Undergraduate Research Seed Grant awarded to Dr. Annasiwatta

Undergraduate Research Seed Grant awarded to Dr. Annasiwatta

Ohio State Marion Professional Practice Assistant Professor of Integrated Systems Engineering, Chandika Annasiwatta recently received an Undergraduate Research Access Innovation Seed Grant from Ohio State in the amount of $9,640.

Annasiwatta was one of five faculty who teach at The Ohio State University at Marion to receive this grant. The grant will fund research opportunities for our students, help them build skills, experiences, and their resume, and support faculty research.

According to Dr. Annasiwatta, in this project undergraduate engineering students will design a versatile gripper for the Connected Smart Manufacturing (CSM) packing station, enabling it to handle different package shapes. Students from various backgrounds including mechanical, electrical, and engineering technology programs will collaborate, combining mechanical design, sensors, and PLC integration.

"Our students will apply engineering design process and expect to refine their prototype through regular feedback and testing," said Annasiwatta. "The project not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters teamwork and innovation."

"This project will be integrated into the curriculum," he added, "ensuring ongoing benefits for future students in Industry 4.0 education and research."