Simba GaoMECHANICAL / MECHATRONICS
PROFESSIONAL & RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Hardware development.
Across scales.

Designing, modeling, and testing mechatronic hardware for precision motion, robotic manipulation, and semiconductor fabrication.

01 / INDUSTRY

Industry & Product Development

Aerotech, Inc. logo

Aerotech, Inc.

Mechatronic Engineering InternMay–Aug 2026

I modeled eddy-current effects in precision voice-coil actuators using analytical models, FEMM, and Maxwell. I automated geometry sweeps and cross-checked model predictions to evaluate how mitigation changes position-tracking response.

Geometry and magnet configurations
768
Simulated position-tracking recovery · magnitude and phase
70%
Actuator modeling & analysis
Origami Robotics logo

Origami Robotics

Robotics InternSep 2025–Apr 2026

I designed and manufactured a compact robotic arm and custom strain-wave gearbox. I also integrated an omnidirectional mobile base with ROS2, CAN, and LiDAR, establishing teleoperation and pose-command workflows toward autonomous navigation.

Modular robotic arm
6 DOF
Gearbox backlash
≈20 arcmin
Design and Prototyping of 6-DOF Arm & Autonomous Mobile Base
ASML logoUniversity of Michigan logo

ASML × UMich MDP

Mechanical Design InternJan–Dec 2024

I designed and helped build a scaled crank-slider rig to study rolling-loop loads during rapid stage motion. Within the team, I contributed to instrumented testing and analyzed force and displacement data to compare motion with the model.

Peak acceleration · reconstructed from test motion
100 m/s²
Mass accuracy
9%
Rolling-loop test rig

Stealth Startup

Product Development InternMay–Aug 2024

I designed and manufactured compact transport packaging that restrained a medical robot’s multi-axis motion. I iterated CNC-routed and printed prototypes, documented design reviews, and supported patent work; a separate Raspberry Pi camera interface reduced cost.

Lower camera-interface cost
70%
Packaging prototypes
CNC + FDM
02 / RESEARCH

Analysis, Design & Validation

Precision Systems and Design Lab

Research Assistant · Flexure fabrication & testingAug 2024–Jan 2025

I refined the CAD and fabrication plan for a diaphragm flexure, then helped manufacture, align, and test the assembly. I compared measured stiffness with the sponsor’s model to assess the effects of tolerances and assembly.

Experimental agreement with the model
Within 9%
Displacement measurement for stiffness tests
Capacitive sensing
Flexure fabrication & testing

Mechatronics & Instrumentation Group

Research Assistant · Precision XY-stage designMay–Aug 2025

I investigated a compact wafer-positioning stage for UBC’s Mechatronics & Instrumentation Group. I compared stacked and planar layouts, developed the air-bearing CAD, and modeled structural error and dynamics to guide the design. Physical testing remains to be completed.

Predicted X/Y structural error · acceleration-only
0.21 / 0.22 µm
Predicted nominal flexible mode
320 Hz
Compact precision XY stage

Resourceful Manufacturing and Design Lab

Research Assistant · Through-die coolingAug 2023–Jan 2024

I used Abaqus to compare insulation around an extrusion-die cooling channel, then built and tested a bench setup. Insulated models retained more die heat; flow and temperature measurements checked the experimental conditions and cooling trends.

Insulation materials compared
2
Bench flow trials
3
Cooling-channel study
03 / TEACHING + FABRICATION

Process equipment & technical mentoring

CMU HackerFab logo

CMU HackerFab

Teaching AssistantJan 2026–present

I operate and troubleshoot a custom ALD tool across vacuum, gas delivery, thermal control, and instrumentation. I automated deposition cycles, used reflectometry and XRR to investigate film growth, and mentor students in tool operation. Film deposition remains unconfirmed; diagnosis is ongoing.

Verified automated cycles
250+
Ampoule temperature regulation
±2 °C
Resolved pressure transients
2–3 mTorr
HackerFab Atomic Layer Deposition System
LET’S CONNECT

Let’s talk hardware.

simbag@andrew.cmu.eduView my Resume