Revolutionary Redesign: Biomedical Engineering Student Enhances Air Force Precision
In the high-stakes world of the United States Air Force, where every detail can mean the difference between triumph and tragedy, a team of unsung heroes—anthropometrists—works tirelessly to ensure the health, safety, and combat readiness of military personnel. These experts wield their knowledge like a weapon, crafting equipment and systems that fit the diverse bodies of today’s fighting force, boosting mission success with every precise measurement. But what happens when the tools they rely on fail? Enter Aidan Saylor, a biomedical engineering student from the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, who’s taken a co-op role and turned it into a game-changer for the Air Force.
Aidan Saylor, testing his creation by measuring a co-worker, the newly minted base standing firm. Photo/provided.
Anthropometrists depend on an arsenal of specialized gear, from old-school manual tools to cutting-edge digital imaging, to map the human body’s dimensions. At the heart of their toolkit is the anthropometer—a sleek, rod-like device that measures everything from height to arm span with pinpoint accuracy. Yet, for years, its Achilles’ heel has been a flimsy, unstable base that wobbled under pressure, threatening the reliability of every measurement. That’s where Saylor, working with Solutions Through Innovative Technologies, Inc. (STI-TEC) on a support contract with the USAF Airmen Accommodation Lab (AAL), stepped in to rewrite the scrip.
Armed with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and rapid prototyping skills, Saylor didn’t just patch up the problem—he and a team of engineers from STI-TEC worked together to reinvent the anthropometer base from the ground up. His design is a revolution in stability, banishing the weak spots that once plagued the device. This isn’t just a win for the AAL—it’s a breakthrough set to ripple across the Department of Defense, with other anthropometrists eager to adopt his innovation.
"My goal was to create a solution that improves the stability and durability of military anthropometry tools. For years, measurement inconsistencies have been a challenge due to flimsy, unstable bases that compromise accuracy. I wanted to design something that service members could rely on. Knowing that my work will contribute to safer, more dependable measurements for those who serve is incredibly rewarding," said Saylor. "Beyond the technical work, this co-op experience has been truly amazing. It has opened doors to so many new opportunities and helped me determine the direction I want to take my career. Seeing the real-world impact of my work has solidified my passion for biomedical engineering and reinforced my drive to innovate in this field."
Saylor’s journey from classroom to combat support highlights the power of fresh perspective in a field where precision is non-negotiable.
"Aidan quickly became a valuable member of our team at STI-TEC. His ability to identify and solve engineering challenges, particularly in redesigning the anthropometer base, significantly improved the stability and durability of an essential tool used by the USAF anthropometry group,” said Jen Whitestone, Chief Scientist at STI-TEC. "His CAD and prototyping skills, combined with a practical approach to problem-solving, directly contributed to the success of the project. His work will have a lasting impact beyond our team, benefiting other DoD anthropometrists as well."
The impact of Saylor's work extends beyond the USAF, as his design will be shared with other Department of Defense (DoD) anthropometrists, setting a new standard for military readiness tools.
"Aidan's work with STI-TEC is a perfect example of the impact one co-op student can have during a co-op experience.," remarked Raechel Scarchilli, Assistant Professor and Saylor’s co-op advisor. " He made a significant engineering contribution, while also discovering some of his passions and the direction he wants to take in his career. This is exactly what we prepare our students for, and hope that they discover while on co-op."
With this new anthropometry base, the future of military anthropometry looks brighter, promising enhanced safety and effectiveness for those who serve.
Featured image at top: Aircats AFROTC at UC Spring 2024 Commencement. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
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