An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July / August 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 8 | C IS Trainee Technicians study a Level 8 B Eng in Electronic Engineering (Military Communications Systems) over 3 years in SETU Carlow to become CIS Technicians (CISTs) as well as an additional year in the CIS School, this programme will soon become a Level 8 Degree. The final year project module is the culmination of the students' academic studies. The project is designed to showcase the electronic engineering knowledge and skills developed by each student throughout the duration of the scheme. The aims of the project module are; • To provide the Trainee Technician with the opportunity to apply and extend their knowledge, competencies and skills developed on the scheme • To research, design, develop and critically analyse an engineering problem • To manage, document, and communicate an engineering project • To develop personal skills of initiative, independence and responsibility At the beginning of the final academic year each student is presented with a project brief which challenges the student to develop an electronic engineering solution to a unique problem, where possible the students are encouraged to focus on developing solutions to military problems. Once the student has developed their initial idea, they must submit a project specification for approval before work can commence. This specification includes the overview of the problem, their proposed solution and a detailed breakdown of the electronic components they intend to use to create the solution. Minimum specification criteria generally includes; no less than 3 x electronic sensors, a micro controller, server and database. The Final Year project is assessed via a series of presentations and via the final project deliverables. Presentations are made in front of a panel of SETU academic staff and CIS School staff. This panel assesses the presentations based on structure, time management and delivery. The final project deliverables are assessed under a series of headings: Literature review on historical and state-of-the-art publications/ resources relevant to the project; Project plan presenting the project management element of the work; Design and implementation of the solution proposed; Design innovation, technical prowess and sustainability; Manufacture and/or simulation, Validation and testing of the proposed solution/design; Discussion of results, methodology and literature leading to reasonable and objective conclusions; Communication skills and technical accuracy of the submitted technical report/paper and finally overall Effort and participation. The Lidar Smart Chair Navigator created by Pte Stephen Cooper "The Smart-Chair Navigator addresses the challenges faced by wheelchair users seeking more independence in their daily lives. Reliance on caregivers for mobility can impact confidence and independence, especially in crowded environments such as airports, hospitals, and homes. This advanced wheelchair system uses sophisticated technologies, including sensors, a single-board computer, and a microcontroller, to help users navigate autonomously and safely. The Smart-Chair detects and avoids obstacles, allowing users to navigate complex environments on their own. For manual control, users can operate the chair with a joystick or touchscreen, displaying a map of the wheelchair's current position in an environment to assist in planning safe routes. For those with limited hand mobility, the chair also responds to voice commands and gestures, which can be customised to detect movements of the head, feet or hands. Remote access via a secure network lets caregivers monitor and control the wheelchair from anywhere in the world, providing peace of mind to the user. A push-notification system alerts caregivers when assistance is needed in the event of the wheelchair toppling over, and an emergency stop button ensures safety by cutting power to the motors if necessary. Additionally, the Smart-Chair Navigator's integration of these advanced features aims to enhance the overall quality of life for wheelchair users. It offers them greater autonomy and reduces their dependence on others, promoting a more inclusive and independent way of life. With its blend of cutting-edge technology and user-centric design, the Smart-Chair Navigator represents a significant step forward in mobility solutions." Tech Top, A Smart Exercise Wearable created by Pte Kristaps Blums In the Defence Forces PTIs (Physical Training Instructors) are tasked with designing individual and group training programs, provide instruction, guidance and oversight to military personnel in controlled environments. They are limited to determine the intensity of exercise based solely on visual and personnel feedback with no data available to them, resulting in possible sub-optimal exercise regimens. Tech Top was designed and developed into a wearable to provide real-time data during strength and conditioning exercises in indoor gym facilities. The wearable consists of an array of sensors measuring heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature, muscle activity using EMG (Electromyography) and an MCU (Micro-Controller Unit). EMG is a technique used to measure the potential difference (Voltage) across a muscle using electrodes. This Voltage is created when the brain signals a muscle to contract in the form of electrical impulses. The detected voltage ARTICLE BY COMDT JIM O'NEILL PHOTOS BY ARMN SAM GIBNEY CIS TRAINEE TECHNICIANS FINAL YEAR PROJECT Pte Cooper Pte Cooper demonstrating the use of the LIDAR Smart-Chair Navigator with another student Pte Blums

• Cover