EPS projects spring 2021

Test if previous proof-of-concept for a modular 3D-scanner rig is feasible; improve or re-engineer; and recommend a use-case.

A previous student project made a "proof-of-concept" of a rig that could be assembled/dis-assembled and, with a mobile phone, be used as a 3D scanner.
 
Now the question remains: Is this actually feasible?

In theory, affordable materials may be used to create a rig that holds either a laser-scanner or a mobile phone to create a 3D scan or a 3D video of an object. 

Taken apart, this rig may fit in a small car but expand to scan a human size object. This scanner-rig should be possible to make in a Makerspace or a simple workshop.
 
If this is possible, cash-strapped museums may be able to 3D scan and photograph cultural objects almost everywhere. Small workshops and artisans anywhere may afford to create 3D representations of their objects to be presented online and become more relevant for a global market.
 
However, the proof-of-concept is not tested. The students have left no written report, only a prototype. 

You must be able to re-engineer, re-think both the technical aspects and the market demands, and then attempt to create a much-improved prototype that can be fully tested.

Recommended skills: Any.

Supervisor: Evin Güler.

Re-develop a multi-use, “hybrid space” in a commercial, high-tech building in Oslo; provide input for future research project and new development.

Vipps – a bank-infrastructure and finance technology-company – rents offices in "Bjørvika", a partly new, partly gentrified area of Oslo. Their canteen is an open cafe/restaurant/event-space, as well as a living lab; simply called "Åpen" ("Open").
 
Here, bleeding edge and prototype technology is implemented in the space to make it possible to run different kind of tests and experiments within the café. The first result is — a disaster.
 
Soon, the partners in this space will have to prove a return-on-investment (ROI) to their owners. And in two–three years’ time, the same concept will be implemented in a new building. Two universities have now been invited to help. The student group will be directly linked to a research project that will begin in 2021.

Recommendations and options for students

"Hybrid spaces" is loosely used as a term for spaces that has at least a dual functionality of workplace and "third place".  

"Åpent" is intended for work-gatherings like breakfast seminars, but has a meeting room too, that anyone can reserve. 

They attempt to make it a place where you can sit down and work for a while without necessarily buying a lot of coffee. It is constructed as a living lab as well. 

There are multiple sensors, extra wiring, high-tech lighting etc. Vipps – the fin-tech company – has even installed a Grab-and-go kiosk, where you can take and be charged for food without scanning or using your card or showing your phone. 

Except for the kitchen, nothing is currently working as intended. 

Resources recommended or needed for this project, is provided either by the project or to be purchased by the EPS

Business-, media/marketing- or design knowledge is wanted in this project. Please mind that in this project it is expected to read some relevant theory and position this project within a larger framework/body of knowledge.

Main supervisor: TBA; OsloMet, TKD

Develop a prototype for a new DIY “Make Kit”

This is a joint project between OsloMet and MakeKit (private company).
 
We in Make Kit make DIY kits for creative exploration that you build and code. The Kits are made for interdisciplinary projects both at home and in schools. 

The kits are perfect for a makerspace where you have all the tools to make your own design and construction. 

The learning experience of building kits like this is essential, and normally we focus on the STE(A)M subjects.
 
In this project, we want to see what type of other products that can be made in a makerspace by using the key components we use in all our kits. What types of different kits can be built through an interdisciplinary project?
 
Make Kit and OsloMet provide the items, the building-blocks for a new kit. 

You get to build brand new concepts and test your ideas. It must excite, be possible to manufacture in scale and preferably create a learning experience. 

MakeKit hopes that the concepts and products developed in this study will become actual products for makers, teachers and other students. 

If your concept, project or kit is really good, we will make it into a product.

Recommended skills: Any.

Supervisor: Dr. Alfredo Carella.

Further information: Clearer requirements specific to each project are set in collaboration with the group.

The main components Make Kit use in their building kits are:

• Micro: bit
• Make Kit multi: bit
• Lithium or adapter with AAA batteries
• Assorted range of screws nuts and rubber washers.

The project group should use recyclable materials as much as possible. Wood and cardboard is used in existing sets.
 
We also want the project team to use the tools in the Makerspace at OsloMet to both create prototypes but also to look at the opportunities to further develop the building kits based on these tools.

That is, if someone buys such a kit, they should be able to create frames or other parts with their own 3D printer and thus further develop the product.

"Serpens" is an inexpensive modular robot whose body consists entirely of modular 3D-printed parts. This project aims at improving both the mechanical design and the control of the existing prototype. 

Snake robots can exploit obstacles as rocks, branches, or other terrain irregularities as a means of propulsion to achieve locomotion. 

This can be an advantage in challenging real-life operations in confined areas that conventional robots and humans are unable to access (e.g. exploration of earthquake-hit areas, gas pipe inspections, and search-and-rescue activities). 

"Serpens" is an inexpensive modular robot whose body consists entirely of modular 3D-printed parts. This project aims at improving both the mechanical design and the control of the existing prototype. 

The following research questions are considered: 

• Software/mechanics co-design (i.e. based on AI); 
• Optimise design/controller and gate generation; 
• Overall implementation of control, navigation and guidance (CNG) architecture. 

Recommended skills: Any.

Supervisor: Dr. Filippo Sanfilippo

Further information:

Filippo Sanfilippo et.al. (2019) “Serpens: A Highly Compliant Low-Cost ROS-Based Snake Robot with Series Elastic Actuators, Stereoscopic Vision and a Screw-Less Assembly Mechanism” Applied Sciences 9(3)(396), 

Visualize building development of an urban campus through physical, mixed and virtual reality toolsets.

OsloMet campus will be transformed in the years 2021–2024, and we need simple models that communicate well for non-technical decision-makers.

A combination of mixed and virtual reality, possibly combined with physical models is suggested.

Recommended skills: This project requires a team that combines user-understanding, design competence and engineering skills.

Supervisor: Dr. Berthe Dongmo-Engeland

Further information:

Example: Create an augmented/mixed reality model for parts of the campus that are considered refurbished, showcasing e.g. new student areas.

This project should collaborate with project SMACS: NEURI

City digital twin. A virtual model of city/urban space to simulate flow and changes.

Data is collected, but not always visualised and communicated. Even when it is, how can we use these visualisations to simulate the effect of changes?

Smart city simulator (SMACS) is an ongoing R&D-effort to create a digital twin, a digital representation of urban environments. This project will build upon existing work to improve the simulator. This should be a model with physics implemented, not just design/showcase.

Recommended skills:This project requires a team that combines user-understanding, design competence and engineering skills.

Supervisor: Dr. M. Naci Akkøk

Further information:

An example: ‘Smart mobility’ could imply that data is used to predict travel-patterns, guide traffic in advance and in real-time, adjust public transport depending on needs, and offer extensive help for tourists (smart tourism).

This project should collaborate with project SMACS: MURE

Development of Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV).

OsloMet is involved in several research projects related to marine robotics and autonomous systems. A previous EPS project worked on the development of a prototype for a wave/solar powered Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). 

Some of the parts were manufactured and a basic software developed, but there remains considerable work to finish the prototype and perform first sea trial experiments.  

Recommended skills: Mechanical engineering, Naval engineering, Electrical engineering, Computer science, Mechatronics, Control engineering

Supervisor: Dr. Alex Alcocer

Further information:

Some of the main work remaining consists of:

• Finish/improve glass fibre hull model and manufacturing.
• Integrate electronics, thrusters, and mechanical assembly.
• Develop a more advanced user graphical interface (web based), monitoring software, and embedded control software. 
• Develop a mechanism/concept for autonomous launching and recovery of miniature underwater gliders from the USV.

Depending on the skill-set of the student group, the supervisor and the students will decide the exact project focus and scope.