About me

Robotics engineer with NAE recognition, published research, and cross-domain expertise in intelligent systems.

I hold a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Robotics from ASU (with Magna Cum Laude), with a focus in Human Systems Engineering and specialize in autonomy, precision systems, and bio-inspired design.
My work spans medical robotics, soft robotics, and autonomous vehicles. I’ve contributed at ThorDrive AI (Autonomous Vehicles) and ClearFlame Technologies (Ethanol run trucks), and co-invented a patent-pending magnetic thrombectomy device and robotic neurosurgery and endoscopy with Mayo Clinic and Banner.
Currently seeking full-time roles to drive innovation across robotics domains.
Scroll down to explore my work and experience.

Technical Skills

Languages/Tools: Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Simulink, HTML, ROS/ROS2
Robotics & AI: RL, SLAM, Computer Vision, Multi-Robot Systems, Soft Robotics
Embedded Systems: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PSoC, PIC, Beckhoff CX, CANbus
Modeling/Design: SOLIDWORKS, UR, Cadence, KiCAD
Fabrication: 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, PCB Design

Hackathons – Design Challenges

Participated in competitive, fast-paced design sprints focused on real-world challenges, winning over $22,000 in awards:
HabitHacks (3rd): Robotic desk assistant
Devils Invent – Honeywell (2nd): Voice-assistant co-pilot
Devils Invent – LANL (3rd): Gesture-controlled robotic arm
Devils Invent – Honeywell (3rd): Multi-robot part delivery system
Devils Invent – Honeywell (2nd): QA & inventory automation
HacksForHumanity (2nd): LLM-powered community resolution app

Engineers Without Borders (EWB)

As a part of EWB-ASU, I worked on global humanitarian engineering projects: a plastic recycling system in Debark, Ethiopia, and a rainwater harvesting system in Naki, Kenya. Learn more under “Projects.”

Awards

National Academy of Engineers - Grand Challenges Scholar
Impact and Innovation Award
Promising Student Award
Dean's List

Matlab Certifications

MATLAB for Data
Processing & Visualization
Control Design
with Simulink
Machine Learning
with MATLAB
Deep Learning
with MATLAB
Reinforcement Learning
with MATLAB
Image Processing with
MATLAB

My Resume

My Experiences

My Current Positions

Robotics student with a demonstrated history of working in fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environments. Skilled in engineering, automation, robotics, scientific research, and leadership.

Graduate Researcher @ Bio-Inspired Robotics Technology & Healthcare Lab

August 2023 – Present

As a Graduate Researcher at the BIRTH (Bio-Inspired Robotics, Technology & Healthcare) Lab at Arizona State University, I worked on translational medical robotics projects in collaboration with clinical partners. I co-developed a patent-pending magnetic thrombectomy device aimed at non-invasive stroke intervention, and contributed to the design of a robotic endoscopy and neurosurgery platform for minimally invasive neurosurgery. In addition to these flagship projects, I built experimental testbeds for simulating surgical tasks. My responsibilities included CAD modeling, rapid prototyping, sensor integration, and drafting technical documentation for clinical validation and publication.

Controls Engineering Intern @ ClearFlame Technologies

January 2024 – August 2024

As a Controls Engineering Intern at ClearFlame Technologies, I worked on advanced engine control systems for ethanol-based combustion engines. I developed an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system using OpenECU and Simulink, ensuring compliance with SAE J1939 standards for vehicle communication and diagnostics. To support scalable development, I designed modular Simulink libraries for real-time monitoring of digital, analog, and CAN signals. Additionally, I built a comprehensive test harness to validate system reliability and performance under dynamic operating conditions, contributing to the overall robustness of ClearFlame’s engine control platform.

Engineering Intern @ ThorDrive AI

May 2022 – April 2023

As a Mechatronics Intern at ThorDrive Inc., I contributed to their autonomous Ground Support Equipment (GSE) program at CVG Airport. I engineered a custom J1939 protocol layer to transmit over 60 sensor data messages between the MCU and VCU via the vehicle CANBUS. I also conducted market research to identify and integrate improved sensors and actuators, enhancing the vehicle's overall design. To support data-driven development, I automated the analysis and visualization of large datasets (4.5M+ lines) from the vehicle’s CANBUS, IMU, and GNSS sensors using MATLAB and ROS. Additionally, I performed Fourier transform analysis on vibration data to assist in the design of a vibration isolation system. My responsibilities also included authoring detailed technical documentation and performance reports on sensor integration and system evaluation.
Product Video

Graduate Teaching Assistant @ ASU – FSE 100

August 2024 – May 2025

I currently serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for FSE 100, ASU's introductory engineering course with over 500 students per semester. In this role, I lead lab sessions, facilitate group design projects, and provide technical mentorship in engineering fundamentals, project planning, and prototyping. I assist in grading technical reports and presentations, manage classroom logistics, and offer one-on-one academic support to help students transition into the engineering curriculum. Prior to this, I served as both an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) and Undergraduate Instructional Assistant (UGIA) across multiple semesters, supporting over 800 students cumulatively. My experience reflects a strong commitment to engineering education and student development.

Leadership & Mentorship Roles

2021 – 2023 || Arizona State University

Led 90+ peers as Co-President of Fulton Ambassadors, representing ASU’s engineering school to donors, industry, and prospective students. Organized outreach and professional development programs. As a GCSP Student Leader, supported 300+ interdisciplinary students through community-building and networking events. Mentored high school teams in EPICS High on real-world engineering projects. Also contributed to soft robotics research at the RISE Lab and supported hybrid classrooms through the University Technology Office.
• Fulton Ambassadors – Co-President, led 90+ members, external engagement
• GCSP – Student Leader, events and community support for 300+ students
• EPICS High – Mentor, guided student teams on engineering solutions
• RISE Lab – Research Assistant, soft robotics prototyping

STEM Education Instructor & Camp Lead

2021 – 2023 || Arizona State University

Served in multi-year instructional roles for ASU’s premier outreach and education programs, including SEE@ASU, NSTI, LEGO Camp, Barrett Summer Scholars, and GEARUP. Delivered engaging, week-long modules on biomimicry, robotics, and design thinking. Led teams, managed logistics, and supported over 200 students across K–12 pipelines. Also supported FSE 100, EGR 101, and FSE 150 courses as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, facilitating labs, review sessions, and hands-on instruction in Arduino, sensors, and SolidWorks.

My Projects

Here are some of the projects I worked on lately.

Minimally Invasive Thrombectomy Via Modular Magnetic Miniature (M3) Robots

July 2024 – May 2025 | Bio-Inspired Robotics Tech & Healthcare x Mayo Clinic AZ

This patent-pending thesis project focuses on developing a minimally invasive, magnetically guided blood clot removal tool that integrates soft robotics and high-strength magnetic control. I co-authored a patent-pending (US provisional application) thrombectomy system designed for targeted endovascular procedures. My contributions include designing and 3D printing custom mounting structures for magnetic actuation and integrating them with a UR16e robotic arm. I also performed finite element analysis (FEA) to optimize the system’s structural and magnetic performance. Additionally, I assisted in developing vision-based tracking algorithms to improve real-time localization and navigation. This collaborative effort between clinicians and engineers has led to significant advancements in magnetic-assisted minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Modular Magnetic Thrombectomy prototype in testing

Soft-Robotic Ostrich

August 2024 – December 2024 | Soft-Robots @ASU

Inspired by avian biomechanics, this project focused on the design and development of a soft robotic system modeled after an ostrich. I simulated dynamic gait and stride optimization using MuJoCo with soft-body physics, replicating realistic locomotion mechanics. I also modeled and tested flexible material structures to balance durability and mobility. This was a group project. The system was physically prototyped using ESP32 microcontrollers and servo motors, enabling real-world validation of performance metrics such as stride length, frequency, and overall stability.
Project Video
GitHub Repo

Desert MechMinds: Robot Dynamics GUI

Spring 2024 | MAE547 @ASU

Developed an interactive MATLAB GUI for visualizing and controlling custom robotic manipulators via symbolic and numeric input. The system supports full DH parameter entry and simulates both compliance and impedance control in real time. I contributed to impedance and compliance graph plotting, refined user input handling, and co-led testing for multi-DOF systems. Forward kinematics, Jacobian, and dynamic models were visualized, and system behavior under external loads was validated with parameterized simulations.
GitHub Repo

Gesture-Based Assistive Robotics

Fall 2024 | NeurIPS Submission

Created gesture-controlled simulations for assistive robotics using a Vision-Language Model (VLM) pipeline. Three environments—smart home, robotic arm, and wheelchair—were tested using facial and hand gestures. I implemented an embedding-based recognition model using CLIP-style similarity matching, significantly improving task accuracy and reducing response time compared to baseline LLaVA. Our approach demonstrated 100% recognition accuracy in the wheelchair task and introduced robust gesture semantics adaptable to diverse user needs.
GitHub Repo

Gesture recognition simulation interface

Automated Wafer Hoist System

Spring 2024 | EGR 402 Capstone

Designed and prototyped an automated hoist system to transfer semiconductor FOUPs within ISO-3 cleanroom environments. The system combined a NEMA stepper-driven linear rail, anti-backlash nuts, and sensor-integrated grippers. I contributed to system integration, FEA-based stress testing, and rapid prototyping using 3D printing and CNC-machined aluminum. Performance was validated through real-world stress tests and SolidWorks motion simulations to ensure cleanroom compatibility and mechanical precision.

Competitive Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

Spring 2025 | EEE 598 @ASU

Investigated competitive reinforcement learning using self-play within the FightLadder gaming platform and autonomous traffic scenarios. I explored policy robustness through Elo ratings, exploitability testing, and curriculum learning in zero-sum Markov games. Our system achieved over 98% success in merging simulations and defeated built-in AI in fighting games using League Training strategies. My role focused on implementation analysis, system tuning, and presenting our findings as part of a multi-agent strategy pipeline.

Reinforcement Learning FightLadder Benchmark

Devils Prosthetics

January 2022 – Present

As a part of EPICS's ASU chapter, I am leading the design of Devils Prosthetics' electrical and mechanical subsystems as the design-lead. Devils Prosthetics is focused on producing a 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic for transradial amputations. I designed and optimized the electrical systems of the prosthetic consisting of myoelectric sensors and servos. Additionally, I assisted in writing and presenting grant applications, winning the team $5,000 in EPICS Elite Pitch Funding.
Project Website

ChemE Car @ASU

Spring 2023

The ChemE Car@ASU project, "Fueled Feline," involved designing a small car powered by Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) with a 100°C temperature differential. As the Design Lead, I oversaw the creation of the physical car, reactor, SolidWorks model, and engineering design packet. Our efforts earned us second prize at the regional competition hosted by AIChE at UCSD. Currently, we are working on an exciting new project, developing a car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, aiming to promote sustainable and clean energy solutions.
Project Website

Autonomous Drone

Spring 2023

For my Robotics Systems class, I worked on a project involving the Parrot Mambo drone. Using Simulink and MATLAB, we explored drone kinematics and conducted simulations. By implementing a Kalman filter and image processing techniques, we improved the drone's stability and control. Notably, we achieved the drone's ability to autonomously follow a colored line with precision. This project honed my skills in UAV kinematics, Simulink modeling, image processing, and control systems, fueling my passion for robotics and autonomous technologies.

Embedded System: Missing Umbrella

Spring 2023

For our junior capstone, our team took on the challenge of developing a PCB from scratch to control actuators and sensors. The endeavor showcased our diverse skill set and collaborative approach. First and foremost, our proficiency in PCB designing allowed us to create a customized and efficient board that seamlessly integrated with our mechatronics system. Through meticulous microcontroller coding, we enabled precise control over the actuators and sensors, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience. The entire engineering design process was diligently followed, from concept ideation to prototyping and iterative improvements. Additionally, our keen eye for component selection played a pivotal role in achieving optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
Project Website

Drawing Robot

November 2022

This robot was my final project for EGR455 class. This robot utilizes the capabilities of the Arduino board, along with the IMU and encoders and actuators, to control the movement of a drawing tool. The robot is programmed using MATLAB to take an image input and create a path to draw the outline. The code uses image extraction tools provided by MATLAB to generate a path that the robot can follow.
Project Video

Self Balancing Bike

September 2022

The self-balancing bike uses centrifugal forces to balance itself and maintain stability, even when subjected to external disturbances. This project utilizes the Arduino platform along with sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect the orientation of the bike, while actuators such as motors make adjustments to maintain balance. This project utilizes a PID controller that is designed and optimized by the team. This project required a thorough understanding of programming, electronics, and control systems, as well as the ability to integrate these components into a functional system.
Project Video

Ocean Pollution Monitoring System

Fall 2021

As a part of my final project for EGR 201, I designed an Ocean Pollution Monitoring System. The device is designed to be affordable (<$500) and smaller than a tablet. This device allows us to monitor the pollution levels in water bodies and share that data with the appropriate authorities. The device has a built-in propeller and GPS so that it can move from one place to another and collect data from different sections of the water body if necessary. The device is solar-powered. To measure the pollution levels, the device deploys multiple sensors ranging from TDS to pH and turbidity. By analyzing the data from these sensors we can determine the source of pollution and take action.
link

Automated Soldering System

Spring 22

During spring 22, under the mentorship of Dr. Mariana Bertoni and Dr. Anoop Grewal, I worked on an automated soldering system to solder Copper ribbons on Photovoltaic cells. This was especially challenging since the copper ribbons were only 200 microns thick. The project is funded by Grand Challenges Scholars Program Research Stipend. Using this machine, Defect Lab@ASU plans on studying the thermomechanical stresses induced by soldering. The automated system helps provide uniform solder and thus helps in getting consistent data. During this project, I gained extensive knowledge of PV cells and autonomous manufacturing.
Research Poster

Publications

My publications span medical robotics, assistive technologies, soft robotics, embedded systems, and multi-agent learning. Below are selected research papers and patent contributions, with more in progress.

Miniature Magnetic Modular Robot for Thrombectomy

Deepit Arora, T. Zhang, M. Ghiyasi, N. Gangrade, H. Marvi.
“Miniature Magnetic Modular (M3) Robot for Endovascular Thrombectomy.”
International Symposium on Medical Robotics (ISMR), May 2025. (Accepted, Poster)

Thrombectomy Apparatus Patent

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/766,185
“Thrombectomy Apparatus with Magnetically Expandable Segments.”
Co-inventor: Deepit Arora

Robotic System for PTSD and Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

M. Ghiyasi, T. Zhang, Deepit Arora, A. Yang, H. Marvi.
“Robotic System for PTSD and Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.”
Southwest Robotics Symposium, ASU, Nov 2024. (Poster)

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