UW Sensors, Energy and Automation Lab (SEAL)
Low Power Magnetic Linear Actuator for Camera Positioning
Wide-angle lenses bend and stretch images, which makes them a poor choice for astronomers studying and taking accurate data measurements for meteor observations. This project built a small, battery-powered cart that slides a camera back and forth along a track driven by magnets, letting the camera use a regular lens to capture a wider view. The cart is moved by a reliable custom magnet and coil system using very little battery power. A small computer keeps the camera’s position accurate to within a millimeter and lets the user control everything wirelessly from a phone or laptop.
Students
Faculty Adviser(s)
Alex Mamishev, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Related News
Mon, 10/13/2025 | UW Mechanical Engineering
Capstone collaboration leads to award
An ME capstone team received first place for its energy audit of the UW School of Social Work building.
Mon, 07/07/2025 | UW Mechanical Engineering
Capstone creations
Students displayed innovative capstone design projects at the 2025 expo.
Fri, 09/20/2024 | UW Civil & Environmental Engineering
Smarter irrigation for a greener UW
A new project combines satellite data with ground sensors to conserve water and create a more sustainable campus environment.
Mon, 09/09/2024 | UW Mechanical Engineering
Testing an in-home mobility system
Through innovative capstone projects, engineering students worked with community members on an adaptable mobility system.