Washington: An Omani student team secured third place in the engineering projects competition at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with their innovative project, “Lio and AOFR"—a smart system designed to change car oil and replace filters without lifting the vehicle, completing the process in a record time of under 10 minutes. This achievement highlights the ingenuity of Omani youth in global academic arenas.
The project introduces a pioneering solution in vehicle maintenance, featuring full automation, precision, safety, and cleanliness without direct human intervention. Equipped with temperature-monitoring sensors and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, the system prevents spills, reduces pollution, and ensures operational safety.
The AOFR robot operates beneath the vehicle, replacing oil filters with high precision using a torque-adjustable wrench, a lifting mechanism, dual surveillance cameras, obstacle detection, and remote control. Meanwhile, the oil-changing unit delivers a clean, efficient service without jacks, supporting various engine types.
Team member Fareed Sameer Al Alawi stated that the project took months of development, aiming to "create a practical tool that simplifies maintenance and minimizes human error." He emphasized that this victory marks a crucial step toward commercializing the technology.
Dr. Alyssa Ladd, the project supervisor, praised the team’s efforts, noting their "deep understanding of applied engineering and modern technology" in addressing a real-world challenge.
On his turn, Professor Ken Currie, Dean of MTSU, commended the Omani team’s work as "embodying the innovative spirit we foster in our students," calling it an "inspiring model of engineering knowledge applied in practice."
This accomplishment underscores the rising global competitiveness of Omani youth in innovation and engineering, showcasing their ability to make an impact in international academic forums.
