Las Vegas City Wire

University of Las Vegas engineering students recently competed on creating practical solutions to engineering or computer science challenges, the university said in a news release. 

As part of the Fred and Harriet Cox Senior Design Competition for fall 2022, the university said, a group of business professionals evaluate the student initiative to launch their careers by rating the ideas on presentation, sustainability and chance of entering the commercial sector. 

On December 9, more than 30 inventors showcased their works inside the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall and the adjoining Blasco Event Wing of the UNLV Foundation Building., the university said. The release gave an example of the diversity and creativity displayed.

For instance, using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates and superior strength, a Rescue Robot can save lives by going into the heart of an emergency in effect clearing the way for human rescuers, the news release said.

“Our students are hands-on. They take the idea, they design it, build it, test it and make sure it works,”  Rama Venkat, dean of the Howard Hughes College of Engineering, said.

As part of the competition, student Nicolas Kosanovic presented an automatic instrument tuner called Tuni.

“I like senior design because it gives you an open canvas," he said. "You really have no restrictions on whatever you want to do.”

Another invention is called Pet Pal, which uses an app to distribute treats and allows its owner to watch the pet through a camera when they are away. The invention can even feed pets unique servings with an electronically controlled lid, according to the release.