tool that translates languages in real time.
  • Teach a computer to understand hand movements.
  • Create a smart computer player for games.

Web Development and Applications

  • Make an online store where you can buy things.
  • Create a website where you can connect with friends.
  • Build a website for learning with videos and quizzes.
  • Make an app to help manage tasks and work together.
  • Create a tool for writing and sharing articles online.
  • Make a tool for writing documents together in real time.
  • Create a website for sharing yummy recipes.
  • Make a website to find and apply for jobs.
  • Create a website where people can help fund cool projects.
  • Make a website for planning and sharing travel adventures.

Data Science and Big Data

  • Look at social media to find out what people like.
  • Predict if the stock market will go up or down.
  • Suggest things to buy based on what you like.
  • Predict when lots of people might get sick.
  • Create a system that watches traffic using smart devices.
  • Stop bad people from doing tricky things with money.
  • Learn about what people like to make better ads.
  • Suggest news articles based on what you like.
  • Make a weather prediction model using past data.
  • Improve websites based on how people use them.

Cybersecurity and Network Security

  • Help keep your passwords safe with a computer tool.
  • Stop bad people from getting into computer networks.
  • Protect your computer from bad software that asks for money.
  • Manage which apps can talk to your computer.
  • Keep your files safe by turning them into secret codes.
  • Stop people from tricking you into doing things online.
  • Watch the internet to find out if something strange is happening.
  • Create a tool to understand and fight against bad software.
  • Make a tool to send secret messages that only certain people can read.
  • Use your fingerprint to unlock things on the computer.

Mobile App Development

  • Make an app to help you exercise and track progress.
  • Create an app to learn new languages with fun lessons.
  • Make an app to relax and calm your mind.
  • Create an app to help you manage money and spending.
  • Make an app to find and save yummy recipes.
  • Create an app to remember and share travel memories.
  • Make an app to help you remember and finish tasks.
  • Create an app to listen to music and discover new songs.
  • Make an app to help you manage time and set goals.
  • Create an app to support mental well-being.

Computer Vision and Image Processing

  • Make a tool to read license plates for parking.
  • Create a fun tool to mix faces in pictures.
  • Add captions to pictures using computer smarts.
  • Create a tool to scan and read documents.
  • Make an app to show cool things in the real world using your phone.
  • Help find skin problems using pictures and computers.
  • Find objects in pictures as soon as they appear.
  • Make a tool to recognize fingerprints for safety.
  • Create a tool to analyze pictures from space for farming.
  • Help cars recognize traffic signs by themselves.

Internet of Things (IoT)

  • Make your home smart so you can control things with your voice.
  • Create a watch that helps keep you healthy.
  • Make a smart farm to save water and grow crops better.
  • Create a tool to check if a room is too hot or cold.
  • Use smart devices to save energy at home.
  • Make a tool to check if the water is clean or not.
  • Create a system to manage garbage using smart devices.
  • Make a bracelet that helps old people if they fall.
  • Create a system to manage inventory in a store.
  • Make a tool to know which products are in stock in a store.

Game Development

  • Create a simple game where you jump and run.
  • Make a game where many people play together online.
  • Create a game you can play using special glasses.
  • Make a puzzle game where the computer creates levels.
  • Make a game where you control many characters at once.
  • Create a game where you make your character.
  • Make a game where you play to the beat of the music.
  • Create a game where you build and defend towers.
  • Make a car racing game where you can customize your car.
  • Create a game where you survive and build things.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

  • Create a fair voting system using special computer money.
  • Make a wallet to store special computer money.
  • Create a system to follow where products come from using special computer money.
  • Make a market where people can buy and sell things using special computer money.
  • Create a system to prove who you are using special computer money.
  • Make a system to prove if a document is real using special computer money.
  • Create a way for people to support projects using special computer money.
  • Make a system to manage digital things using special computer money.
  • Create a system to prove you learned something using special computer money.
  • Make a social media that uses special computer money.

Robotics and Automation

  • Make a robot arm that can pick up things.
  • Create a pretend world for cars to drive themselves.
  • Build a flying robot with a mind of its own.
  • Make a robot vacuum that doesn’t bump into things.
  • Create a robot that helps sort trash for recycling.
  • Make a pretend person who talks and understands you.
  • Build a robot bartender that makes drinks for you.
  • Make a robot pet that does fun things.
  • Create a robot that brings things to people.
  • Make a pretend friend to help people who need it.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

  • Make a tool to know if people like or dislike things.
  • Create a tool to make long texts shorter.
  • Make a computer friend who talks with you online.
  • Create a tool to change words from one language to another.
  • Make a computer friend that answers text questions.
  • Create a tool to organize news articles by topic.
  • Make a tool to understand names and important words in text.
  • Create a tool to fix writing mistakes.
  • Make a tool to check if someone copied text from somewhere else.
  • Create a computer friend to chat with when feeling down.
  • Create a tool to turn written words into spoken words.

Miscellaneous

  • Make a tool to create 3D models and pictures.
  • Create a pretend world for learning and practicing.
  • Make a tool to check who is present using cameras.
  • Create a tool to turn spoken words into written words.
  • Make a tool to create music using computers.
  • Create a pretend room to try on clothes online.
  • Make a fun game to learn languages.
  • Create a tool to understand different languages in real time.
  • Make a tool to know when traffic might be bad using computers.

We have tried to cover all major categories possible to cater to so that you don’t have to search different portals and websites to discover your favorite capstone project idea for computer science. 

How do you choose the right capstone project ideas for you?

Your capstone project is the biggest part of your computer science studies. It lets you use everything you’ve learned on a real challenge. But how do you pick the right project? There are a few key things to think about.

Things to Think About

Choosing your capstone project is an important choice. The project you pick will take up much time and hard work. So it’s smart to carefully think about everything that matters to find the best fit for you.

Matches Your Job Goals

One main thing is how the project goes with the type of job you want after college. If you hope to be a coder who makes software, then a coding project would let you practice those skills. If you want to work on keeping computer systems safe, then a project about computer security would be a better match. Pick something that will help get you ready for your desired job.

Is Something You Enjoy

You’ll spend many hours on your capstone over several months. So, it’s also important to pick a project you will find interesting and fun to work on. If you choose something you’re excited about, you’ll stay motivated. But if you pick a boring topic, the project will feel like a long, hard task.

The best choice is a capstone that prepares you for your career goals while being about something you like in computer science. You can make the most of this big final project experience by carefully finding that balance.

Closing Up 

Choosing the right capstone project is important for computer science students. It’s the final project before you graduate, so you want to pick something great. The good news is, with over 111 cool ideas, you will find a project that fits your interests and prepares you for the job you want after college.

Maybe you dream of creating awesome apps or building the next big video game. Then, a software development project could be perfect for you. Or if robots and physical computing excite you, designing and coding a robot would be a blast. 

A cybersecurity project is an option for those who keep data and networks secure. And for visionary students wanting to launch their startup, a business plan for a new tech idea could be the capstone for you.

So take your time going through all the many possibilities. Think about what computer science areas excite you most to learn and create. Find that perfect balance between preparing for your dream job and pursuing your passions. 

With over 111 unique ideas, you’ll find an amazing capstone that lets you showcase your mad skills on something awesome! It’ll be challenging but incredibly rewarding to complete such a big hands-on project you can be proud of.

What is a capstone project?

A capstone project is a big assignment that computer science students work on in their final year of college. It allows you to apply everything you’ve learned in your courses to a complex problem or challenge. Completing a capstone project demonstrates your skills and preparedness for field work.

Why are capstone projects important?

Capstone projects are crucial for computer science students because they provide hands-on experience tackling an open-ended problem similar to what you’ll face professionally. It helps you develop technical abilities like coding and system design and important skills like project planning, problem-solving, and teamwork.

How do I choose a good capstone project idea?

The best capstone ideas align with your personal interests and career goals. Pick something you find genuinely fascinating that will allow you to practice skills related to the type of job you want after graduating. Finding that balance will keep you motivated throughout the long project.

  • Tags capstone , ideas , project , students
  • australia (2)
  • duolingo (13)
  • Education (284)
  • General (78)
  • How To (18)
  • IELTS (127)
  • Latest Updates (162)
  • Malta Visa (6)
  • Permanent residency (1)
  • Programming (31)
  • Scholarship (1)
  • Sponsored (4)
  • Study Abroad (187)
  • Technology (12)
  • work permit (8)

Recent Posts

Top 10 Colleges For Study Abroad For Indian Students

The University of Arizona Logo

Search form

Lia Crocker poses outdoors at the University of Arizona

Biosystems engineering MS alum Lia Crocker is proud to mentor engineering students completing a capstone project. She did her own senior capstone for Biosphere 2 in 2019-2020.

Capstone team will help return coral to the Biosphere 2 ocean

Coral research at Biosphere 2 is at a critical point. The marine team is preparing to reintroduce corals into the facility’s ocean after 25 years of its reef being too damaged to support life and research.

a boat travels on the Biosphere 2 ocean

The reef was not well maintained for around a decade before the University of Arizona took over Biosphere 2 ownership in 2007, said Research Specialist Lia Crocker.

“We saw all the coral die. Algae left us with a super-degraded reef, which is what we see with reefs today,” said Crocker.

Since 2018, the marine team has removed tons of algae and tested methods to restore reef health. Now, Biosphere 2 is sponsoring an Interdisciplinary Capstone team to develop a precise light control system.

Seven students will work with Biosphere 2 advisers, including Crocker, over the coming academic year to complete the project as part of the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program . The team will present its finished project at the 2025 Craig M. Berge Design Day and compete with other student teams for tens of thousands of dollars in cash prizes.

After Design Day, researchers will install the lights and move corals from two 325-gallon tanks, known as raceways, to the ocean. The facility will then support more robust efforts that identify ways to mitigate climate change's effect on coral.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to rehabilitate a degraded reef,” said Crocker. “Since we have environmental control, we can push the ecosystem 30 years into the future and see how it responds to stresses we know are predicted soon with climate change.”

Why light matters

As the academic year started and Crocker and her colleagues recruited students to join the capstone team, construction had just begun over the Biosphere 2 ocean. A housing structure for the new lighting system will be ready by the end of 2024. When the students complete the project in May 2025, their design will become a crucial part of coral reintroduction.

4 people pose in front of a conference display

“Lighting is key because the Biosphere 2 glass blocks out all UV light and takes the sun’s visible light down to 30% to 50%. It’s nowhere near the amount of light coral needs to thrive,” said Crocker.

The raceway tanks have systems that allow researchers to carefully manipulate lighting conditions. But no commercial product is available for the much larger ocean. The students will design and prototype a system and user interface the marine team can use to remotely custom-program lighting power, intensity, wavelength and duration.

“Having that level of control over our lighting array will really advance our research capabilities and attract collaborators from around the world to do even more kinds of research that the Biosphere 2 ocean is uniquely suitable for,” Crocker said.

An inspiring fit

Advising a capstone team is a new experience for Crocker, who hopes to work with and guide students who are as invested in ecological sustainability as she is.

“I chose to be a biosystems engineer because we work toward solutions for problems presented by climate change,” she said.

As a student planning for the future, Crocker didn’t want to take the “traditional work for an engineering firm route.” She had moved to the UA from Pittsburgh with a desire to augment her studies at Biosphere 2 and secured an internship for the summer preceding her senior year. For her own Interdisciplinary Capstone , Crocker created and led a coral raceway monitoring project co-sponsored by Biosphere 2 and the biosystems engineering department. She stayed on at Biosphere 2 as a graduate student worker and began her career with her dream job when she completed an accelerated master’s in 2021.

Now the marine team’s sole engineer, Crocker upgrades the ocean’s life support systems, oversees student workers, obtains grant funding, and plans ways to execute the overall engineering vision for the ocean. For example, the team will install equipment to test acidification effects on coral.

Crocker wants to serve as an example to students with similar interests and broaden their perspectives on ways to apply their skills.

“I hope this inspires the students on the capstone team to find work in a sustainable field that not only benefits the planet, but also allows them to thrive in what they enjoy doing.”

Related Content

capstone projects engineering

Basketball-Shooting Robot Inspires at Design Day 2024

Biosphere 2 interior

Today’s Students Are Tomorrow’s Space Explorers

University Privacy Statement

© 2024 Arizona Board of Regents | The University of Arizona College of Engineering | 1209 East 2nd Street, Room 100 | Tucson, Arizona 85721 | Home

IMAGES

  1. 10+ Best Capstone Project Ideas for Civil Engineering In 2023

    capstone projects engineering

  2. Top 100 Capstone Project Ideas For Engineering Students In 2021

    capstone projects engineering

  3. 30 Best Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering

    capstone projects engineering

  4. Capstone Design Projects Virtually Unveiled

    capstone projects engineering

  5. 90+ Inspiring Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering: Building Dreams

    capstone projects engineering

  6. 80+ Cutting-Edge Capstone Project Ideas for 2023 and Beyond

    capstone projects engineering

VIDEO

  1. Capstone Design Conference 2017

  2. Capstone Project Planning (CPP)

  3. ESE Capstone Symposium Spring 2024 MAY 7

  4. (Capstone Design Project) Picking and packing dual robot arm

  5. (Capstone Design Project) Track-based variable-length mobile robot with stair climbing ability

  6. Capstone Project Idea for IT Students: "Coinnect"

COMMENTS

  1. 60+ Inspiring Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students: Unlocking

    Alright, so picture this: the Capstone Project for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students is like the thrilling climax of their academic adventure. It's where all that brainpower they've been accumulating throughout their STEM journey gets its moment to shine - by taking on actual, real-world problems.

  2. 99+ Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Ideas

    Here's a list of 100 Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Ideas categorized into different types: Renewable Energy. Automotive Engineering. Aerospace Engineering. NOTE: " 60+ Inspiring Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students: Unlocking Excellence ". Manufacturing and Automation. Biomechanics and Medical Devices.

  3. 90+ Inspiring Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering: Building Dreams

    Challenge 1: Project Scope and Definition. Challenge: Defining the scope of the capstone project can be challenging, leading to ambiguity and potential scope creep. Solution: Clearly define the project scope in the initial project proposal, including specific objectives, deliverables, and boundaries.

  4. Top 151+ Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Ideas

    Here's a list of 151+ mechanical engineering capstone project ideas for students: Design and prototype a low-cost, portable water purification system. Develop a smart irrigation system using IoT sensors and actuators. Design a solar-powered refrigerator for off-grid communities.

  5. Top 100 Capstone Project Ideas For Engineering Students In 2022

    In the capstone project, students will study the research papers in deep and design their project by using some tools. Capstone Project Ideas Are. 01. Testing Method and Application for Impulse- Dispersed Current Around Earthing Devices in Power Transmission Networks. 02.

  6. 40 Best Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students: Shaping the Future

    Organized Chaos: Keep your space tidy. A clutter-free workspace is like a calm sea—smooth sailing for your project ship. Confidence Showtime: When it's showtime, strut your stuff. Share your journey, the highs, the lows—it's your moment to shine like a rockstar. Executing your Capstone Project is a gig to remember.

  7. 149 Capstone Project Ideas & Examples

    Engineering Capstone Project Ideas. 56) What is the role of engineering in specific manufacturing practices? 57) In what ways are environmental and sustainable efforts transforming various industries (transportation, manufacturing, public use, energy, etc.)? 58) How does artificial intelligence promise to function in various engineering fields?

  8. What Is a Capstone Project in Engineering?

    Engineering Capstone Projects: For EMP, It's Just the Beginning. For McCluskey, this is an exciting time. Seeing the four students come through the capstone project fills her with optimism for the future of the project and, more importantly, what it offers to EMP students willing to take on the capstone and flex their engineering skills. ...

  9. The Young Engineers Guide To University Capstone Projects

    November 26, 2019. Engineering degrees are as wide and varied as the potential careers on offer out in the real world. There's plenty of maths to learn, and a cavalcade of tough topics, from ...

  10. Best Capstone Project Ideas for Engineering Students

    3. Smart Energy Meter using GSM: The generation and supply of electrical energy are one of the widest used applications of electrical engineering. This capstone engineering project is a great learning source for the students who want to go in the field of energy generation and control and talking about this smart energy meter then this is ...

  11. Senior design projects in Electrical and Computer Engineering

    The Senior Design Project provides a capstone experience for undergraduate students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students work in teams of 3-4 students in this year long course sequence to design and prototype a system of their choice.

  12. Industry-Sponsored Student Capstone Projects

    In the 2020/21 academic year the industry capstone program was supported by 51 sponsors and 77 real-world projects. Three hundred twenty students from across the College of Engineering participated. Despite a fully virtual environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our dedicated sponsors and resilient students collaborated successfully to reach ...

  13. Capstone Design Projects

    All mechanical and materials engineering students are required to complete a capstone project in their senior year. Below you will find a list of past capstone projects from our engineering students. 2023 Fall Semester Projects. Rapid Solidification Machine (PDF) Team Members: Anthony Carver, Jesse Potts, Landon Tuck, Courtney Wuilleumier

  14. 21 Capstone Project Topics for Computer Engineering Diploma

    List of Best Capstone Project Topics for Computer Engineering Diploma. 1. IoT-Based Home Automation System. Design and implement a smart home system that enables users to control appliances and ...

  15. Senior design projects

    The Industry Capstone Program brings together UW students and professionals to tackle real-world, interdisciplinary engineering problems. Sponsors bring in projects from their organizations and provide support to teams of creative, talented engineering students who will design and build innovative solutions. View capstone projects

  16. Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

    Through the capstone design experience at USD's Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, mechanical engineering students work within interdisciplinary teams on an open-ended senior design project to understand and execute the full cycle of the design process.

  17. Capstone Project Ideas For Civil Engineering

    It also includes roads, highways, and public transportation systems, to improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility. 29. Development of sustainable waste-to-energy systems. It is one of the best capstone project ideas for civil engineering. Develop systems that convert waste into energy, such as incineration or gasification.

  18. Capstone Design

    Capstone Design is a culminating, project-based course that serves as the pinnacle of the academic experience of undergraduate students at the UH Cullen College of Engineering. It is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application and offers a unique opportunity for the students to apply the knowledge and ...

  19. What is a capstone project? And why is it important?

    The capstone project is a unique opportunity to carry out independent group research in order to devise an innovative solution for a real-world problem. While a project of this scope and scale can be challenging, it can also be very rewarding. The capstone project is usually the final assignment and plays a vital role in preparing students for ...

  20. Good Capstone Projects for Electrical (EEE) Engineering Students

    Good Capstone Projects for Electrical (EEE) Engineering Students. Join 250,000+ students from 36+ countries & develop practical skills by building projects. A capstone project is simply a big and highly extensive academic project that is undertaken by the student as a final task in their academic degree programs.

  21. Top 14 Capstone Projects on Electronics (Videos Included)

    A list of best electronics capstone projects for engineering students. Get in touch with best teachers and train in the best projects. The projects are inspired from real world problems. ... A capstone project is a highly academic and major project that is taken up by a student in the final year of their respective academic degree. It is the ...

  22. 15+ Best Capstone Project Ideas for Civil Engineering In 2023

    This is the last project ideas among 11 other capstone project ideas for civil engineering. 13. Traffic Management and Optimization. Design an intelligent traffic management system using sensors, cameras, and data analytics to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance road safety.

  23. Top 111+ Capstone Project Ideas in Computer Science for Students

    Here is the list of the top 111+ most amazing capstone project ideas for computer science, please take a look: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Make a talking computer friend using words. Suggest movies, books, or music you might like. Figure out if people are happy or sad in their messages.

  24. Capstone team will help return coral to the Biosphere 2 ocean

    Biosystems engineering MS alum Lia Crocker is proud to mentor engineering students completing a capstone project. She did her own senior capstone for Biosphere 2 in 2019-2020. ... The team will present its finished project at the 2025 Craig M. Berge Design Day and compete with other student teams for tens of thousands of dollars in cash prizes.

  25. Epic Games Game Design Professional Certificate

    The final project combines all of the courses. The learner will create a delivery game. The overall theme and genre of the game can be personalized. The learner will also choose the perspective and art style used for the prototype. The final project builds off the projects from courses 5 & 6 and uses skills and tool kits from courses 1 through 4.