Project Overview
I spent the summer at Vecna Robotics in Waltham, MA, working on the Mechanical Engineering Team. Vecna Robotics is "the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) company that helps distribution, warehousing, and manufacturing organizations streamline their materials handling and logistics operations." Vecna's work and innovative approach to robotic systems are changing how we look at materials handling automation.
My Project
I worked on my own project focused on developing a mobile calibration system for rear and front-facing lidars throughout the summer. My project involved the mechanical design of the system components, developing the calibration sequence, and interacting heavily with the software, manufacturing, and testing departments at Vecna. The fully modular system allows on-site technicians and quality engineers to quickly and easily calibrate the lidars level with the wheelbase within 0.5° of level. The project also involved a complete redesign of the mounting brackets for the lidars.
In the fall, I transitioned from an individual project to work with the full mechanical team to develop a new vehicle, the Autonomous Counterbalanced Fork Truck. My work on that project included the counterbalance system, the sensor suite housing design, various aesthetic body paneling and covers, and testing of the system. This project also involved heavy communication with the electrical, software, QA, manufacturing, and remote operations teams, as success depended on coordinating everyone's needs effectively. The project culminated with the vehicle's official launch in Fall 2020 and is now in production.
What I Learned
Throughout my time at Vecna, I learned new skills and developed existing skills to new heights. I furthered my knowledge of various technical programs like SolidWorks and Matlab and learned how to apply these programs to real-world applications effectively. I also learned more about teamwork and communication in a professional setting. As a mechanical engineer, I was constantly in contact with multiple other teams and accommodated all of their specific needs. Above all else, I reinforced my critical thinking skills and understanding of the fundamental design process. After my experience there, I feel much more capable of approaching any problem, coordinating groups, leading meetings, and working together with my teammates to hit deliverable deadlines.
I spent the summer at Vecna Robotics in Waltham, MA, working on the Mechanical Engineering Team. Vecna Robotics is "the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) company that helps distribution, warehousing, and manufacturing organizations streamline their materials handling and logistics operations." Vecna's work and innovative approach to robotic systems are changing how we look at materials handling automation.
My Project
I worked on my own project focused on developing a mobile calibration system for rear and front-facing lidars throughout the summer. My project involved the mechanical design of the system components, developing the calibration sequence, and interacting heavily with the software, manufacturing, and testing departments at Vecna. The fully modular system allows on-site technicians and quality engineers to quickly and easily calibrate the lidars level with the wheelbase within 0.5° of level. The project also involved a complete redesign of the mounting brackets for the lidars.
In the fall, I transitioned from an individual project to work with the full mechanical team to develop a new vehicle, the Autonomous Counterbalanced Fork Truck. My work on that project included the counterbalance system, the sensor suite housing design, various aesthetic body paneling and covers, and testing of the system. This project also involved heavy communication with the electrical, software, QA, manufacturing, and remote operations teams, as success depended on coordinating everyone's needs effectively. The project culminated with the vehicle's official launch in Fall 2020 and is now in production.
What I Learned
Throughout my time at Vecna, I learned new skills and developed existing skills to new heights. I furthered my knowledge of various technical programs like SolidWorks and Matlab and learned how to apply these programs to real-world applications effectively. I also learned more about teamwork and communication in a professional setting. As a mechanical engineer, I was constantly in contact with multiple other teams and accommodated all of their specific needs. Above all else, I reinforced my critical thinking skills and understanding of the fundamental design process. After my experience there, I feel much more capable of approaching any problem, coordinating groups, leading meetings, and working together with my teammates to hit deliverable deadlines.
