I Developed A Modular Vehicle Simulator! 

A Virtual Prototyping Method For Mechanism Kinematics.

While working at Engineering Design Lab, we had issues with small scale vehicle prototypes because they were not very representative of the full scale vehicle dynamics, However large scale prototyping is time consuming and cost intensive to modify. 

I felt we needed a way to test the fundamental design, beyond calculations, we needed an intuitive drivable experience for testing mechanisms before committing to manufacturing.  Something more representative than Lego or 3d printed desktop models.  

After evaluating on how little software was available to accomplish this, I learned how to push blender beyond its limits, using AI to write custom scripts for additional functionality, and developed a method to simulate any vehicle or mechanism, in a Realtime environment that could be piloted with an Xbox controller. 

I also noticed the autonomous team was unable to develop and test their algorithms while the vehicle was not operational, so I added in virtual sensors, and leveraged AI to write custom scripts to stream sensor data out over the network, also receiving commands from their autonomous algorithms to control the vehicle. This could enable the team to test and refine their autonomous systems before implementing them in the field, or test more extreme scenarios we couldn't afford to risk physically.  I Initially built this simulator for the WAL-LE project, and intend to use it in futre projects as well. 

Mixed Reality Prototyping Techniques - Half Scale Tent

Using the 3d model I created In Gravity Sketch VR, I was able to look through my headset to trace the geometry onto foam core and cloth. I cut out these shapes, stitched and glued them together to make a prototype to test the feasibility of the concentric folding pop up tent design. This proved to be a simple design that was easily collapsible, and could store in a tight location. 

My main Contributions were the alien abduction flat-ride, building and rendering the virtual park (and various buildings in it) in Unreal Engine, as well as other rendering, photoshop, and illustrator layout work.  

The Alien Abduction Ride had a unique play pattern, where users would actually have some control over the movement and lights of the ride. while the larger motions would be automated, each pilot could tilt and aim the tractor ray to beam up their friends on the grounds below. a scoreboard would be kept and pilots would compete to break the record of most abductions.