Abstract
Technological innovation is everywhere and rapidly advancing, but it does not occur in isolation; it is shaped by and, in turn, reshapes the social, political, and economic systems in which it exists. This Undergraduate Thesis Portfolio brings together a technical capstone project and a research paper grounded in Science, Technology, and Society to explore this relationship from complementary perspectives.
The technical component focuses on the design and implementation of an engineering solution to a real-world problem, with emphasis on performance, efficiency, and feasibility. In parallel, the STS research paper examines the broader societal implications of related technologies, including issues of social acceptance, equity, and access. While these projects differ in methodology and perspective, they are unified by a shared objective: to understand how technological systems can be designed and implemented in ways that are not only effective, but also socially beneficial.
Together, these works contribute to a more well-rounded understanding of engineering practice. Showing the importance of not only considering how technologies function, but also how they impact the communities they are intended to serve.
Capstone Project Summary
This Capstone project focuses on the design, manufacturing, and testing of a waste collection robot for the 2025-2026 ASME Student Design Competition. This robot is created to collect, sort, and transport both garbage and recycling units through a model city, navigating various terrains and delivering materials to their designated receptacles
The system is developed in adherence with the ASME competition rulebook and judges. For example, the robot must operate safely and efficiently in accordance with traffic laws and waste collection best practices to avoid property damage and waste spillage. Key design considerations regarding rules like this include mobility, operational efficiency, and system reliability.
The broader aim of the ASME competition and thereby our Capstone work is to develop an efficient and effective waste management system that optimizes tradeoffs to balance speed, maneuverability, and cost with safety and environmental responsibility, Through iteration, prototyping, and testing this project demonstrants the application of mechanical engineering principles to a complex, real-world challenge.
STS Research Paper Summary
The STS research paper aims to answer the question: “How should AI in autonomous vehicles be programmed to make ethical decisions in unavoidable accident scenarios?” The paper argues in favor of a law-based ethical framework rather than a utilitarian framework when faced with these scenarios as opposed to many other papers written on this topic.
This framework is evaluated on three main criteria: technical feasibility, ethical fairness, and public transparency. The analysis suggests that law-based systems provide clearer accountability and are easier to define, making them more practical for real-world implementation.
Furthermore, this paper provides a comparison of AVs and human drivers using crash data, legal outcomes, and broader societal impacts such as labor market implications. This is done to show the benefits of AVs in society, not just on the roads.
