Project Description
Over three consecutive years, I helped design and build complex robots for the JDG machine challenge, working 30–60 hours/week in a small team. I focused on mechanical system development, especially drivetrain, manipulators, and integration with custom electronics. My work evolved into a coordination role, leading mechanical design efforts while continuing to build and iterate hands-on. Each project emphasized design-for-assembly, rapid prototyping, and tight collaboration across disciplines.
Key points
2025 - Bus System with Station Communication
Robots simulated a public transport system: one collected "passengers" (mini stations), the other retrieved cones. Each station used ESP32s and required physical electrical docking
- Led propulsion tank drive design and helped architect subsystem layout
- Designed mechanical docking systems to align and connect metal contacts
- Coordinated mechanical design across subsystems and electronics constraints
2024 - Ball Harvesting Robots
Two distinct robots: one autonomous, one teleoperated. Mission: collect ballpit balls, place them into towers, and climb onto the center platform at the end.
- Worked on omnidirectional drive, intake systems, and ball sync mechanism
- Developed the rising and lowering omnidirectional drive of autonomous robot
- Assisted with the 2-axis arm for precise ball placement into towers
- Participated in design, iteration, and structural layout of both robots
2023 - Dual Bridge-Building Robots
Robots designed to deploy and traverse wooden beams between islands, creating electrical connections between them via banana plugs.
- Designed a full 3-axis linear arm for beam pickup and wire insertion
- Developed a multi-directional drive system convertible to rail-tracking
- Helped prototype and refine the clamping and connector mechanism