Ingenuity of young engineers on display

'Project Fair' showcases marvels like portable anesthesia machine, robotic hand

KARACHI:

In a remarkable display of ingenuity, students from a private university have astounded the masses with their pioneering projects that harness advanced technology and artificial intelligence for medical treatments. These young minds have unequivocally proven that by harnessing the talents of Pakistani youth, we can spearhead a scientific revolution of global proportions.

Under the auspices of the Aligarh Institute of Technology, an exhibition showcasing projects developed by 1,100 students pursuing the Diploma of Associate Engineer program across eight different disciplines was organised. The fields of Architecture, Electrical, Biomedical, Electronics, Mechanical, Software Engineering, Computer Science, and Civil Engineering took the center-stage at this grand event. These innovative projects epitomised cutting-edge technology and promised groundbreaking solutions in the field of medicine, all at an affordable cost. Among the standout creations were a cost-effective portable anesthesia machine, a smart robotic hand, a steam engine, dual tunnel phototherapy equipment, a state-of-the-art ventilator, and advanced motor cars.

The esteemed Project Fair was inaugurated by Dr Masroor Ahmed Sheikh, Chairman of the Sindh Board of Technical Education, who was highly impressed by the students’ innovative and unprecedented projects as he lauded their exceptional ideas, recognising their potential to inspire generations to come

Dr Sheikh stressed the need for fostering strong collaborations with the industrial sector, acknowledging the abundance of talent within our country while lamenting the lack of guidance and platforms for students to exhibit their remarkable skills. Aligarh Institute of Technology Principal Shahid Jameel emphasised the importance of nurturing students’ passion for groundbreaking concepts, identifying several projects of immense industrial significance that could be further developed through collaboration with reputable companies.

Biochemical Engineering student Sidra Saeed enthusiastically shared her journey with The Express Tribune. She shed light on the development process of the smart robotic hand, ingeniously crafted using readily available materials such as cardboard, tendon rope, and jumper wire. Remarkably, the entire project cost a mere Rs3,000 and took only a week to complete. This portable and lightweight marvel can be attached to a wheelchair, functioning through sensor-equipped gloves. It has been designed to assist disabled or paralysed patients The integration of Arduino technology has revolutionised the control mechanisms of the robotic hand, empowering individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives, utilizing their full potential while performing daily activities without the need for constant assistance.

Another brilliant biomedical student, Mohammad Arham, ingeniously fashioned an anesthesia machine using a 6 mm acrylic sheet, resulting in a cost-effective creation amounting to Rs50,000.

Yahya Qadir, yet another biomedical prodigy, unveiled an extraordinary dual tunnel phototherapy device that took shape through meticulous efforts and an investment of Rs167,000. This pioneering device specifically caters to the needs of newborn babies, boasting ultraviolet lights, user-friendly on-off touch screen buttons, a temperature switch to monitor the baby’s and environmental conditions.

Among the array of awe-inspiring creations, one particularly noteworthy project involved the creation of ultrasonic sensor glasses for individuals with visual impairments. Through ingenious integration of audio and nano-coding technologies, the glasses emit a distinct buzzing sound when detecting an approaching car within a 70cm radius.

Furthermore, the students proudly unveiled a meticulously engineered ventilator, designed to provide secure and efficient respiratory support for critically ill patients. Dua Hashmi, the brilliant mind behind this mechanical marvel, highlighted its versatility in treating lung and other respiratory diseases. Equipped with Bluetooth capabilities that allow control via a mobile phone, this innovative ventilator serves as a reliable and accessible solution, even in the confines of an ambulance.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2023.