From the very first days of the new school year, first-year students at the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Cluny took up the challenge of designing, sketching and presenting technical and scientific projects as part of the "Happy" program. Supported by their teachers and tutors, the students worked in teams on a variety of issues, combining creativity, environmental responsibility and initiative.
Projects to address the challenges of today and tomorrow
Among the achievements:
- HydroKid: a fun and safe wooden pedal car, designed with environmental responsibility in mind, using local and recyclable materials, and featuring functionalities inspired by real vehicles.
- Autonomous trailer: an innovative solution for sustainable mobility, designed to assist cyclists in transporting heavy loads while complying with safety and eco-design standards.
- Cargo bike kit: a conversion kit for bicycles, allowing you to increase your transport capacity while remaining accessible and ergonomic, suitable for different models and compliant with European standards.
- Rotating base with solar tracker: a young company is developing an adjustable base for solar panels, maximizing energy production thanks to automatic sun tracking and a robust design.
- Kinetic battery: an eco-friendly alternative to electrochemical batteries, using a flywheel to store solar energy and return it to individuals, with digital monitoring via a mobile app.
- Automated waffle machine: to meet growing demand, a team designed a machine capable of increasing artisanal production tenfold, while guaranteeing quality and compliance with food standards.
- Surveillance drone: creation of an autonomous and self-sufficient tool for monitoring sensitive infrastructure, combining robustness, ease of use, and compliance with regulations.
- Electric vehicle for the Shell Eco-marathon: design of a high-performance, eco-friendly vehicle for an international competition, featuring innovative technical choices and rigorous project management.
- Active MTB shock absorber: development of an F1-inspired suspension system offering comfort, performance, and durability for off-road bikes. 9. Diffusimeter: a tool for measuring thermal conductivity, essential for foundries and digital simulation, enabling the optimization of mold recipes and limiting casting defects.
- Plasma machine: mobile app-controlled sheet metal cutter designed for schools and workshops, with annual production and modularity tailored to requirements.
- Educational hourglass: a sturdy, easy-to-use educational water clock for teaching students about time measurement and physics.
Each project is the result of collaborative work, a state-of-the-art analysis, precise specifications, and planning illustrated by Gantt charts and technical diagrams.
Support for tutors: a cornerstone of success
In this exercise, the tutor is neither a mere observer nor a conductor: their role is to facilitate learning, encourage autonomy, ask questions to stimulate reflection, and ensure that the group functions smoothly. They help to structure the stages and promote group dynamics, while fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere.
The projects displayed on posters demonstrate the students' ability to innovate, work in teams, and engage in responsible initiatives. This offers a glimpse into their three-year program, where technical skills, creativity, and educational support come together to prepare the engineers of tomorrow.
