Students at Fort Cherry High School recently completed their Manufacturing Innovation Challenge project with ChemDAQ. They worked on a real-world problem and presented their final ideas directly to the company.
The project began earlier this year with a visit to ChemDAQ’s facility in Robinson Township. Students learned how the company designs and builds gas monitoring systems that help keep workers safe. Seeing the sensors in action made the work feel real and showed why it matters.
During the visit, students were given their challenge. ChemDAQ needed a better way to store and charge their sensors. The devices must stay plugged in, but the current setup is hard to organize. Cords can tangle and wear out over time. The goal was to create a solution that holds as many sensors as possible while staying organized and easy to move.
Students then got to work. They brainstormed ideas, sketched designs, and tested what might work. They had to think about how to keep sensors upright, how to manage cords, and how to use space efficiently. They also had to choose what type of cart or structure made the most sense.
Their final ideas showed both creativity and practical thinking. One team focused on modifying an industrial cart. They used magnets to hold the sensors in place while charging. The cart could move easily, included built-in power, and kept cords secure. The design also made it easy to see sensor indicator lights.
Another idea used a multi-section charging cart. It included a space for charging, shelves with access for cords, and a top area for fully charged sensors. This created a simple path from charging to ready to use.
Students recently presented their ideas to the ChemDAQ team. Along the way, they built skills in communication, problem solving, and design thinking. They also gained confidence by sharing their work with industry professionals.
This project is a great example of how hands-on learning connects students to real careers and real challenges.
Check out photos from the presentation below. Learn more about the MIC program here.
