Sep 2024 - Present
Boston, MA
I have been working on the development of CHAI (Collaborative Hand Assist Instrument), a cutting-edge robotic platform designed to assist the elderly with eating. Building on the HASHI (Human-Assisted Smart Hand Instrument) platform, CHAI introduces a self-stabilizing, passive arm to provide accessibility and ease of use while maintaining precision in food manipulation.
Custom Electronics Design: Designed and integrated strain gauges into the chopstick arms to measure grip force and torque with precision, enabling accurate manipulation of food items.
Platform Integration: Streamlined the integration of electronic components, including sensors, amplifiers, and control systems, to create a cohesive and reliable system.
Iterative Testing: Conducted extensive testing to validate the platform’s ability to handle diverse food items, accounting for variations in weight, texture, and geometry.
Assistive Focus: Focused on creating a system that enhances the independence and quality of life for elderly users, addressing real-world challenges through human-centric design.
The CHAI project represents a significant step forward in the development of assistive robotic technologies. By leveraging the foundational design of HASHI and introducing novel features such as a passive, self-stabilizing arm, CHAI bridges the gap between advanced robotics and practical human applications. This ongoing research has honed my skills in sensor integration, electronics development, and real-world prototyping, while inspiring me to continue pursuing innovative solutions in manipulation robotics.