Senior Design Project Launches Electromechanical Engineering Career at Tatum Robotics

How a Senior Design Project Can Shape Your Engineering Career

For students in electromechanical engineering, the senior design project is more than a final requirement; it is a proving ground where theory meets real‑world impact. When a Wentworth Institute of Technology team partnered with Boston‑based Tatum Robotics to develop an assistive hand for the Deaf‑Blind community, the project became a launchpad for a new career. The experience offers a blueprint for students who want to turn capstone work into a professional opportunity.

Choosing a Capstone that Aligns with Industry Needs

Electromechanical engineering covers a broad spectrum—from robotics and automation to embedded systems and mechatronics. To maximize career impact, select a project that addresses a tangible problem and partners with a company that shares that focus. In this case, the team targeted assistive robotics, a growing field with clear social value and strong industry demand.

• Identify a niche where your skills can make a difference.
• Research companies that are actively developing solutions in that niche.
• Reach out to faculty or industry contacts to explore collaboration opportunities.

Building a Strong Technical Foundation

Before the design phase, solidify core competencies: mechanical design, control theory, sensor integration, and programming. The Wentworth team leveraged their coursework in tendon‑driven mechanisms and inertial measurement units (IMUs) to create a fingertip‑sized sensor that improved real‑time orientation tracking. Students should:

• Complete advanced courses in robotics and control.
• Practice with simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink.
• Gain hands‑on experience with microcontrollers and sensor calibration.

Collaborating with Industry Partners

Partnering with a startup like Tatum Robotics offers dual benefits: access to proprietary hardware and exposure to product‑development workflows. The Wentworth team worked closely with Tatum’s engineers, learning how to iterate quickly, manage supply chains, and meet regulatory standards for assistive devices.

To secure a partnership:

• Present a clear problem statement and proposed solution to potential partners.
• Showcase relevant coursework and prior projects.
• Offer to contribute to the partner’s product roadmap in exchange for mentorship and resources.

Documenting and Publishing Your Work

Academic recognition amplifies the project’s visibility. The team published “An Embedded IMU Sensor for Orientation Detection of a Tendon‑Driven Robotic Finger” and presented it at the IEEE RCAE Conference in Xi’an, China. Publishing demonstrates:

• Technical depth and rigor.
• Communication skills across international audiences.
• Commitment to advancing the field.

Students should aim to submit papers to conferences or journals relevant to their project’s domain. Even a well‑written technical report can be a valuable portfolio piece.

Translating Capstone Success into a Job Offer

John‑Mark Fakhri’s journey illustrates how a capstone can directly lead to employment. After contributing to the Tatum hand, he received an offer as an electromechanical engineer at the company. Key factors that facilitated this transition include:

• Demonstrated leadership in a multidisciplinary team.
• Hands‑on experience with the final product.
• Strong academic record and extracurricular involvement (e.g., IEEE‑HKN membership).
• Positive mentorship from faculty who could vouch for his capabilities.

Networking and Professional Visibility

Presenting at conferences, publishing papers, and engaging with industry partners create a network that can recommend you for roles. Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile, share project milestones, and join professional societies. The Wentworth team’s visibility at the IEEE conference opened doors for future collaborations and job offers.

Actionable Steps for Your Own Capstone Journey

1. Define a clear, impactful problem statement. Focus on areas like assistive robotics, autonomous vehicles, or smart manufacturing.
2. Secure an industry partner early. Use faculty connections or career services to identify companies willing to collaborate.
3. Build a multidisciplinary team. Combine mechanical, electrical, and software expertise for a holistic solution.
4. Iterate rapidly. Use agile methodologies to prototype, test, and refine your design.
5. Document everything. Keep detailed design logs, test results, and code repositories.
6. Publish and present. Target conferences, workshops, or industry newsletters.
7. Leverage faculty and partner recommendations. Ask for letters of recommendation that highlight your technical and teamwork skills.
8. Apply for co‑ops or internships. Use the experience as a portfolio to secure positions in your chosen field.

Next Steps for Aspiring Electromechanical Engineers

Whether you’re in your sophomore year or preparing for your senior design, start building the foundation that will make your capstone a career catalyst. Consider the following resources:

• Explore the Tatum Robotics project page for deeper insight into the partnership.
• Review the electromechanical engineering curriculum to ensure you’re covering essential topics.
• Join professional societies such as IEEE or the Robotics Society to network and access industry events.

Ready to take the next step? Submit your application today and explore co‑op opportunities that can lead to a career in assistive robotics or other high‑impact sectors.

Share Your Experience

If you’ve completed a senior design project or are planning one, share your insights in the comments below. Your story could inspire the next generation of engineers.

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