The Mirror

The student-run newspaper of Northwood School in Lake Placid.

by: Matthew KernanPosted on:

Advanced STEM Research: Flying Umbrella

Adit Agarwal ’27 presents flying umbrella to colleges, photo provided by Mr. Aldridge

Northwood’s Advanced STEM Research Program allows students to pursue their scientific and engineering interests through independent, yearlong projects. For his project, Adit Agarwal ’27 is attempting to build a flying umbrella.

Agarwal calls his project FlyBrolly. His goal is to create a hands-free umbrella that flies above and follows its user.

The device is designed with two fans to generate lift, small fins for steering and a canopy that can adjust to changing wind conditions. Agarwal said he developed the idea after experiencing the difficulty of walking in the rain while carrying several belongings.

“The more I worked on it, the more I realized it has everything I want to do as an engineer in one project: aerodynamics, coding, simulation, CAD and actually building the thing,” Agarwal said.

Agarwal has encountered several challenges while developing the umbrella. He redesigned his original concept after discovering that it depended on an unworkable power system. He has also worked to improve the device’s stability in windy conditions.

Agarwal hopes to develop FlyBrolly into a fully functioning product. He has received guidance from engineers he met during an internship at a Formula Student racing workshop, as well as support from Advanced STEM Research Program Director Ms. Jill Walker.

Agarwal said Walker has helped him remain motivated, locate resources and connect with experts when he encounters challenges.

According to Walker, the Advanced STEM Research Program has grown from eight students in its early years to 19 students. The program provides students with opportunities to conduct independent research in subjects including biological science, physical science, mathematics and engineering.

Walker earned her master’s degree in biology from the University of South Carolina and has taught at Northwood since 2004.

“I love research. I love the independence of this with the kids,” Walker said. “I like seeing students get excited about their projects.”

Although FlyBrolly remains a work in progress, the project has allowed Agarwal to apply his engineering interests to a real-world problem. Through experimentation, redesign and guidance from experts, he continues working to make his idea a reality.

The Northwood Mirror

The student-run newspaper of Northwood School in Lake Placid

Northwood Life

Advanced STEM Research: Flying Umbrella

Adit Agarwal ’27 combines aerodynamics, coding and engineering through his yearlong FlyBrolly project

By Matthew Kernan

Listen Read this article aloud

Adit Agarwal ’27 presents flying umbrella to colleges, photo provided by Mr. Aldridge

Northwood’s Advanced STEM Research Program allows students to pursue their scientific and engineering interests through independent, yearlong projects. For his project, Adit Agarwal ’27 is attempting to build a flying umbrella.

Agarwal calls his project FlyBrolly. His goal is to create a hands-free umbrella that flies above and follows its user.

The device is designed with two fans to generate lift, small fins for steering and a canopy that can adjust to changing wind conditions. Agarwal said he developed the idea after experiencing the difficulty of walking in the rain while carrying several belongings.

“The more I worked on it, the more I realized it has everything I want to do as an engineer in one project: aerodynamics, coding, simulation, CAD and actually building the thing,” Agarwal said.

Agarwal has encountered several challenges while developing the umbrella. He redesigned his original concept after discovering that it depended on an unworkable power system. He has also worked to improve the device’s stability in windy conditions.

Agarwal hopes to develop FlyBrolly into a fully functioning product. He has received guidance from engineers he met during an internship at a Formula Student racing workshop, as well as support from Advanced STEM Research Program Director Ms. Jill Walker.

Agarwal said Walker has helped him remain motivated, locate resources and connect with experts when he encounters challenges.

According to Walker, the Advanced STEM Research Program has grown from eight students in its early years to 19 students. The program provides students with opportunities to conduct independent research in subjects including biological science, physical science, mathematics and engineering.

Walker earned her master’s degree in biology from the University of South Carolina and has taught at Northwood since 2004.

“I love research. I love the independence of this with the kids,” Walker said. “I like seeing students get excited about their projects.”

Although FlyBrolly remains a work in progress, the project has allowed Agarwal to apply his engineering interests to a real-world problem. Through experimentation, redesign and guidance from experts, he continues working to make his idea a reality.