Glenn Truett, a double major in Digital Maker and Fabrication and Robotics and Embedded Systems at the University of Advanced Technology (UAT), embarked on a remarkable journey with his Student Innovation Project (SIP). In a recent interview, Truett shared insights into his project, its challenges, and the invaluable lessons he gained along the way.
Reflecting on the genesis of his project, Truett recalled a chance encounter at a car show that sparked the inspiration for his SIP. "I met a man in January at a car show," Truid recounts, "he brought to me this problem of creating a robot that could do a commercial waterpipe inspection but without a tether and that it would also make 90° turns." This seemingly insurmountable challenge intrigued Truett, particularly the obstacle of transmitting signals through soil.
"The tether was the hard part because radio frequencies don't travel through 8 to 10 ft of dirt very easily," Truid explained. Undeterred, he embraced the opportunity to tackle this complex problem head-on, channeling his energy and focus into his SIP project.
Truett's dedication to his project extended beyond the classroom. He prioritized his SIP, aligning his coursework with its demands. "As I was learning stuff in class, I was applying it to the SIP project," he shared. This holistic approach not only enriched his learning experience but also enhanced the development of his innovative solution.
Describing the significance of the SIP at UAT, Truett emphasized its equivalence to a Master's thesis at other institutions. "It's something that they have a higher standard for us here," he noted. Despite the rigorous standards, Truett viewed the SIP as an unparalleled opportunity for growth and learning. "It's an opportunity to learn things and apply what you've learned in a way that most other schools don't give you," he affirmed.
Throughout his journey, Truett encountered challenges that tested his resolve. One such challenge revolved around the disparity between theoretical concepts and real-world engineering. "Mathematically we represent radio waves in a certain way on paper," Glenn explained, "but in the real world when it comes to engineering, that's not an accurate depiction of what really happens." However, with the guidance and support of his professors, Truett navigated through these challenges, recognizing their significance in his professional development.
Glenn's determination and innovative thinking culminated in a solution that defied skeptics and naysayers. "What's great about SIP is that, from my end particularly, what added to my story was I was told that it couldn't be done," Truett remarked. Undeterred by skepticism, Truett adopted a mindset of creative problem-solving. "We're going to go around it," he declared, emphasizing the importance of thinking outside the box.
As Truett prepares to showcase his project to industry leaders, he remains optimistic about its potential impact. "I'm going to try to get this thing to Market," he asserted, highlighting his commitment to realizing his vision. Through perseverance, resilience, and innovative thinking, Glenn Truett exemplifies the spirit of ingenuity and determination that defines the UAT community.
Truett's journey serves as a testament to the power of persistence and creative problem-solving. His SIP project not only showcases his technical prowess in his Digital Maker and Fabrication Degree but also embodies the transformative potential of education in empowering students to confront and overcome challenges in pursuit of innovation.