University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

Jacob Stieneker, a senior at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), is majoring in Robotics and Embedded Systems and graduating in the Spring 2024 semester. Originally from Pikeville, Indiana, a small ranch town, Jacob has excelled in his field and has made significant contributions through his innovative projects. After graduation, Jacob plans to continue his professional growth at his current company, Universal Robots, and further his career in the automation industry.

Winning the Best in Show and Viewers Choice Awards

Jacob's hard work and dedication culminated in receiving the prestigious Best in Show and Viewers Choice Awards at the Student Innovation Project (SIP) Presentation. For Jacob, this recognition means a great deal. "It means the world to me," he expressed. "I put a lot of hard work and late hours while juggling many different responsibilities in parallel. To see my efforts recognized is greatly appreciated."

Choosing UAT and Memorable Moments

Jacob chose to attend UAT because it offered his specific major interests, worked well with his full-time work schedule, and was relatively affordable. Reflecting on his time at UAT, Jacob highlighted the Student Innovation Project experience as his most memorable moment. "It forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and utilize critical thinking to manifest what is now a patent-pending solution," he said. This project also allowed him to support local small businesses by utilizing their fabrication space and equipment.

Influences and Support at UAT

Throughout his journey at UAT, Jacob was influenced by many, but Professor Prater stood out as the most significant. "The reason is that he pushes me to do my best work. If he sees a mistake or room for improvement, he lets me know," Jacob explained. He appreciated Professor Prater's commitment to excellence, his willingness to provide constructive criticism, and his openness to discussing issues or concerns.

The Robotics Gripper Project

Jacob's award-winning SIP project, the Robotics Gripper, had a challenging start. His initial idea was rejected, leading him to develop the 3D printed robot gripper. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of experience in 3D modeling and mechanical calculations, Jacob successfully created a universal solution for robot projects. The successful testing of his first prototype was a moment of great joy.

Jacob and his business partner, Dylan Query, who co-own "Query Productions," created a cinematic presentation for the project. Their first feature film is available for sale at major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Jacob aimed to capture the late nights and struggles of his journey in a story-driven, cinematic short film, which turned out better than he had hoped.

Future Plans for the Robotics Gripper

Looking ahead, Jacob plans to continue refining his Robotics Gripper. The design is now patent-pending, and he aims to develop a UR Cap, a custom interface for the Universal Robots GUI, to simplify operation. This will be akin to an app for a smartphone.

Challenges and Rewards of the SIP Process

The most challenging part of the SIP process for Jacob was the 3D modeling, a skill he had not frequently used. Thanks to Project Murphy and guidance from Max Edwards, Jacob gained the confidence to design his own 3D printed gripper, becoming more comfortable with software like SolidWorks and Inventor.

The most rewarding aspect of the SIP process for Jacob was creating the short film for the showcase. Working with Dylan, he was able to recapture the emotions of his journey, making the experience an emotional rollercoaster. Now, Jacob has both the SIP project and the short film to look back on with pride.

Conclusion

Jacob Stieneker's journey and achievements at UAT exemplify dedication, innovation, and the power of perseverance. His success at the Student Innovation Project Presentation is a testament to his hard work and the support he received from the UAT community. As Jacob moves forward in his career, his experiences and accomplishments at UAT will undoubtedly continue to inspire and drive his professional growth.

Learn more about how Student Innovation projects contribute to career readiness, here.