Abstract:  What is success and how can we achieve it as machine design engineers?  This seminar will focus on two mechanical products designed for two very different applications.  The first is a cordless impact wrench that received accolades across the industry and more than doubled expected sales in the first year.  The second is a novel robotic rehabilitation machine designed as a test bed for new human motor control theories related to the recovery of the ability to walk after stroke.  We will investigate the non-subtle differences in the approach to design and how they relate to the success of the products. 

Bio:  Tyler Susko is in his final year in the PhD program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.  His research focuses on the development of the MIT-Skywalker, a novel robotic rehabilitation device to train locomotion in patients with a multitude of neurological disorders including stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), cerebral palsy, etc.  Prior to his work at MIT, Tyler worked at Ingersoll Rand where he was the principal design engineer for a paradigm-shifting cordless impact wrench that, for the first time ever, exhibited more power than its pneumatic counterpart, a characteristic that led to its selection as one of the top products of the year at the SEMA show.  During his time in industry, he also served as an Adjunct Professor at Augusta State University in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Business and Engineering and a Master of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University. His passion lies in machine design and cyber-physical systems.

Host: Prof. Brad Paden