Kunal Kumar

Experience

• 

  University of Otago

  Nov 2020 - Feb 2021

  Part-time Research Intern

  • Collaborated with Dr. Michael Jack remotely; developed better time management and communication skills in the process of organizing meetings while pursuing college coursework• Applied data-preprocessing and machine learning techniques for disaggregation of smart meter data using MATLAB and Python programming languages• Explored and investigated the event-detection algorithms for low sampling nonintrusive load monitoring

• 

  SRISTI Innovations

  May 2021 - Jun 2021

  SRISTI Summer School on Inclusive Innovations

  Presented the idea of a novel design of an atmospheric water generator in front of a panel comprising of esteemed innovators - Dr. B.K. Chakravarthy (Head IDC, IIT Bombay), Prof. Katherine Bissett-Johnson (Social and Sustainable Design, Swinburne University of Technology), and Prof Anil Gupta

• 

  Cornell Cup Robotics

  Oct 2022 - May 2023

  Systems Lead Cornell Cup Robotics

  • Benchmarking and using systems tools to build test plans to objectively measure performance of the MiniBot System against current competitors.• Establish communication between sub teams and documenting progress for Information and Knowledge Management.

• 

  Invictus BCI Incorporated

  May 2023 - Jul 2023

  Computer Vision Intern

  • Computer Vision Application Development: Utilized the MediaPipe library to develop a computer vision system for tracking hand movements and calculating finger angles. Identified system limitations related to distance, lighting conditions, hand orientation, and occlusions.• Software Solution Delivery: Delivered a comprehensive Jupyter notebook featuring Python code that implements advanced computer vision algorithms, complete with extensive documentation, data visualizations, and analysis. This tool facilitated effective demonstration and exploration of project results, allowing for easy adaptation and further development. Show less

• 

  Organic Robotics Lab

  Jul 2023 - May 2024

  Research Assistant

  • Circuit Design and Testing: Engineered and validated a custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for spark timing control, incorporating a high-voltage DC-DC converter and a 555 timer to develop a tunable frequency oscillator using Altium.• Fuel and Oxygen Supply Systems: Spearheaded the development of a hydrogen peroxide catalysis process for oxygen generation; designed and assembled a miniature butane tank with integrated valve systems.• Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Utilized Figure 4 and Carbon 3D printing technologies to fabricate components using both thermally and UV-cured resins, including RPU 70 and SIL 30, achieving varied shore hardness in polyurethane. Show less

• 

  Bio-Inspired Fluid Lab

  May 2024 - Sept 2024

  Mechatronics Engineer

  ➢ Hybrid Actuation System Engineering: Developed an advanced actuation system that combines tendon mechanics with precise pneumatic controls. Utilized pressure sensor feedback and corrective actions using PWM controlled solenoid valves to emulate the biological muscle movements involved in human swallowing. This project emphasized the fine control necessary for studying physiological phenomena, showcasing skills in designing complex mechatronics systems that mirror biological functions.➢ Linear Stage Optimization for Confocal Depth Scanner: Enhanced the performance of a linear stage system by designing a mechanical fixture to minimize vibrations during scanning. Improved scanning speed by programming an Arduino to control a 24 VDC stepper motor for precise operation of the lead screw linear stage, ensuring smoother and faster data acquisition in confocal microscopy applications. Show less

• 

  Cornell University

  Sept 2024 - now

  Mechatronics Lab Research Technician

  ➢ Experimental Design & System Validation: Supported design engineers by setting up and refining validation experiments for control systems. Led instructional sessions on PID controllers for speed and position control, oscilloscopes for system response testing, and Bode plots for frequency analysis of flywheel setups, ensuring students gained practical experience in system-level testing and analysis.➢ Equipment Management & Safety Protocols: Oversaw handling, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lab equipment, including actuators, amplifiers, and safety interlock systems, to ensure safe and reliable operation. Assisted students in troubleshooting and performing experiments safely, fostering a strong foundation in lab safety and diagnostics. ➢ Control Systems Diagnostics: Conducted system diagnostics using LabView, digital signal analyzers, and oscilloscopes for electrical testing, facilitating in-depth understanding of servo control and feedback mechanisms within control systems. Show less