A remarkable collaboration between the Alpena High School (AHS) ROV Team (UR2) and a former team member turned veterinary student, Savannah Thomson, has resulted in a breakthrough invention. This partnership bridged the gap between marine technology and veterinary science, demonstrating the versatility and transferability of STEM skills and teamwork.
Over the summer of 2024, Savannah Thomson, an alumni of Alpena High School and a current student at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM), participated in the MSU CVM Food Systems Fellowship. As part of the program, Savannah conducted research aimed at improving the well-being of commercial sows. Her project sought to identify morphometric factors—such as body measurements—that could help predict the ease of farrowing (birthing) and improve sow livability. To carry out her research, she needed precise measurements from 700 commercial sows, but the available tools were inadequate for the task.
That's when Savannah turned to her former AHS ROV team for help. She knew the team had expertise in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and access to 3D printers, essential resources for building the custom tool she needed. The AHS ROV team, fresh off their return from the MATE ROV Championship, jumped at the chance to help and quickly got to work.
Together, they prototyped and tested a new measuring device—dubbed the "Pig-o-Meter"—which was designed to gather accurate height measurements from the sows. After several iterations and adjustments, they developed a functional prototype made from carbon fiber using the team's 3D printers. The Pig-o-Meter became a critical tool for Savannah's research, providing the data she needed to complete her project successfully.
Savannah's work with the Pig-o-Meter didn't go unnoticed. She presented her findings and the innovative measuring tool at the Leman Swine Conference, hosted by the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. Her presentation earned her the prestigious Morrison Swine Innovator Prize, along with a $5,000 scholarship to continue her studies at MSU.
The success of the Pig-o-Meter has sparked further interest from the veterinary research community. Savannah and the AHS ROV team are now working on prototypes of similar tools for piglet and boar research, with the Pig-o-Meter currently under patent review through MSU.
This inspiring story showcases the power of collaboration, innovation, and the unique intersection of marine technology and veterinary science. What started as a high school ROV team project revolved into a game-changing research tool that has the potential to revolutionize animal care in the farming industry.
A huge shoutout to the AHS ROV team for partnering on this innovative design and applying the skills you've gained from the MATE ROV Competition to real-world challenges!