Projects - Max Chen

Featured Projects

PPE A.I. Vending Machine

Senior Capstone Project

Intelligent vending machine system utilizing AI camera technology to detect PPE compliance and automatically dispense missing Personal Protective Equipment to workers (users). This project addresses workplace safety by ensuring proper protective equipment usage through computer vision technology.

Key Features

Real-time PPE detection using YOLO object detection algorithm
Automated dispensing system
User-friendly GUI built with PySide6 for operator interface
Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano used for edge AI processing
Database logging for compliance tracking and reporting

Technical Implementation

Trained custom YOLO model on PPE dataset
Implemented Python-based control system for hardware integration
Custom implementation of off the shelf hardware to interface with an exisiting snacks vending machine.

Project Link

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Computer Vision YOLO Python PySide6 Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano OpenCV Hardware Integration Networking Systems

Educational Robotics

Research Project

Educational robotics program designed to engage K-12 students in STEM learning through hands-on robotics experiences. Includes custom hardware design, manufacturing, and curriculum development.

Educational Impact

Designed and fabricated over 100 STEM-education robotic kits
Developed standards-based curriculum for 2-week robotics programs
Created age-appropriate learning materials for different grade levels

Technical Components

Custom PCB design for educational microcontroller boards
Improved hardware design for ease of use and manufacturability
Laser cut in place components for student assembly
EMG circuit to control the robot arm based on the Microchip platform
ROS-based software framework for advanced students

Project Link

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HIRoLab ROS Arduino Laser Cutting PCB Design Curriculum Design Manufacturing

Research & Development Projects

Silicon Wafer Probe Station

Internship Project

Assembled and optimized a prototype silicon wafer probe station for semiconductor testing with custom automation controls and enhanced measurement capabilities.

Technical Achievements

Integrated diverse components into cohesive testing system
Designed custom controller for linear positioning rails
Implemented automated measurement protocols with a custom GUI
Custom implementation of off-the-shelf hardware to interface with the wafer probe station.

PARI Microelectronics Lab Hardware System Design Microelectronics Automation Software Development

Audio Impedance Measurement System

Research Project

Improved and automated data collection system for earphone impedance measurements using Python scripting and creating procedures.

Technical Improvements

Developed Python automation scripts and application for data collection
Improved overall measurement efficiency
Integrated DIGILENT instrumentation tools
Created standardized testing procedures
Investigated environmental factors that affect the measurement

Project Link

View Publication - Extended Abstract

SEAT Lab Python Data Acquisition Automation Audio Engineering

Prosthetics Research Platform

Research Project

Design and fabrication of lower leg prosthesis adapter for biomechanics research with healthy subjects, contributing to advancement in below ankle prosthetic device development and testing.

Research Contributions

Rapid prototyping of various prosthetic adapter designs
CAD design of prosthetic adapter components
Prototype manufacturing and testing
Testing protocol development for human subjects

HIRoLab Biomechanics CAD Design Rapid Prototyping

Academic Projects

Autonomous Rally Car Race

Course Project

Developed an autonomous navigation system for a rally car with wall-following capabilities and waypoint-based path navigation given a map. Achieved a 48 second lap time in the KNOY 500 competition using ROS-based control systems and LIDAR-guided navigation.

Key Achievements

Implemented wall-following algorithm using LIDAR distance measurements and PD control
Developed waypoint navigation system with AMCL localization
Optimized path planning for improved performance
Integrated IMU and LIDAR sensor readings for robust autonomous navigation