Muscat – An Omani student team has secured third place in the Engineering Projects Competition at Middle Tennessee State University in the United States, earning international recognition for its invention called ‘Lio and AOFR’ – an automated system that replaces engine oil and filters without the need to lift a vehicle.

The invention combines a smart robotic unit, AOFR, with an oil change mechanism, completing the entire maintenance task in under ten minutes. The system is designed to operate without human intervention, offering an efficient, clean and safe alternative to traditional vehicle servicing methods.

Equipped with sensors, a touchscreen interface and spill-prevention technology, the system monitors temperature and performance in real time. The AOFR robot uses a high-powered wrench, a precision torque lever, surveillance cameras and obstacle-detection tools to remove and replace oil filters beneath the vehicle. The accompanying oil change machine supports multiple engine types and eliminates the need for cranes or hoists.

“Our goal was to develop a practical tool that would facilitate maintenance operations and reduce human error,” said team member Farid bin Sameer al Alawi. “Winning this competition represents an important step towards marketing this technology and developing it for commercial use.”

The team spent several months designing and refining the system, which now stands out for its innovation and potential real-world applications.

Project supervisor Dr Elisa Ladou said the students showed a strong grasp of engineering principles. “Their innovation is  a smart solution to a real-life problem facing many,” she said.

The project has drawn praise for its practical design and contribution to environmentally conscious maintenance practices, and is being viewed as a benchmark for how engineering education can be applied to solve everyday challenges.