Engineering@Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of EngineeringOnline: Autumn 2011

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Engineering@Nebraska > Accomplishments page 2

FRONT & CENTER

COVER FEATURE:

Guiding Principles & Themes

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Faculty PROFILE

CLASS NOTES

ALUMNI PROFILE

From the foundation

FOR THE FUTURE

Carrick Detweiler, assistant professor of computer science and engineering, began combining machines with dance in his former lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He helped develop the software and hardware capabilities needed to control the flying robots in “Seraph,” performed by the modern dance company Pilobolus.

When the Pilobolus tour came to Lincoln’s Lied Center in October, Detweiler’s students and modern dance students of Susan Levine, head of UNL’s dance program, put their own spin on the collaboration. Students from UNL's Nebraska Intelligent Mobile Unmanned Systems (NIMBUS) lab controlled the quadrotor robots during a workshop with Levine's students.

"The experience really changed me as a scientist and opened me up to new ideas," said Detweiler. “This is a great way to get robotics out in the open and show the public what is possible."

Among other NIMBUS pursuits including military projects, Detweiler is working on ways for the robots to be autonomous while moving with the dancers during performances in the future.

- Troy Fedderson, University Communications

Durham School students help with Heats On Lincoln: servicing heating equipment for people in need

At Heats On Lincoln, a community service project on October 15, six UNL students rolled up their sleeves to lend a hand with 50 houses scheduled for service during the 13th annual program. Heats On Lincoln helps low-income and elderly residents by checking their heating systems, filters and smoke detectors before winter weather arrives. Heats On sponsors – the Mechanical Contractors Association of Omaha and the Steamfitters and Plumbers LU 464 – worked with UNL student volunteers from The Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction who belong to the MESC (Mechanical Electrical Specialty Contractors) group. Volunteers pictured are Dan Reeg, Lyle Kreikemeier, Tyler Pulec, Chelsea Hahn, Nick Smith and Chase Vadnais.