UROP Project
Underwater Exoskeletons for Diver Assistance
Robotics, mechatronics, mechanical, human body
Research Mentor: Dr. Taylor Higgins, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: th22u@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: th22u@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering
Project Location: AME Building 2003 Levy Ave.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering
Project Location: AME Building 2003 Levy Ave.
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Project Title: Development of an Underwater Exoskeleton for Diver AssistanceProject Description:
Have you ever tried holding still in water while the current pushes you around? For divers—especially those doing detailed underwater work—staying in one place can be surprisingly difficult. In this new project, our research team is partnering with Dr. Clark to develop a wearable underwater exoskeleton that will help divers maintain their position (“station keeping”) while working in currents, perform precise movements during fine-manipulation tasks, and navigate more easily using a heads-up display.
Because this project is in its very early stages, the student selected will be directly involved in shaping its direction. Work will include exploring existing underwater assistive technologies through a literature review, contributing to early mechanical design of the exoskeleton prototype, assisting with basic electronics development and integration, and participating in preliminary testing to evaluate key design ideas.
This position is ideal for a motivated engineering student who is curious about robotics, wearable devices, and human-centered design. No prior experience with underwater systems is required—only a willingness to learn, think creatively, and work collaboratively.
Research Tasks: Literature review, CAD design, prototyping, parts specification, preliminary testing.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: some programming and/or solidworks experience.