CPE Capstone Project | Solo Quad Adaptive Kayak
As a teen, Cal Poly alumnus Bryan Gingg (Social Science, ’90) enjoyed swimming, surfing and paddling a kayak in the waters around Morro Bay Harbor. But a 1982 car accident left the Morro Bay resident paralyzed without the use of his arms or legs, ending his love affair with ocean sports.
Under the guidance of Professor Lynne Slivovsky, Computer Engineering Capstone students joined a multi-disciplinary team of students and faculty from kinesiology, mechanical and electrical engineering to develop an adaptive kayak that would allow Gingg to enjoy kayaking once again. Gingg was the test pilot for the "solo quad" kayak which utilized a mouth-held electronic "straw" to control a small electric motor on the kayak for paddling and steering.
This high-tech, outrigger-equipped kayak, also includes a joystick feature for paraplegic users — those with movement in their arms. Quadriplegic kayakers can sip or puff on the straw to send signals to the kayak’s sensor controls to operate the craft.
Capstone Team members pictured with Bryan [bottom left] (left to right): Cailin Cushing, Austin Hendrix, Igor Dulkin, Brian Danque, Roeurn Tourn & Stanley Ho
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Computer Engineering Program
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