Kevin Wang

Robotics Engineer focused on whole-body control, mobile manipulation, robot learning-ready systems, and real-world deployment

I build robotic systems that combine hardware integration, control, perception, and autonomy for real-world operation.

About Me

Hi, I’m Kevin Wang, a robotics engineer with a background in mechanical engineering and a master’s in Robotics and Automation from Santa Clara University. My work focuses on building real-world robotic systems that combine control, software, and hardware integration. I have hands-on experience developing mobile manipulators using ROS 2, whole-body control, and real-time system coordination.

I’m particularly interested in control systems, robot autonomy, and learning-based robotics, and I enjoy working on problems where software, sensing, and physical systems come together in real environments.

Projects

Collaborative Mobile Robot

This project investigates human–robot co-manipulation using a mobile manipulator platform (“Frank”) composed of a mobile base and an OpenManipulator-P arm integrated through a custom ROS 2 control architecture. The system is designed for shared physical tasks such as moving furniture, coordinated transport, and safe interaction in human-centered environments.

I improved system robustness through hardware rewiring, safety integration, and emergency-stop mechanisms, and developed multiple whole-body control frameworks that coordinate base and arm motion. A resolved-rate whole-body controller with null-space projection enables simultaneous task execution while secondary objectives such as posture regulation are handled in the null space.

In parallel, I implemented a QP-based whole-body controller that formulates base and arm motion as a constrained optimization problem, enabling systematic handling of task priorities and physical limits, with obstacle avoidance under development. At the low level, I developed torque control, joint-space impedance control, and an admittance controller for compliant and force-responsive behavior.

This platform also serves as a learning-ready robotics system by supporting structured controller testing, hardware data collection, and future integration with policy learning, perception modules, and simulation-based training workflows.

Collaborative Mobile Robot
Arduino Sensor Modules Collection

This collection contains Arduino implementations for a variety of sensor modules used in an embedded systems course. Ranging was implemented across three technologies: an ultrasonic sensor using time-of-flight sound waves, a short-range analog infrared sensor (GP2Y0A41SK0F), and a TFMini Plus micro LiDAR for higher accuracy over longer distances. For line following, an 8-channel SparkFun Line Follower Array was configured alongside an industrial-grade sensor for robust tracking. Environmental monitoring used an Adafruit BME688 for air quality, gas, temperature, humidity, and pressure data, paired with a roller microswitch for collision detection. The collection also includes a SparkFun XA1110 GPS breakout for location data and an Adafruit 9-DOF IMU (BNO085) for onboard sensor fusion providing yaw, pitch, and roll. Camera and LiDAR modules are in progress.

Distance Sensor Module

Distance Sensors

Line Sensor Module

Line Sensor

Environment Sensor Module

Environment Sensor

Waypoint Profiler Capstone Design Project
Waypoint Profiler

For my senior design project, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop an underwater robot for waypoint-based water sampling. Through stakeholder interviews and trade-off analyses, we prioritized reliability, functionality, and safe operation in real deployment conditions.

We applied DFM principles and FEA simulations to improve manufacturability and structural reliability, integrated high-capacity electronics under strict safety constraints, and established assembly and pre-deployment review procedures. The project resulted in a 90+ page engineering report and earned Best in Interdisciplinary Session at the Senior Design Presentations.

Robot Manipulator Program for Tool Sorting
Sorting Robot Arm

I developed a robotic arm system in simulation to automate tool sorting and improve workbench organization. The project involved motion planning, task sequencing, and automated placement of tools into designated bins.

I also developed a user-facing interface and added voice control for intuitive hands-free interaction, demonstrating a combination of robot programming, human–robot interaction, and practical automation workflow design.

Angular Position Control with Fan Motor
Angular Position Control System

In this mechatronics project, I implemented PID control to regulate the angular position of a Lazy Susan mechanism by controlling the output effort of a fan motor. A variable resistor was used to measure angular position and close the feedback loop.

This project strengthened my hands-on experience with feedback control, actuator behavior, sensor integration, and real-world tuning of dynamic systems.

Marble Maze Arcade Machine
Marble Maze Arcade Machine

In this mechatronics project, I designed and fabricated a marble maze arcade machine using 3D-printed components, including the ball support joint and maze structure. The user controls the maze orientation through a joystick to guide the marble from start to finish.

I also implemented a timing function and display system to improve user interaction and overall gameplay experience, combining mechanical design, control, and embedded system implementation.

Action Sequence Generation

This project focuses on generating action sequences from coffee-making videos using machine learning. It includes tools for training an object detection model to recognize key objects and events such as pressing a start button or handling coffee grounds.

Users can fine-tune the model to their setup with a relatively small labeled dataset. The repository includes scripts for data preparation, labeling, YOLO-based fine-tuning, and event extraction. Once trained, the model tracks object positions, grasp points, and task-relevant motions while displaying detected actions alongside the video.

Acrylic Light Stand Design and Manufacturing
Acrylic Light Stand

I designed an acrylic light stand for Bronco Venture Accelerator Cohort 6, exploring multiple concepts through an iterative prototyping process. Using laser cutting and rapid prototyping, I developed a final design that met customer expectations and manufacturing constraints.

Through repeated testing, I standardized the manufacturing process, optimized material selection and cutter settings, and created a fixture to improve repeatability. The project led to the successful delivery of 20 units and generated $400 in revenue with a $300 profit margin.

Contact