MOOSE JAW — Students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus showcased their ingenuity as they unveiled months of hard work, creativity, and technical skill during their capstone project demonstrations at the school.
The showcase highlighted the final projects from the Computer Engineering Technology program, offering a glimpse into how students are preparing to meet real-world challenges with fresh ideas and practical solutions.
The Moose Jaw Express attended the demonstrations to offer a closer look at four of those projects.
Robel Kibrom: Automated drawing machine
Robel Kibrom designed and built a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) drawing machine capable of rendering images using 12 different pens. The device runs on three stepper motors, allowing movement along the X, Y, and Z axes, and is controlled using open-source software such as Arduino IDE.
The machine interprets images by converting them into G-code via specialized software, enabling precise control over the drawing process.
“You just have to upload an image… and (the) software will change it into a language this machine will understand,” he explained.
Despite a few challenges including delays for components shipped from China, Kibrom completed the project in just three months.
Looking to the future, Kibrom said the lessons he gained from his capstone project will serve as a strong foundation as he sets his sights on a career in cyber security.
Noah Bodnar: Laser engraver
Noah Bodnar constructed a working laser engraver that can etch detailed images onto wood and plastic.
“My final project is a laser engraver,” Bodnar said. “I wanted to know how they worked… so I decided I was going to build one myself.”
Bodnar designed, modelled, and built the entire system independently, starting initial planning nearly eight months ago. The engraver accepts JPEG files, which are converted into layered instructions that guide the laser’s movements.
While his project is complete, Bodnar plans future enhancements including Wi-Fi support and multi-file processing.
“I’d like to make it so you can add multiple files onto it and potentially add Wi-Fi support so you can just (upload files) directly,” he said. “As it is right now, I’m very happy with it.”
Reflecting on his career path, Bodnar mentioned potential opportunities in Information Technology.
Michael Vargo: Autonomous golf cart
Michael Vargo’s capstone project took the form of an autonomous golf cart, capable of following a remote using ultra-wideband sensors. The cart dynamically adjusts its speed and direction, featuring both manual and self-driving modes.
“It’s fully user controlled on one side and then fully autonomous on the other side,” Vargo said. “There’s a lot going on under the hood.”
He sees the cart as a real-world project in the making, with commercial potential and hopes to refine it further with larger motors, better sensors, and improved navigation algorithms. He believes it could be golf course-ready within years.
“I think that within a year or two, it would be absolutely viable to be on a golf course,” he said.
Team project: Four-player Pong
A team project including students Anh Nguyen, Eugene Kilochek, and Alex Okolodko put a high-tech spin on the retro arcade game Pong.
Their version supports four players, features kicking mechanics, and includes an AI opponent using a Raspberry Pi 5 and camera to track and respond to ball movement.
“The camera will scan the ball, which is a white circular object, and it will also scan the paddles,” explained Nguyen, who pointed to white circles affixed to the top of each playable paddle. “(The AI program will try to) align the ball to the centre of the paddles.”
The team built their own printed circuit boards from scratch using a laser ironing method — a time-intensive process that required up to 60 hours per board.
“We (might have) shot ourselves in the foot by doing that,” Nguyen joked, pointing to the limited time allotted for the project and a few long days — and nights — in the workshop.
“But knowledge-wise, this project brought us to a whole new level,” Kilochek added.
With the semester now concluded, the team hopes to continue developing the game further.
To learn more about the Computer Engineering Technology program, visit SaskPolytech.ca/Programs-And-Courses/Programs/Computer-Engineering-Technology.aspx.
The Sask. Polytech Campus in Moose Jaw is located at 600 Saskatchewan Street West.
