hey, I'm zihan.
Mechanical Engineer | Robotics & AI
M.S. in Robotics from Northeastern University with expertise in sensor fusion, reinforcement learning, and mechatronic systems.
About Me
I am a Robotics M.S. graduate from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
My expertise spans sensor fusion, reinforcement learning, ROS 2, and mechatronic systems.
I combine hands-on engineering experience from SharkNinja and HiRain Technology with research in soft material biomechanics, published in the European Journal of Mechanics.
Selected Projects Experience
Innovative solutions in robotics, AI, and healthcare
Micro/Nano Biomechanical Characterization Lab
Engineered 3D-printed compliant linkage with dual-IMU sensor fusion to reconstruct real-time 3D inclusion trajectories under misaligned indentation. Identified Southwell-type lateral instability at critical depth (~19 mm). Automated indentation testing via Raspberry Pi/Python/PID-controlled X-Y stage, reducing per-sample cycle time by 5×.
GPS/IMU Driver Development & Sensor Fusion
Developed inertial odometry pipeline with least-squares magnetometer calibration (hard/soft-iron correction) and complementary filter fusing gyroscope and magnetometer heading estimates. Engineered ROS 2 device driver for VectorNav VN-100 IMU over USB serial with 40 Hz sampling. Characterized gyroscope stochastic errors via Allan Variance analysis.
Disaster Relief Drones Simulation
Architected autonomous drone deployment framework using Q-learning reinforcement learning and A* pathfinding to restore LTE network coverage in simulated disaster environments. Achieved 100% area coverage across grid sizes 7×7 to 20×20. Reduced drone redundancy by 30% compared to random placement, trained over 20,000 episodes.
ToF Cameras and Vibrational Smart Glass
Built wearable obstacle-detection prototype for visually impaired users, integrating Arducam ToF depth camera and dual micro-disc vibration motors on custom resin 3D-printed glasses frame driven by Raspberry Pi 4B. Implemented real-time depth pipeline with tri-zone ROI obstacle localization and PWM-controlled haptic feedback. Achieved 30% improvement in user feedback accuracy.
6-DOF Robotic Arm Trajectory Control
Designed 6-DOF robotic arm control system in MATLAB/Simulink using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) with Gaussian Process-augmented state-space model to capture nonlinear dynamics and reject stochastic disturbances, achieving precise trajectory tracking in dynamic environments.
Anime-Styled Humanoid Robot Torso
Designed 4-DOF modular robotic arm in SolidWorks through 3 design iterations; validated servo motor selection via torque analysis (FoS ≥ 1.5). Developed joystick control system on Raspberry Pi using Python and MCP3008 ADC for real-time PWM servo control. Fabricated via 3D printing (ABS/carbon fiber) with threaded-insert assembly.
Simulink-Based Control System for Vehicle Motion
Developed Simulink/Simscape models for position and speed control using encoder and Arduino. Estimated transfer functions across PWM duty cycles with <5% error validation. Applied PID tuning and FFT analysis to enhance response stability under simulated noise.
Biomechanics & Composite FEA
Developed MATLAB FEA program to model bone with variable cross-sectional area and performed mesh convergence study. Built 2D truss FEA solver for fibrous composites (2000 nodes, 5800+ elements) with progressive crack propagation simulation. Performed static structural analysis in ANSYS Workbench on liquid cylinder block under 750 psi internal pressure.
Tethered-Sphere Flow Sensor Modeling
Modeled a tethered-sphere flow-velocity sensor in MATLAB by deriving force-balance governing equations with Reynolds-dependent drag coefficients. Characterized operational limits via parametric sensitivity analysis to optimize deployment across varying river flow conditions.
Light Level vs. Sleep Quality
Built an Arduino-based ambient light monitoring system with photoresistor and LCD display. Designed and iterated a 4-week self-experiment protocol to investigate the effect of nighttime light exposure on next-day physiological indicators including resting heart rate stability and post-exercise heart rate recovery.
Spaghetti Bridge Design
Researched popular bridge designs and structures, analyzed mechanics principles of beams, supports, and weight capacity. Used AutoCAD to design and modify bridges. Constructed and strengthened the bridge with team collaboration.
Work Experience
Research Assistant
Engineered 3D-printed compliant linkage with dual-IMU sensor fusion. Co-authored publication in European Journal of Mechanics - A/Solids.
Mechanical Test Engineer Co-op
Designed sealed test chambers, compressed-air nozzles, and fabric-attachment fixtures for Shark Air Purifier and wind tunnel validation. Troubleshot testing protocols for Shark Uprights and Robotic Vacuums.
Mechanical Design & Production Engineering Intern
Constructed PCB test fixtures; validated circuit performance through firmware flashing, Linux debugging, and soldering rework. Optimized 2D/3D CAD models for PCBA enclosures ensuring DFM compliance.
Education
Technical Skills
Sensing & Prototyping
Robotics
CAD / CAE
Let's Connect!
Interested in robotics, AI, or collaboration?