Light therapy is a clinically validated method of treating seasonal depression and sleep disorders and has recently been shown to treat non-seasonal depression. Traditional products such as lamps and visors are inconvenient and unsightly, resulting in low real-world adoption and adherence rates. Lumos has designed a pair of smart light therapy glasses that look like a regular pair of glasses. The glasses emit blue light from the side legs like AR glasses and reflect the light into the eyes using a custom-engineered nano-coated lens.

Faculty Advisor: Zhao Pan

Prior to the advent of modern electronics, there were mechanical computers. Largely neglected after the widespread adoption of electronic computers, Layered Logic is bringing mechanical computation into the 21st century by creating a functionally complete set of mechanical logic gates using additive manufacturing. This technology will allow for complex logic circuits to be manufactured simply, enabling automation and robotics without the need for electronic components. Advantages include more reliable systems capable of operating in harsh environments, including in space and on other planets.

Faculty Advisor: Mihaela Vlasea

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions are the driving factor behind climate change. This inspired us to design a small-scale direct air capture (DAC) system capable of capturing and storing CO2 from ambient air within an urban household environment. Using a two-step simple chemical process and concentrations no stronger than those found in ordinary household cleaning products, this DIY project can be adopted by the masses!

Faculty Advisor: XiaoYu Wu

Stress is a normal reaction of the body, keeping us alert and motivated. However, prolonged stress without relief can significantly affect mental health. It was reported that 39% of students at the University of Waterloo experienced stress which negatively affected their academic performance. Although stress has a significant impact on our lives, there is no convenient and reliable way to measure stress. The stress watch solves this problem by using wearable technology to measure a user’s bio-signals and report when the user is adversely stressed.

Faculty Advisor: Arash Arami

Conventional propeller drones are loud and intrusive. As demand for aerial drones to seamlessly integrate with society grows, a quiet propulsion technology is needed to fly close to humans and provide various services. We are developing a neutrally-buoyant vehicle that uses large potential differences to ionize the air and generate thrust (ionic wind), allowing for near-silent flight.

Faculty Advisor: Jean-Pierre Hickey

Our product is an innovative rock climbing safety device. High impact falls during outdoor belayed rock climbing can lead ​to serious injury or death. Large dynamic loads may lead to anchoring equipment being ripped out of the wall. We seek to develop a reusable device that reduces the peak force exerted on equipment that could otherwise result in failure. By reducing the risk of anchor failure, athletes will be more confident in pushing their limits and exploring new climbing routes.

Faculty Advisor: Duane Cronin

Multiple Sclerosis individuals with limited upper arm functionality in wheelchairs will spend upwards of $50,000 for the procurement and maintenance of assistive robotic arm systems to perform activities of daily living (ADL) more independently. Thus, the Modular Interactive Robotic Arm (MIRA) was born. MIRA consists of additively manufactured modular components, which provide a cost-efficient and easily serviceable alternative to current robotic assistive devices. With its easily detachable and configurable units, MIRA allows users to build the robotic arm solution that is right for them.

Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Kofman, Baris Fidan