STCC class unveils STEAMpunk wheelchair, showcasing engineering creativity

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Gabriel Luppi entered a mechanical engineering technology classroom in style during a presentation he and several Springfield Technical Community College students made to the community at the end of the fall semester.

As members of the STCC community watched on, he operated his new STEAMpunk-inspired wheelchair designed by students from STCC.

Joseph Sommers, who taught a Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Senior Project class, welcomed Luppi into the classroom, which was the location of a celebratory presentation of the chair.

During the event, Sommers spoke about how his students worked on the chair, which is red with black trim. Pride Mobility donated the chair to Bruce Rosenbaum, a nationally known artist and designer who owns a steampunk company called ModVic. He then gave the chair to STCC for the design project. Rosenbaum detailed the history of the project during the presentation.

“I’ve always been an advocate for engineering for humanity,” Sommers said. “I want engineering to help our species, our people. When the wheelchair project was presented to me, I was excited. I couldn’t wait to get into it. This gave us a project to pull all our individual skills together for a tangible, uplifting cause.”

Dubbed “STEAMpunk,” the project reflects the fusion of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) with art. The wheelchair, a blend of functionality and imagination, stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of STCC’s engineering students. The names of the seven students are engraved on one of the wheelchair’s arms.

The idea for the STEAMpunk wheelchair was sparked by Luppi, a former STCC student and wheelchair user. The design for Luppi’s chair reflects his father’s early 1950s-era Plymouth, a story that inspired the students to create a design that blended nostalgia, creativity and engineering excellence.

I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time. I love it. Gabriel Luppi, Former MET student at STCC

The class used an authentic 1951 Plymouth radio faceplate for the façade of the battery case in the front, bottom section of the wheelchair. The faceplate came from Luppi’s father’s car parts collection. Steampunk integrates original, repurposed parts with modern technology.

When he was an MET student in 2022, Luppi teamed up with Rosenbaum to design a Quantum Power wheelchair that incorporates the visual aesthetics of steampunk, which combines history, art and technology to make inspiring, functional and personal products.

“It was an honor to contribute to such an innovative project,” Rosenbaum said. “These students have brilliantly combined engineering and art, creating something both functional and inspiring.”

Alexios Kalita, an MET alumnus who graduated in May 2024, worked on the project with classmates in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. “It’s awesome. I’m very happy to get this wheelchair ready for Gabe,” Kalita said after the presentation.

Under the guidance of their MET faculty, the students used advanced tools and techniques, including CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), 3D printing, and machining, to bring their vision to life. The wheelchair boasts an array of custom features, including:

• A backup camera for added convenience and safety.
• CNC-machined storage drawers for practicality.
• 3D-printed elements like extra-large cup holders, fenders and a whimsical flux-capacitor nodding to sci-fi fans.
• LED lights and USB charging ports for modern functionality.
• Customized controller handles and wheel covers inspired by vintage automotive designs.

Each detail was meticulously crafted, merging aesthetics with engineering precision.

Lara Sharp, dean of the School of STEM at STCC, praised the students’ dedication and creativity.

“This project highlights the core mission of the School of STEM: empowering students to use technology and innovation to solve real-world problems,” Sharp said. “The STEAMpunk wheelchair demonstrates how engineering and creativity can work hand-in-hand to make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

The event concluded with a live demonstration of the wheelchair. Visitors expressed awe at the intricate details and innovative features of the STEAMpunk wheelchair.

For Luppi, the project allowed him to acquire a wheelchair that combines style with practical functions. He has a condition that makes it difficult to use his arms and legs.

Luppi loves the special elements added to his chair and expressed appreciation to STCC and his classmates for helping to make his dream come true.

“We’ve been working on it, but today is the first chance to sit in it,” Luppi said. “I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time. I love it.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

• See All News