SU students design, prototype, and pitch in Shark Tank style showdown
The students work in groups of three to four people for six weeks to build their original device before pitching it to Syracuse University alumni and entrepreneurs in a Shark Tank-style environment.
'I think the pitching has been really beneficial for the future,' Gavin Lesk, one of the students participating, said. 'I'm an engineering major, I don't do a ton of talking in general. The most pitching I've done is presenting to a class for a project.'
In one week, Lesk and his team will introduce their product 'GripSync', which is a golf grip trainer that provides real-time feedback on the golfer's grip pressure and swing tempo.
'It's going to guide your fingers into the right placement, and it's going to use a grip pressure sensor to send grip pressure readings from your actual grip on your golf club which the molding grip clips onto, to your phone so you can analyze and hone into your swing,' Lesk explained.
A different team set their focus on creating an instrument that monitors pressure in dryer machine vents and detects lint buildup.
They called their device 'VentIQ'.
'So, essentially we created a piece of device for the consumer so their clothes are drying efficiently, they're saving money, and they're stopping fires from happening in their house,' Suraj Parida, one of the contraption's creators, said.
When a dryer vent is clogged, it can take multiple cycles for the clothes in the machine to dry properly, which, by extension, costs consumers more money. Additionally, dryer lint is a fire hazard, so having a buildup you don't know about poses a risk.
In a demonstration, the VentIQ team showed us how, when a dryer vent is clogged, the liquid in the manometer rose to show that.
The third device shown to NewsChannel 9 was called 'Third Eye'.
'We're inventing a device that can watch your back and alert you when someone is approaching from behind by sending a sound to your headphones,' team member Angelo Fernandez said.
The contraption hooks onto the back of a belt or backpack, and its sensors are so specific that if a person is approaching on your left, your left headphone will alert you.
The designs are complete, the prototypes are nearly finished, and now teams will put on the final touches before taking to the stage to show the judges why their product deserves to win the cash prize.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
19 hours ago
- Business Upturn
HAL and MIDHANI in focus: HAL places Rs 6,000 crore superalloy order with MIDHANI, says report
Shares of Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI) surged over 8% to ₹433.70 on Tuesday after news surfaced that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has awarded it a massive ₹6,000 crore order for superalloys, as per reports from Alpha Defense. The order marks a significant milestone in India's push for aerospace self-reliance, providing crucial materials for jet engines like the AL31 that powers India's frontline Su-30MKI fighters. Superalloys — which deliver exceptional strength, heat resistance, and durability — are indispensable for high-performance engines and machinery. With global supply chains facing uncertainty, HAL has tapped MIDHANI as a reliable domestic supplier for these advanced materials. The move also mitigates the risks associated with dependence on imported components. MIDHANI is set to supply a wide range of nickel-based superalloys enriched with chromium, aluminum, titanium, as well as cobalt-based and titanium-based alloys. These materials will not only power AL31 engines but also support indigenous engines and future programs like the GE F414 for Tejas Mk2 and the AMCA engine. According to Alpha Defense, this initiative represents a strategic shift toward indigenization of jet engines and tighter control over critical supply chains. The deal will help India replace imported parts, strengthen its industrial base, and reduce vulnerabilities in a region marked by geopolitical tensions. MIDHANI, often referred to as India's superalloy powerhouse, continues to lead in supplying premium alloys for extreme environments like jet turbines, power plants, and critical infrastructure sectors. The order is expected to pave the way for India's next-generation engine programs, bolstering domestic capabilities and supporting HAL's upcoming strategic programs with confidence. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Tom's Guide
20 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
New study reveals ChatGPT is changing how we talk, text and write — here's how
Since ChatGPT's explosive debut in late 2022, millions of people have used it to help write everything from emails and essays to wedding vows and apology texts. But now, researchers are noticing something surprising: AI is doing more than helping us write to a point of actually changing the way we speak. A recent analysis by researchers at the Max Planck Institute, highlighted in Scientific American, reveals that words commonly used by ChatGPT, like 'delve,' 'tapestry' and 'nuance,' are showing up more frequently in everyday conversation. After examining over 700,000 hours of transcribed podcasts and YouTube videos, researchers found a statistically significant uptick in GPT-style vocabulary, even in people who may not realize they're parroting a chatbot. Welcome to the era of AI-inflected speech. Large language models like ChatGPT are trained on vast amounts of data, and their outputs reflect a specific, polished tone, one that leans academic, thoughtful and often verbose. If you've ever asked ChatGPT to rewrite something, you've likely seen words like 'explore,' 'compelling' or 'robust' pop up. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Now that AI tools are becoming a default writing assistant for everything from school assignments to Slack updates, those patterns are starting to seep into human language — not just online, but out loud. 'The language of ChatGPT is infectious,' said Jon Kleinberg, a computer scientist at Cornell University. 'People are drawn to it because it feels authoritative.' And that draw is measurable: in one example, use of the word 'delve' jumped 51% since ChatGPT's public release. This influence isn't all bad. In fact, educators are already seeing how ChatGPT can boost clarity, especially for English language learners or students who struggle with structure. One study from Smart Learning Environments showed that students who used ChatGPT as a writing coach improved their coherence, vocabulary range and grammar. 'AI is helping users write more clearly and confidently,' said Christine Cruzvergara of Handshake, who studies how AI is reshaping entry-level jobs. 'That can be empowering, especially for people who feel intimidated by formal writing.' For non-native speakers, AI-generated language can offer a consistent model to follow; a kind of real-time tutor that never gets tired. But there's a flip side. As AI becomes a silent co-author in our day-to-day lives, our personal writing styles may begin to fade. If everyone's emails, social posts and even texts start to use the same GPT-style phrasing, we risk sounding less like ourselves and more like… well, a chatbot. This is especially true in emotionally charged moments. Some people using AI to help write heartfelt messages, like breakups or apologies, may find their partners appreciate the sentiment, but the writing itself often feels "off." Essentially, the extra polish comes at the cost of emotional nuance. There's also the question of linguistic diversity. ChatGPT, like many AI tools, defaults to Standard American English. Over time, that could diminish the use of regional dialects or cultural idioms, subtly eroding the richness of human expression. Probably not. But, this is certainly a wake-up call reminding us to be more aware. AI isn't replacing our voice, but it is influencing it. Just as the internet once reshaped slang and shortened attention spans, AI is now adding its own fingerprint to the way we communicate. If you rely on ChatGPT or similar tools, it's worth revisiting what you've written. Does it sound like you? Could it use a personal anecdote, a bit of humor, or a sharper edge? Think of AI as a helpful first draft, not the final word. AI is making us more articulate, but maybe a little less human. As tools like ChatGPT continue to shape how we write and speak, the challenge isn't to reject them but to remember who we are without them. Because while ChatGPT can help you craft a flawless sentence, only you can make it feel real by adding your own human touch.
News24
a day ago
- News24
How slick is really slick?
There's a clear shift in what South Africans expect from a smartphone. Performance matters but so does style. With a frosted finish, flat edges and carefully considered colours, the new HONOR 400 series looks the part, without even trying too hard. Both the HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro seize the spotlight when the cameras roll, meetings start and when the cutting-edge AI content possibilities make their entrance with a gasp. Smartphone features matter in Mzansi, which is why most new launches loudly announce their shopping list of specs. Yet, the HONOR 400 series knows how confusing this can be for those wanting a device with the right form and fit. This is why they've focussed on making their own flair - flow into everyday life. It's like great style - it should speak for itself, without needing to be explained. That's exactly where the HONOR 400 Series is slicker than the average. At a glance, they carry all the symbols of a high-end device from frosted-glass finishes, polished camera layout, symmetrical lines and style simplified. Both devices then follow through with the confidence to show up in the hands of the right people: creators, entrepreneurs, future-focussed students and professionals - who don't just use their phones, they rely on them. Wherever they need to impress they look the part from power to performance. In lecture halls and study cafés, where next-gen minds capture ideas and edit on the fly At launch events and small business pop-ups, where content needs to be shot, cleaned and shared instantly · Behind the lens of stylists, designers and curators, where its AMOLED accuracy matters Or on daily runs of meetings, meetings and more meetings, where battery life can't tap out early. Slick seen in all the right spaces The AI-enhanced camera system adds to this series' aura. A 200MP main sensor, combined with AI Portrait Snap and Veo 2-powered Image-to-Video, makes your best moment reel-ready without the need for retouching. On the HONOR Pro, a 50MP telephoto and 50× AI SuperZoom takes storytelling to new heights and distances. Whether you're translating a business call or reviewing footage under pressure, The Snapdragon chips, supported by MagicOS 9.0 and a 6000mAh battery, keeps the on point, on target - power that goes on and on. In an industry where specs often shout, the HONOR 400 Series simply fits, effortlessly, elegantly and clearly designed for people who prefer to be noticed for all the right reasons. Because sometimes, the slickest moves are the ones that just quietly stepped into the spotlight.
