Every year, the Vaughn Robotics Team participates in the VEX Worlds Robotics Competition. Here, this team competes against other student teams from schools all over the world, where they design and create robots with the goal of completing a themed task. The ultimate purpose of this competition is for all students to exercise their creative, analytical and technical skills to the limit. And with the great advances made in robotic technology on a near-daily basis, there is next to no limit of what can be accomplished.
Giving credit where it is due, Boston Dynamics introduces dog robot “Spot”
Take one nearly futuristic example of combined creativity and technology that was recently unveiled by Boston Dynamics, a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Essentially, “man’s best friend” is taking on a new role here, as its latest robot (named Spot) embarks on literally covering new ground.
The team at Boston Dynamics designed the untethered dog-like robot to assist in search and rescue operations and for being able to access disaster zones. Its sturdy and sure-footed design allows Spot to carry supplies over uneven terrain, while its super-human stability allows it to keep its balance, even when kicked over on its side. Designed as the baby brother to BigDog, the company’s quadrupedal robot, Spot is smaller and lighter and comes equipped with onboard sensors that allow it to recover quickly if it encounters hostile territory or a situation where it might “trip” or tip over. Weighing in at 160 pounds, Spot is about 80 pounds lighter than his big brother and has BigDog beat when climbing up hills.
Although Spot has a dog’s name, its gait is more like a prancing horse. This electronically-powered robot may not have the same ability to carry the same weight as its big brother, but Spot’s unique dexterity allows it to navigate difficult areas, both indoors and outdoors. And when it comes to “seeing” the environment, Spot was designed with a rotating sensor on its back, rather than on a head-like structure.
This project was made possible with funding by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), whose mission is to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security.
Other “species” of robots
Spot is the newest arrival among the family of incredible animal-like robots from Boston Dynamics. Other cool creations include the WildCat, the world’s fastest free-running quadruped robot on Earth, which can run almost 20 mph while maneuvering and maintaining its balance, and the SandFlea, which drives like a remote-controlled car and can leap almost 33 feet into the air to avoid obstacles.
What does Dr. Rahemi, Vaughn’s chair of engineering and technology, have to say?
In preparation for the VEX Worlds Robotics Competition, the Vaughn Robotics team is aided and guided by Hossein Rahemi, PhD, chair of the Vaughn’s engineering and technology department. Dr. Rahemi has no doubt seen many impressive technological advancements in his day, and he is most enthusiastic about the latest developments from Boston Dynamics. “Today, robotics technology is advancing at a lightning pace, making our lives easier, better and safer than ever before,” he states. “We’re seeing robots going places that are too difficult or dangerous for humans to go, such as war zones deep within the sea and bomb threat areas, just to name a few.”
Vaughn students learn not just technology, but purpose
To keep up with the pace of robotics technology, and its purpose, Rahemi stresses Vaughn College’s commitment to educating its students on the importance of a sense of service to mankind. A top priority is the improvement of our environment to be a better and safer place. “We motivate, engage and provide our students with all the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in their career path,” Rahemi said. “Together, we can all be responsible individuals in the society we serve.”
If you are studying aviation or engineering in an institution such as Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, you may be hearing the acronym “TFR” around campus, or even in the news. But what does “TFR” stand for? Very simply: “temporary flight restriction.” And recently, these seemingly temporary situations are occurring more frequently.
What is the purpose of a TFR?
A TFR is issued to clear and restrict an area of airspace for security or safety and it is a necessary part of aviation protocol. In fact, there are typically several TFRs in place every day across the National Airspace System (NAS). Some examples of why TFRs might be issued include:
The movement of government VIPs such as the president or vice president
Special events, including the Super Bowl, political conventions, and other occasions such as the United Nations General Assembly
Natural disasters such as wildfires
The trouble resulting from TFRs is how they can wreak havoc on the aviation industry, ultimately making the friendly skies not so friendly.
Vaughn’s perspective
Dr. Maxine Lubner, professor and chair of the management department at Vaughn College, weighs in on the subject of TFRs and their impact. “Now more than ever, airport managers of our country’s smaller airports are facing more frequently occurring challenges due to TFRs,” she states. “We hope to see an improvement in TFR issuance by implementing a combination of revised procedures, technology applications and communication systems. I believe it’s time to revisit how TFRs are issued and used in light of the current impacts they are having on general aviation and the surrounding communities in a way that would both preserve security and business activity.”
Who’s feeling the greatest impact?
Smaller municipal and privately-owned airports are experiencing the greatest impacts―both on their runways and in their wallets―when it comes to VIP TFRs. Recent presidential movement in both New Jersey and Florida have crippled smaller airports surrounding President Trump’s visits, locking down runways and restricting flying within the duration of his stay.
New Jersey-based airports that include Morristown, Solberg and Somerset, and Lantana Airport in Florida, have seen recent significant financial impacts, not to mention restrictions on flights to and from LaGuardia Airport in New York and Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. Temporary flight restrictions create a no-fly zone within a 10-mile radius during the president’s entire stay, while looser regulations restrict air traffic within a 30-mile radius, thus impacting related-aviation businesses. Some of these affected businesses include:
Flight training schools
Aircraft parking and rentals
Sky diving charters
Balloon flights
Fuel sales
Maintenance
The loss of revenue is staggering. While some airports are reporting financial losses in the tens of thousands, some have stated their losses are upward of $800,000.
Relieving the financial strain
Although TFRs are here to stay, the question remains: What steps can be taken to relieve the financial strain of TFRs on smaller airports? The answer may not be an easy one, but state representatives and the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) are working on a solution.
To stay up-to-date on this and other related topics, visit the Industry News section on the Vaughn College website.
“I know it sounds cliché, but I want to build robots and I want to be making prosthetic limbs and braces that would help athletes to continue to move right after surgery.” – Maia Rivers, Class of 2018
Helping people and changing the world is anything but cliché. As the field of engineering continues to advance, Vaughn College is committed to staying ahead of the curve with the latest in cutting-edge innovation and engineering technology. Its 3D prototyping innovation center―within the department of engineering and technology―is equipped with 3D printers and scanners to give students the opportunity of putting their classroom knowledge into action. Providing such an innovative atmosphere is paramount to creating pioneers in the industry who can go on to do great things and change the world we live in for the better.
Prosthetic ‘Fin’ Made From 3D Printers Making a Splash with Amputees
Groundbreaking advancements using 3D printers are making a big splash in the world of prosthetics, as developers have created a revolutionary underwater prosthetic leg called “the Fin,” which gives amputees a second chance at swimming, according to CNN.
Diving into the need
Todd Goldstein, Director of Northwell Ventures 3D Printing Laboratory in Manhasset, New York, designed and fabricated “the Fin” with the use of a 3D printer to meet the needs of active amputees who needed an easier way to navigate in the water and maximize their propulsion while they swim.
Putting “the Fin” to the test
The latest engineering advancements that utilize 3D printing make this innovative swim leg easy to use for lower leg amputees. They attach it to their own prosthetic, which allows them to easily get in and out of the water without changing prosthetics. And it is designed with multiple holes that allows water to flow through the V-shaped fin as the swimmer kicks, giving them maximum propulsion.
Embracing Wounded Warriors
After losing his leg in Afghanistan 14 years ago, retired Marine Corporal Dan Lasko was selected by Northwell Health to test this state-of-the-art swimming leg. His passion as a triathlete, as well as having two sons who love the water, made Lasko the perfect candidate for the job.
Lasko said he’s been in contact with some of his fellow wounded warriors who are also interested in the device. The Department of Veteran Affairs states 2.6 percent of war veterans return home missing a limb. And according to the Amputee Coalition of America, at least 185,000 lower leg amputations are performed every year, which means there are approximately two million amputees in the United States.
With such staggering numbers, innovative prosthetic devices like “the Fin” are making a difference in quality of life by helping get amputees back in the water.
Vaughn College offers students a unique opportunity to turn their dreams into a reality and create incredible innovations of their own. Learn more about the College’s wide range of engineering and engineering technology degrees and see how a degree from Vaughn can prepare you for an exciting career in this expanding field.
The “friendly skies” may become eco-friendlier. Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio are working toward reducing the nation’s total use of fossil fuels. Your likely question: “How?” The answer: By developing alternative aircraft designs with the use of electric-powered low-carbon propulsion technology.
A new frontier
More than 42,000 flights and 2.5 million airline passengers are in the air every day, with 5,000 aircraft in the sky at any given time. And with air traffic passenger demand projected to surge even higher in 2018, the skies will be busier than ever. From the beginning of flight travel, carbon-based fuels have been powering commercial airlines, leaving a trail of fossil fuel emissions behind them. But this heavy carbon footprint situation may be changing.
Researchers from Glenn are setting the stage for planes that will require using less fossil fuels in the future. Aeronautical engineers are taking a closer look at how airplanes can be revamped to use electric power that would provide the plane’s thrust and power for flight, while simultaneously reducing the plane’s energy consumption, emissions and noise level. Like hybrid or turboelectric power that is used in cars, boats and trains, NASA hopes to guide the aircraft industry into using hybrid electric and turboelectric propulsion, as opposed to relying solely on gas turbines.
However, these alternative aircraft designs wouldn’t be “flying solo” on electricity just yet. The alternative system would combine electric motors and generators with turbine engines.
A cleaner future
Low-carbon propulsion technology can make each flight up to 30 percent more fuel efficient and require lower operational costs, which is good news for airlines that have been hit hard with high jet fuel prices. Although the day that we see an electric-powered airplane may be years away, the idea of it is literally fueling excitement for a cleaner future.
Interesting in learning more about Vaughn’s programs? Take a look here to see everything we have to offer.
Scientists and robotics experts at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California are developing an origami-inspired robot named PUFFER to explore areas in space that are too risky for full-fledged rovers. Its design is described as a lightweight, pop-up folding explorer that can flatten itself and tuck in its wheels, allowing maneuverability into places that rovers can’t go. Just like the origami art of paper folding, PUFFER’s design allows these microbots to be flattened like cards and stacked one on top of the other.
Incredible Features
PUFFER was put to the test during the past year-and-a-half in areas that ranged from the rugged terrain of the Mojave Desert in California to the snowy hills in Antarctica in the hopes that it will someday make it to the sands of the planet Mars. It’s designed to move up 45-degree slopes and investigate overhangs as a companion to larger robots. It can even drop into pits or craters, go behind sand dunes, and explore steep slopes―taking exploration to hard-to-reach locations.
“They can do parallel science with a rover, so you can increase the amount you’re doing in a day,” said Jaakko Karras, the project manager at JPL. It was Karras who was experimenting with origami designs while he was in grad school at UC Berkeley’s Biomimetic Millisystems Lab. He came up with the robot’s body design as he worked on developing robotics that were based on natural forms ch as the movements of animals and insects.
How PUFFER Was Made
It took a collaborative effort to get the robot to where it is today. Robotics experts and scientists at JPL worked together to create the microbot, and partnered with outside experts to fine-tune specific movements and abilities. The four wheels were created on a 3D printer, and gained treads that allow the robot to climb inclines. The origami design allows the wheels to fold over the main body, giving PUFFER the ability to crawl. Biomimetic Millisystems Lab developed a “skittering walk” that ensures the bot inches forward, one wheel at a time, without slipping. Distant Focus Corporation lent sight to the project, providing a high-resolution micro-imager which can see objects that are a fraction of the diameter of human hair.
Onboard Instruments
Solar panels on PUFFER’s belly keep the microbot on the move and allow it to flip over to recharge in the sun. It can move about 2,050 feet (625 meters) on one battery charge driving on a level dirt path. Depending on the number of onboard instruments, that distance may fluctuate. Currently, it operates via Bluetooth and can be controlled remotely. Advances in robotics and engineering have enabled it to act as a scientist in its own right with the addition of an instrument that allows it to sample water for organic material. The team says a spectrometer could also be added to give it the ability to study the chemical makeup of its environment.
The Future
PUFFER’s future is looking bigger and brighter as the JPL team envisions future designs to be as large as a breadbox and possibly autonomic―allowing more than one microbot to conduct science as a mobile team.
What may have once been thought of as science fiction may soon become science fact. The JPL team is hopeful their robot may someday be partnering on future planetary missions, as its composition includes several Mars-compatible materials, including heritage technology from the Viking, Pathfinder and Phoenix missions. “Small robotic explorers like PUFFER could change the way we do science on Mars,” said Karras.
Don’t miss the change to learn more about Vaughn’s engineering, technology, management and aviation programs at our Open House on Saturday, November 11 and 18. Space is limited – reserve your spot today!
The PUFFER project is a Game Changing Development (GCD) program. The project is managed by JPL. The GCD program investigates ideas and approaches that could solve significant technological problems and revolutionize future space endeavors. GCD is part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Move over, first class. Air travel as we know it may be taking a back seat to modular airplanes, offering passengers a “cruise ship-like” experience with the comforts of home.
Let’s face it. Commercial flying leaves much to be desired: crammed seating with limited legroom, few dining options, and basically nowhere else to go. All of this may be changing, and it could happen sooner than we think.
Is this the future of air travel?
Last December, innovators at Airbus revealed Transpose, a futuristic modular cabin concept that was in the works at their Silicon Valley labs. This full-sized Airbus A330 prototype takes the concept from cargo planes and applies it to passenger planes.
Here is how it would work:
Just as palettes of cargo are loaded onto cargo planes, Transpose engineers have designed a way to load pre-built modules onto commercial planes―each with specific “experiences.” Imagine being able to roam freely about the cabin and stop off at a coffee shop or work off a few calories at a cycling studio?
Check out this video to see the inner workings of a modular plane.
How soon will they fly?
As exciting as all this sounds, you won’t be booking a ticket any time soon. The Transpose engineering team is still facing some design challenges, not to mention getting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Transpose has already engaged in conversations with the FAA and hopes to have its aircraft flying “within a few years.” This estimate, however, may be premature, considering the strict rules and regulations of the FAA. The FAA has not officially commented on the project but did state―depending on the complexity of the project and the experience of the manufacturer―the certification process can take anywhere from less than one year to more than five years.
How much will a ticket cost?
Cost also comes into play, as today’s avid air travelers are already paying a premium for extra legroom and the niceties of first class. Transpose engineers predict modular cabin seats would be priced at the premium economy level, but this prediction depends upon whether the seating density remains the same as a standard aircraft. Ultimately, the airlines will have the final say in determining the price of a ticket.
In an everchanging world of technology, Airbus has a proven track record backed with years of experience building airplanes. Transpose is just another example of how innovation and engineering can one day make flying the friendly skies even friendlier.
Today’s students are facing some serious sticker shock as the cost of a college education continues to rise. Investing in yourself is one of the greatest ways to spend your money, so it’s important to do your homework and narrow down the best colleges that offer the greatest bang for your buck. Last month, Vaughn College was named to Money Magazine’s 2017 “Top Colleges for Your Money” list, placing it among some of the country’s finest and affordable institutions.
Making the cut
With a long history of academic excellence and commitment to student success, Vaughn ranked 162 among 711 colleges and universities based on factors including affordability, quality of education and alumni success. Money Magazine studied 2,400 colleges and used 27 data points to compile its final list. In its ranking, the magazine applauded Vaughn’s facilities and offerings, unique mix of academic programs and the high-demand for jobs in the industries the College serves.
Vaughn also claimed the highest socioeconomic mobility rate in Money Magazine’s rankings, echoing the college’s recent appointment as the top institution in the US. for upward mobility by The Equality of Opportunity Project, as reported earlier this year in The New York Times.
Choosing the right college
Choosing the best college isn’t all about dollars and cents. Just as you wouldn’t attend culinary school to become an accountant, you want to find a college that caters to your career goals and offers the best programs to fuel your passion.
Vaughn is dedicated to empowering the next generation with a spectrum of fields designed to meet today’s most exciting engineering and technology, management and aviation fields. With degrees ranging from associate, bachelor, graduate and certificate majors, Vaughn offers students a futureproof education and various pathways to reach their goals. The proof is in the numbers. Ninety-eight percent of Vaughn graduates are employed or continue their education within one year with 81 percent in a related field.
A message from the president
“Choosing to attend Vaughn College for your degree is about making a valuable investment in your future,” said Vaughn College President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo. “By having outside validation of the quality of our degree programs, students and families can feel confident that Vaughn is an institution that provides an engaging educational experience and long-term success.”
For more of the latest innovations in aviation, engineering, management and more―check out our monthly newsletter. (Sign-up below!)
Aviators across the country will fly high on August 19 as they celebrate National Aviation Day, which recognizes the history and developments in the field of aviation. Established in 1939 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, this holiday was declared a national observation to coincide with Orville Wright’s birthday and his significant contribution to powered flight.
In honor of National Aviation Day, we’ve put together the top 10 reasons for becoming a pilot. See if you have the “right stuff” to take your career to new heights:
Fulfill your lifelong passion—Flying is addicting, and it can fuel your passion to make your dreams a reality. If flying is in your blood, then the sky’s the limit for a soaring career.
View life from a different perspective—Not only do pilots get a bird’s-eye view of seeing the world, but their job experiences can prove humbling, as they realize the magnitude of the skies around them.
Job flexibility—Experienced pilots have the luxury of working from various cities or wherever their jobs take them.
See the world—Pilots get the unique opportunity to travel the world, experience exotic destinations, and learn about different cultures.
Financially rewarding—Pilots have the potential to earn excellent salaries as their careers advance. Although airline and commercial pilots both fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft, airline pilots earned higher salaries than commercial pilots in 2016, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Improve your flight skills—Pilots never stop learning since they undergo continuous training to improve their skills. It’s a career that keeps you sharp and in-demand.
Advance your career—The aviation industry opens doors to a variety of exclusive career paths. A pilot can climb the ranks, beginning as an officer and then progressing to captain, check and training captain, management, as well as transitioning to other types of aircraft such as charter flights, rescue missions, firefighting and aerial applications, just to name a few.
Build confidence and sense of accomplishment—Taking your first solo flight may be the most satisfying and confidence-building experience of your lifetime. Pilots will likely learn more about themselves while training than they will at any other times in their lives. They are trained to make on-the-spot decisions and judge challenging situations, sometimes without any warning.
Pilot shortage fuels demand—With the crippling pilot shortage projected over the next 20 years, there’s never been a better time for aviation enthusiasts to embrace their passion for flight and train to becoming a pilot. According to a recent report from Boeing, the aviation giant projects a staggering demand of more than 637,000 pilots by 2036.
If you’re interested in becoming a pilot, or want to work in―or around―aviation, then Vaughn College may be the institution to make it all happen for you. With certificate, associate, bachelor and master’s degree programs spanning various areas of the industry, Vaughn offers aviation enthusiasts a wide range of options where they can find the perfect career fit.
For more of the latest innovations in aviation, engineering, management and more―check out our monthly newsletter. (Sign-up below!)
Left-handed pilots are more prevalent in the aviation industry than one may think. Since about 10 percent of the population is left-handed, it makes one wonder why a large percentage of pilots are also left-handed, as many as 40 percent according to those in the field. This disproportionate ratio raises the question, “Are the challenges the same for right-handed pilots compared to left-handed pilots?” In honor of International Left Handers Day, we want to recognize the “lefties” who are commandeering the skies, and touch down on any challenges they may face.
Living in a right-handed world
Many lefties consider themselves ambidextrous since they’ve learned to adapt to living in a right-handed world. And when it comes to flying an airplane, left-handed pilots say it’s all about the same. Pilots use both hands to fly an airplane and undergo rigorous training to master the task. Ask almost any left-handed pilot and they’ll say it really doesn’t make much . History speaks for itself as some of the most famous aviators of our time are left-handed, including astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell and the late Wally Schirra, just to name a few.
All hands on deck
If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you know there are two pilots in the cockpit―the captain and the first officer. When pilots begin their training, they are seated on the left in the captain’s seat with the yoke, or control column, on their left and the throttle in the middle on the right side. The flight instructor sits on the right in the first captain’s seat with the controls reversed. Since pilots need to know how to navigate from both positions, their left-handedness doesn’t really come into play since they need to master flying using either their right or left hands.
Getting it “write”
One drawback for most left-handed pilots is having to jot down notes while flying. They say it becomes second nature to them as they simply switch hands when they need to. Many left-handed pilots say learning to manipulate a throttle or stick is nowhere near as complex as learning how to write with your less-dominant hand.
August 13 is International Left Handers Day. If you are left-handed or know someone who is, then give yourself a hand with the knowledge that left-handed people are always in their right minds.
Interested in learning more about a career in Aviation?
Robots are developing emotions, and not in ways that you may think. Today’s technology is advancing the evolving relationship between robots and humans, moving it beyond the realm of “artificial intelligence” (AI).
New Advances
Although transformative advances have recently shifted AI to be referred to as “machine-learning systems,” there’s more than meets the eye with these mechanical wonders. Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is quietly emerging, adding some personality and a bit of emotion to existing intelligence. These advancements allow for more natural human interaction and the ability to develop motivation to solve problems in creative ways.
Autonomous robots are designed for the capability to gain information and work independently for extended periods of time. AGI now enhances these abilities by adding humanlike common sense, making the robots react in more clever ways when engaging in problem-solving tasks. “The future direction of automation and robotics is to make life simpler for future generations,” said Dr. Hossein Rahemi, chair of Vaughn College’s Engineering and Technology Department. “Robots can make life more relaxing by taking the stress out of the workplace and relieve some of the pressures that workers experience.”
The mechatronic, electrical and mechanical engineering programs at Vaughn College provide a solid foundation for students to secure jobs in the field of robotics. “Hands-on experience is critical to gain the necessary knowledge to be successful,” Rahemi said. “Our World Championship Robotics Team is the perfect example of how engineering students come together to apply their knowledge and achieve success.” As the technology behind autonomous robots continues to gain momentum, so does the demand for engineers to maintain it. “As professors, we never stop learning,” said Rahemi. “This constant flow of knowledge passes down to our students—giving them the edge they need to be relevant in the field.”
How industries are using robots to get ahead
A variety of industries are seeing autonomous robots as valuable assets to their businesses. This doesn’t mean robots are taking over the workforce. In fact, they can assist in making human employees’ jobs easier and more streamlined while helping businesses run more efficiently. The automotive industry is a field that is no stranger to using robots. For years, car makers have used robots to assist workers with daily tasks by facilitating more efficient, flexible and precise production lines, resulting in faster production times.
The world is seeing amazing advances in the medical industry, which is now using autonomous robots. Hospitals, for example, can use autonomous robots to quickly deliver lab results and pick up patient samples while navigating through hallways, which will free up time for health care professionals to tend to their patients and other responsibilities. And since some autonomous robots can detect emotion in the human voice, they can be used in more interactive settings to improve productivity and customer experience. Skilled surgeons are using a robot’s pinpoint accuracy to assist in delicate and complex surgeries and procedures. “Scientists, engineers and other industry experts are the sources behind this AI, giving life to the robots and fueling the future of autonomous robotic technology,” Rahemi said. “As much as robots are designed and programmed to help humans do a task, we still need human intelligence to make it all happen.”
Conclusion
With virtually endless advancements on the horizon, it’s just a matter of time before the world sees what researchers will develop next in the field of autonomous robotics. “Demand is skyrocketing as the industry is seeking talented engineers to be the human intelligence behind AI,” Rahemi explained. “The field is growing and expanding before our eyes and Vaughn is committed to educating our students to be the future intelligence of tomorrow. Our mechatronic engineering programs are testament to this commitment.”
