The College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), in partnership with Autodesk and Toyota Material Handling, has established an innovative full remote, virtual Engineering Digital Design Competition (EDDC) for spring 2025.
This competition bridges the gap between academic learning and industry application, challenging students to utilize cutting-edge digital design tools such as Autodesk Fusion to solve complex engineering problems that a company might face. By focusing on digital design in engineering, we are preparing the next generation of engineers for the increasingly digital future within any Engineering industry.
Scope:
The Spring 2025 Engineering Digital Design Competition challenges students to optimize and enhance existing mechanical products or systems using advanced digital design tools like Autodesk Fusion. This year’s theme focuses on developing a “Modular attachment system for automated counterbalanced forklifts“.
Participants will work on improving real-world products provided by Toyota Materials Handling, with the goal of creating an adaptable design that enhances the functionality and versatility of automated sit-down counterbalance forklifts. The challenge involves designing a universal mounting system and a series of interchangeable attachments, allowing forklifts to quickly adapt to a wide range of tasks and cargo types across various environments.
The end product is a forklift with an adaptable design that can transform to meet diverse operational needs.
Goal 1: Elevates operational flexibility and efficiency in automated material handling environments
Goal 2: Generates cost-effective equipment utilization and reduces the need for multiple specialized machines
Goal 3: Increases worker productivity and reduces physical strain through task-specific attachments
Eligibility:
Undergraduate students from universities and community colleges, including students in associate degree programs, are eligible to attend. Each school may have only one participating team. Each team must include one faculty advisor affiliated with the participating school and a minimum of two students and maximum of five students. The faculty advisor and students may not participate in more than one team.
The competition is a student-led initiative and the work should be solely done by the students.
The faculty advisor must be responsible for the team, ensuring that guidelines and checkpoints are being met.
Awards:
The award ceremony will take place after the event. A committee consisting of industry professionals and faculty members will evaluate the reports and judge the presentations.
The top three teams with the highest scores will receive monetary awards.
Registration and Deadlines:
Interested team should complete the online registration form.
Registration Deadline: Feb. 14, 2025
Competition Kick-off Session: Feb. 28, 2025
Technical Report Submission Deadline: April 4, 2025
Virtual Technical Presentation: April 18, 2025
Virtual Award Ceremony: April 25, 2025
