We recently celebrated the culmination of two exceptional senior design projects, showcasing pioneering innovations in agricultural machinery and robotics. The first project, “Electric Drivetrain,” revolutionized tractor performance for the UT Martin Tractor Team competing in the International 1/4 Scale Tractor Student Design Competition. Addressing longstanding mechanical issues, the team implemented an electric driveline powered by a gasoline engine driving two generators. These generators supplied power to a traction motor, which in turn drove the transaxle. A sophisticated control system ensured optimal performance and safety, surpassing traditional mechanical systems in torque output and operational efficiency.
Simultaneously, another group of seniors presented “RoboHawk,” an autonomous robot designed for the IEEE SoutheastCon 2024 Hardware Competition. This robot navigated obstacle courses, recognized and sorted objects based on size and color, and accurately placed them. The project employed mecanum wheels for agile maneuverability and a specialized hook attachment for versatile object manipulation, including climbing ramps and traversing a zip line. Through meticulous design stages and iterative testing, the team refined the robot’s capabilities, achieving success in a competitive setting.
Both projects underscore UT Martin’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in engineering. They not only demonstrate students’ technical prowess and problem-solving skills but also highlight the university’s role in preparing future leaders in agricultural technology and robotics. These accomplishments promise to leave a lasting impact on their respective fields, setting new standards for performance and innovation.
