STEM for Service: Engineering Innovation for the Elderly

When students in SLS Engineering with Electronics class embarked on a special semester-long project, they didn't just want to demonstrate their technical skills—they were on a mission to make a meaningful difference in their local community.

 

The task: Design and build adaptive devices to enhance the daily lives of residents at The Inn at Waveny, a senior living facility in New Canaan. It was a unique opportunity for students to apply their engineering, electronics, and design thinking knowledge to solve real-world accessibility challenges.

 

The process began with research. Students toured the facilities and conducted one-on-one interviews with residents to understand their daily struggles better. "This project allowed our students to move beyond the theoretical and into the practical application of their skills," explained teacher Matt Goodman. "Not only did they learn valuable lessons about the engineering process, but they also gained important insights into the needs and experiences of the elderly."

 

Armed with these insights, they returned to the Hilltop and got to work on their designs, using tools like the 3D printer, laser cutter, and Arduino microcontrollers to prototype electronic solutions. Students used design thinking, testing their designs as part of an iterative process toward the best possible outcome.

Projects Included:

 

Under-Bed Sweeper: Wyatt Giffen '27, Alden McWhorter '27, and Quinn Whitman '26 developed a motorized sweeper that uses complex circuitry to move across the floor to gently move items that have fallen under large furniture.

Fall Alarm: Chris Corcoran '25 created his own “life alert” system, using computer science knowledge to program sensors that would detect a fall and alert caregivers. "Throughout this project, I learned how to use my interests to solve common and important problems that affect countless people every day." shared Corcoran.

Closet Assister: Ethan Lanier ‘27, Harrison Owens '27, and Jack Harrington '27 created a motorized device that fits in a closet to make it easier for residents to reach their garments. 

 

At the end of the semester, the students proudly returned to The Inn at Waveny to present their inventions, eager to continue refining and iterating on the designs. As Goodman noted, "This was such a valuable experience for our students. Not only did they sharpen their technical skills, but they also had the opportunity to use their talents to make a real difference in the lives of others."

 

The “Engineering Kids,” as they were warmly referred to by the residents, made a lasting impression on the Waveny community. "We were all amazed by the engineering class and their projects!" shared Barbara Jefferies, Director of Activities and Events at The Inn at Waveny. "Many delighted thanks for including our residents in this terrific undertaking. From start to finish, the boys were engaged and interested in finding out how to help our seniors with their day-to-day challenges."

 

Building on the success of this inaugural partnership, Goodman hopes to continue collaborating with The Inn at Waveny, allowing students to further iterate on the initial designs and concepts developed through this impactful project.