A collaboration between Auburn University’s Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design programs has resulted in the creation of a groundbreaking medical device prototype, developed in partnership with KYRA Medical, a global manufacturer of surgical equipment. The innovation, which automatically switches IV bags during arthroscopic procedures, was publicly unveiled at the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) annual conference in Boston earlier this year.
The interdisciplinary project brought together Auburn students and faculty from both engineering and design disciplines to solve a long-standing surgical challenge. In procedures such as hip, knee, wrist, and shoulder arthroscopies, large volumes of saline are used to maintain a clear view of the surgical site. Traditionally, nurses have had to manually replace IV bags as they empty, creating disruptions during operations. The new Auburn-KYRA device automates this process, ensuring a steady fluid supply without interrupting the surgery.
The team included engineering students Haley Duncan, Savannah Anderson, Joseph Freeman, and Jake Garza, as well as Master of Industrial Design student Sheridan Kromann. Their work was guided by faculty members Shea Tillman, Bauhaus Professor in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction; Chad Rose and Michael Zabala from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering; and supported by KYRA’s leadership team.
Over the course of the collaboration, students engaged in weekly virtual sessions with KYRA engineers and hosted in-person visits on campus. The development process involved producing multiple prototypes — including more than 100 3D-printed component iterations — leading to two final versions displayed at the AORN conference. The unveiling marked a milestone in Auburn’s growing reputation for integrating design and engineering in practical, industry-led innovation.
The partnership originated when Steve Taylor, Auburn’s Senior Vice President for Research and Development, met Howard Miller, co-founder and CEO of KYRA, an Auburn alumnus with three decades of experience in the medical device industry. Their conversation sparked a collaboration that blended Auburn’s academic creativity with KYRA’s manufacturing expertise.
The project showcases Auburn’s commitment to experiential learning and interdisciplinary problem-solving, uniting design aesthetics with engineering precision to deliver real-world medical solutions.
KEY QUOTES:
“When it came time to boot up the device at the convention and we saw it worked flawlessly, I felt myself breathe a sigh of relief. And when the manufacturers and nurses had positive reactions, it definitely put a smile on my face.”
Haley Duncan, Auburn University alumna
“This device automatically switches over to a new bag as each one empties. It provides a non-disruptive means of managing and monitoring the fluid for surgical procedures.”
“KYRA is an established and well-respected medical startup, and the energy their tightly knit team brings to a project like this quickly transferred to our team at Auburn. They are a very hands-on ‘prototype-fast-and-early’ group that is excited about sharing what they know about product development with our students.”
Shea Tillman, Bauhaus Professor, College of Architecture, Design and Construction, Auburn University
“When we finally took the packaging off the device and set it up in the booth, all I felt was relief and pride in our device. When we saw how seamlessly it blended into the KYRA brand and the other devices around it, it was a ‘we made it’ moment.”
Savannah Anderson, Mechanical Engineering Student, Auburn University
“As an Auburn Engineering alumnus, it was incredibly rewarding to see the next generation of engineers bringing a real-world medical device all the way from concept to professional unveiling, and it was great to have industrial design included as well. The students and faculty truly embodied the values of the Auburn Creed — hard work and integrity.”
Howard Miller, President, CEO, and Co-Founder, KYRA Medical
“Working alongside industrial designers from day one was a great learning experience, and I truly believe our success wouldn’t have been possible without that integrated approach. They showed me that usability and ergonomics are just as critical as functionality for a device like this.”
Joseph Freeman, Mechanical Engineering Student, Auburn University
