ITS Campus, ITS News — The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) held the 2026 Capstone Design Exhibition again on Friday (June 19). The event, held at the ITS Plaza dr Angka, provided a platform for students to showcase various technological solutions that address the fundamental needs of society.
Opening the event, ITS Vice Rector I for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Nurul Widiastuti, SSi, MSi, PhD, emphasized that Capstone Design serves as a means to foster students’ awareness of various issues around them. According to her, this awareness is a crucial foundation for producing graduates capable of benefiting others through the use of science and technology.
Furthermore, he highlighted the potential for developing capstone design through a multidisciplinary approach to generate more comprehensive solutions. Nurul believes that interdisciplinary synergy can strengthen the contribution of higher education institutions in addressing the various challenges facing industry and society. “I am confident that all of this will bring blessings, especially to our graduates, who will become individuals who will benefit the community,” he said optimistically.
In line with this, the Head of the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department , Dr. Eng. Ir. Sutikno, ST. MT. IPM. AEng., said that this exhibition is a tangible result of the students’ hard work during their Capstone Design course. Through the subtheme ” Pioneering Technological Interventions for Fundamental Needs ,” Sutikno hopes that this activity will encourage aspiring engineers to present impactful solutions.
To expand the impact of innovations developed by ITS students, Sutikno emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and various partners. He believes that innovation will not have a sustainable impact if it stops only in the academic environment. “Synergy is needed so that research results can be disseminated and the benefits directly felt by the community,” he said.
One innovation that has attracted attention is Solar Powered Intelligent Irrigation Technology (SPIRIT), developed by Fikra Zuma Rizki and his team. Based on farmers’ concerns about drought during the dry season, this innovation offers a smart plant watering system. “SPIRIT utilizes soil moisture sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and solar energy,” he explained.
Armed with this technology, SPIRIT can automatically water crops while optimizing water usage. Besides being more efficient, this system can also be implemented in areas with limited electricity access because it is powered by solar energy. “We hope SPIRIT can help farmers prevent crop failure,” said the 2023 student.
This year’s exhibition showcased 34 works by Capstone Design 2 students who had entered the product realization stage, as well as eight Capstone Design 1 teams in the design stage. The best student works will have the opportunity to represent ITS in an international competition to be held in Malaysia.
The Capstone Design 2026 exhibition reflects ITS’s commitment to delivering innovations that address societal needs through the application of technology. This effort also supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through the development of sustainable and applicable solutions. (*)
Reporter: Nadhifa Raghda Syaikha
Redaktur: Andra Eka Wijayanti
Translator: Devinka Mutianeira