Electrical and computer engineering students strive to improve lives, preserve human independence

By Bryan Hay

After four years learning how Lafayette Engineering strives to improve the human condition, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department seniors this semester completed and demonstrated how technology and fertile imaginations can come together to enhance quality of life.

Supervised by Yih-Choung Yu, associate professor and acting department head of ECE, this year’s senior projects involved a smart walking assistive device (a rollator) and an autonomous tour guide robot, an adaption of the aluminum-framed self-driving wheelchair developed last year.

With an extensive background in other wheelchair designs to improve patient mobility and independence, Yu is always eager to see his students’ designs in action.

“I’m always impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of our students and their attention to detail, from their designs to budget management,” said Yu as his students demonstrated their projects in the hallway on the fourth floor of Acopian Engineering Center under the watchful eyes of students, faculty, and visitors, including Ismail Jouny, Charles A. Dana Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

A member of the team that developed the autonomous tour guide robot, Jaden Wurm ’26 (electrical and computer engineering) explained how the built-in mapping system and interactive tablet could assist a campus visitor with physical limitations to tour the campus.

“Eventually, we’d like to incorporate AI into the design so you could talk with the robot using a microphone, which would help with navigation,” he said, adding that the team also considered comfort by choosing softer tires for a smooth ride and a steady speed to keep the user from being disoriented.

“The point of this robot is to give tours, so allowing for that integration of the visual, audio, and comfort was a key aspect of the design,” Wurm said.

Jaden Wurm ’26 makes a few adjustments on the autonomous tour guide before its debut. | Contributed photo

His experiences in ECE validated his decision four years ago to select Lafayette and its respected Engineering Division.

“Working with the team definitely prepared me for the real world, and Lafayette is really good at providing an undergraduate education that offers the challenge of a graduate-level program,” added Wurm, who plans to work in a bio mechanical research lab.

Kashif Chopra ’26 test drives autonomous tour guide | Contributed photo

Daly Gibson ’26 (electrical and computer engineering) was a member of the team that developed the smart walking assistive device, designed to climb stairs and potentially help an individual with mobility challenges carry groceries or personal items, and maintain independence.

“I’ve never seen a creature like this before,” said Jouny, curiously observing the unusual design. “Let’s go. Send it.”

With three rotating wheels on each axle, the rollator can climb stairs with a payload. Set into motion, it looks like an adaptive hermit crab crawling over uneven terrain.

“A strange beast for sure,” Gibson said, smiling.

Daly Gibson ’26 and Sam Satalof ’26 describe the smart walking assistive before watchful students and faculty | Contributed photo

She’s planning a career in electrical and computer engineering and knows her Lafayette education has prepared her for any opportunity that presents itself.

“One of the things I like about this program is it gives a very broad overview of the field, so you can really go into anything you’re interested in,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to combine my engineering classes with other classes.”

Daly Gibson ’26 and Sam Satalof ’26 fine tune the smart walking assistive device moments before revealing its capabilities. | Contributed photo

“One of the reasons I came here was because I could take tons of liberal arts classes,” Gibson, a pianist, said. “I did my thesis on combining electrical engineering, computer science, and music. The combination of the humanities and engineering distinguishes Lafayette from many other schools. That’s a really wonderful opportunity Lafayette has given me.”