Harriet Hill

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2025 > BEng students > Harriet Hill

Redesigning a Conductive Energy Device (CED), commonly known as a Taser, specifically for undercover police officers operating in high-risk, covert environments.

I was drawn to PDM because it provided a unique blend of creativity with practical problem-solving—two things I’ve always found very engaging. I enjoy taking real-world issues and developing solutions that are both user-focused and technically viable.

Throughout the course, I’ve developed a strong interest in material science, particularly in areas where it informs engineering foundations and product applications. I really enjoy the early ideation and concept development stages, to think freely and explore innovative design routes, but there is also a high level of satisfaction with CAD and digital prototyping. Precise modelling and rendering allow you to see a concept evolve into a functional product that considers every detail—from internal components to user interaction.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to pursue a career in manufacturing or mechanical engineering to expand on my current technical knowledge. My overarching goal is to find a role that allows me to work on meaningful, socially conscious products. I’d love to work in a team where research, design, and engineering come together to create solutions that genuinely improve people's lives.

Harriet Hill, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

Voltic - Discreet Conductive Energy Device

Hi, I’m Harriet, and my project focuses on redesigning a Conductive Energy Device (CED), commonly known as a Taser, specifically for undercover police officers operating in high-risk, covert environments.

Through interviews, product analysis, and user-centred research, I identified key limitations in current Taser models for undercover use. Officers often face situations—such as operations to disrupt human trafficking—where carrying a standard Taser is either impractical or dangerous. Existing devices are bulky, overtly weapon-like, and difficult to conceal, leading some officers to forgo carrying them altogether. This jeopardises both their safety and the success of the operation.

My response is the Voltic, a compact, discreet, and ergonomic CED designed to maintain performance while reducing visibility and aggression through form. Voltic is 25.4% narrower than the leading Taser, and 37.7% narrower than the latest model, achieved by minimising component dimensions and using a tight-tolerance shell that streamlines around the internals to form the grip.

Voltic - Discreet Conductive Energy Device

A key innovation is the non-threatening aesthetic. Recognising that weapons can escalate tension, the Voltic uses soft curves and a neutral visual image—moving away from gun-like design—to reduce psychological threat. Despite this, the grip remains intuitive, with optimised ergonomics for quick draw and trigger access across a wide range of hand sizes.

Internally, components are arranged for efficient function and modular cartridge replacement. The casing is designed for ease of disassembly, using fasteners, threads and snap fits to enable maintenance, testing, and end-of-life recycling.

Finally, safety is integrated throughout: from secure battery access and lock mechanisms to pulse regulation and trigger design. Voltic balances discretion, usability, and safety—offering a practical solution for modern undercover operations.