Industrial Systems and Manufacturing Engineering

As the problem solvers for the manufacturing and service industries, industrial engineers design factories, production systems and service systems. They are also involved in reengineering existing factories and systems to use resources effectively and increase productivity. Manufacturing engineers design the methods by which products are manufactured.

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2026 Final Semester Senior Design Projects

Cable Operated Grass Chute and Shut Off Development

MEMBERS: Evan Letellier, Andrew Shreck, Alex Gutierrez

SPONSOR: Wescon Controls

The objective of our project is to design and develop a cost-effective, cable-operated vertical chute lift mechanism for zero-turn (ZTR) mowers that enables operators to rapidly toggle between side-discharge and mulching modes to improve landscaping protection and maneuverability. Due to commercial and residential ZTR mowers currently lacking a universal way to quickly toggle between side-discharging and mulching, Wescon Controls is seeking a cable-operated mechanism that utilizes a vertical chute lift with a grass shut-off plate.

Coil Capacity System Development

MEMBERS: Hanna Swanson, Ivan Stevens, Blake Rump, Alexia Vence

ADVISOR: Cindi Mason

SPONSOR: Raul Hector Aguirre Cano

This project aims to provide Bosch with solutions to increase production capacity of their coil fabrication department. Coils consist of fins; thin pieces of metal with holes drilled at even intervals, laced onto long U-shaped copper pipes. An end plate is attached at both ends, and then the coils are put into an expander machine to secure it all together. The current coil production area faces significant challenges due to the lack of a standard process for lacing, and many opportunities to damage the fins on the coils. This is leading to a purposeful overproduction of fins. The department has had difficulties with ergonomics, such as the pushing of heavy carts, reaching across tables and lifts above the head and below the waist into bins. This project aims to improve the efficiency and safety of the coil fabrication area.

Developing a Calculator to Standardize Inspector Allocation

MEMBERS: Aaron Watkins, Avery Wood, Minh Nguyen, Genaro Prado

ADVISOR: Cindi Mason

SPONSOR: Boeing Wichita

This project focuses on creating a calculator to improve how inspectors are assigned at Boeing. Currently, inspectors are assigned using a fixed ratio, which does not consider differences in task difficulty, time, or rework. This can lead to inefficiencies and incorrect staffing levels.

The goal is to develop a calculator that estimates inspection time and determines the number of inspectors needed based on demand. The calculator will group similar tasks and consider factors such as tools, task difficulty, and accessibility. A prototype will be created and improved based on feedback.

Overall, this project aims to make inspector allocation more accurate, efficient, and adaptable to changes in the inspection process.

Developing an Integrated Process Framework and Student Communication Platform for the ISME Department

MEMBERS: Whitney Salmans, Dominic Shibley, Ayse Yildirim, Elijah Wark

ADVISOR: Cindi Mason

SPONSOR: ISME Department

Identify unclear/problematic ISME processes and then streamline and document those processes; target processes include, but are not limited to, the Engineering+ approval process and the senior check process.

Development of an Integrated Material Tracking and Storage System for Laser Operations at Vollrath

MEMBERS: Daniel Gonzalez, Alexis Corral, Adrian Medina, Archita Singh

The problem is that Vollrath is facing constant issues on the standardize procedure for scheduling laser cutting operations and managing material storage, loading, unloading, of raw material and remnants to improve throughput, utilization, and on-time delivery. Went through several brainstorming ideas to develop an app that will audit and track the amount, type, and consumption of raw material from the laser machine operation. Also have developed a storage color code rack system to standardize process to organize and track material differences prior to consumption. The result of the data from the app will give measurable comparable from the before and after process to visually see the process improvement. Additional measurable outcomes to see are the WIP and lead time decrease over the months.

Exploration and Implementation of Manufacturing Processes to Produce the Patented "Battery Out"

MEMBERS: Zach Gordon, Lucca Martins, Nathan Ma, Rayanah Bahrami

ADVISOR: Deepak Gupta

SPONSOR: Brij System, Dr. Yogesh, Wichita, KS

This project focuses on evaluating and improving a patented Battery-Out device by applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and developing a complete production/manufacturing plan. The device had not been fully prepared for efficient manufacturing or market deployment. Our approach includes analyzing the design, selecting appropriate manufacturing processes, developing a process plan, and producing a small batch of the product. The results demonstrate that the device can be feasibly manufactured using accessible processes such as additive manufacturing while maintaining functionality and cost efficiency. The project concludes with a manufacturable design and a structured plan for production and commercialization, including a BOM and Cost Analysis.

Lean Setup Optimization and Tooling Standardization Using a Digital Twin Approach in a High-Mix Aerospace Manufacturing Environment

MEMBERS: Naomie Mukadi, Elizaphan Ondieki, Mohammad Faisal

ADVISOR: Cindi Mason

SPONSOR: Etezazi Industries, Wichita, KS

Our project focuses on improving setup processes at Etezazi Industries, an aerospace manufacturing company. Currently, setup methods vary depending on the part type, tooling, and machine used. This creates inconsistency in the process and leads to longer setup times. As a result, operators spend more time on non-value-added activities such as searching for tools, adjusting setups, and re-checking measurements. These issues reduce overall efficiency and increase production time.

To address this problem, we analyze the current setup process by observing operations on the shop floor and collecting data on setup times and variations. We also speak with operators, programmers, and other personnel to better understand the current practices and challenges. In addition, we use lean tools such as root cause analysis to identify the main causes of inefficiencies in the setup process.

Based on our findings, we aim to propose solutions that standardize tooling and setup methods across different machines and part types. The goal is to reduce setup time, improve consistency, and maintain high product quality. This project will help create a more efficient, reliable, and repeatable setup process in a high-mix manufacturing environment.

Simulating Decision Making of Autonomous Cargo Robots in Airports

MEMBERS: Alex Troth, Joana Vazquez, Katrina Long, Zachary Leshikar

ADVISOR: Cindi Mason

SPONSOR: Joe Jobe, Jefferson City

Evaluation of operational strategy and logistical integration of autonomous cargo haulers. These autonomous tugs will transport standardized cargo containers and pallet trailers between storage facilities and aircraft. The goal of this project is to develop a systematic and data-driven operational plan that improves cargo movement efficiency, reduces delays, and enhances airport logistics performance. The team will utilize simulation tools and operational analysis to identify bottlenecks, optimize fleet size, and improve routing strategies.

Smart Refrigerator Water Bottle Refill System with UV Sanitation

MEMBERS: Harshit Awasthi, Ethan Mann, Tanatswa Mafume, Beatriz Ordonez

ADVISOR: Cindi Mason

SPONSOR: Aether Nabla Tau LLC, Derby, KS

This project is about designing and building the Smart Refrigerator Water Bottle Refill System with UV Sanitation project. The goal of this project is to design a smart refrigerator that improves Hygiene, reduces contamination risks, and enhances user convenience through sensor-based monitoring for water refill and smart alerts (optional). Traditional refrigerators focus only on cooling and do not provide features to monitor hygiene, bottle handling, or expiration tracking, which can lead to food spoilage and health risks, especially in shared environments. This project aims to integrate intelligent sensing, contamination detection, and notification systems to promote better water refill system, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency and user experience.

2026 Initial Semester Senior Design Projects

Lean Storage and Inventory Optimization for Textron Aviation

MEMBERS: Cody Goetz, Jack Adams, Jonah Allison

ADVISOR: Cindi Mason

SPONSOR: Textron Aviation, Wichita KS

Textron Aviation's interiors storage area is inefficiently organized and lacks an effective inventory process which causes wasted time, poor space utilization, and difficulty accessing tools and materials. The project aims to optimize the layout and implement an inventory method that is sustainable within current constraints.