Alex Xu

- Solved localization edge cases, improving stability and allowing us to become Robocup 2024 world champions - Implemented team communication, message filtering, and player assignment allowing for advanced behaviors - Optimized Python code using Numba, allowing our localization to run at 100 Hz, the fastest at competition - Designed and manufactured 3D-printed silicone molds for a soft robotic actuator - Developed rigs in Blender for motion retargeting of humanoid robots used to train neural networks

- Led a team of over 30 people, delegated tasks with subteam leads, and taught C++ and ROS - Raised over $13k for the team–over double our budget of $5k last year–allowing us to compete in Robosub - Placed 21 out of 40 teams at Robosub, beating out several veteran teams in our first year

- Led the development of a control system using ROS for the MateROV competition - Built a 4 DOF ROV with 3 pneumatic arms operating at 40 PSI and 3 underwater cameras - Developed PID control loops, thruster allocation, and I2C drivers for an IMU - Qualified for the MateROV Worlds competition, 1 of 8 teams nationally

- Developed a photo-real simulator in Unreal Engine to generating training images for a neural network - Created underwater caustics using decals and light patterns resulting in a lightweight simulator

- Collaborated with UCLA’s Micro-Manufacturing Lab to test a super-hydrophobic material on an ROV - Designed and modeled the chassis and electronics bay in Solidworks - Sourced electronics, and created wiring diagrams

Overview: Worked on the development of a low-cost AUV platform for multi-vehicle operations - Developed a PID control loop and thrust allocator; implemented a Kalman Filter for sensor fusion using ROS2 - Wrote I2C libraries for sensors to connect directly to a Raspberry Pi, reducing the size and complexity of the system - Created URDFs for our vehicle and simulated the robot in an underwater environment using Gazebo - Designed a PCB incorporating a GPS, Wifi, and LED array using Eagle for making a potted antenna

Overview: Endoflex is an articulated catheter that would allow a gastroenterologist to perform easier and more thorough removal of polyps in the GI tract. - Designed and manufactured a mechanical joystick with locking axes allowing the surgeon to operate with only one hand - Developed a flexible wire-driven catheter that allows for more accurate positioning of the tool during operation - Manufactured prototypes using FDM, SLA, and SLS printing - Conducted FEA analysis on catheter parts to simulate working conditions of the mechanism

- Designed an electronics housing unit in Solidworks for the hybrid Prometheus rocket - Modeled an H-class and an A-class rocket in teams of 3 and simulated the model in Openrocket

Design, Robotics, and Manufacturing focus