CHRISTIAN AZZI

I have successfully completed my degree in Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering at RMIT University. Throughout my academic journey, I have maintained a keen interest in electronics and automation, and I have always been passionate about solving complex problems by applying the techniques I learned during my studies. As I prepare to graduate in December, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of using my engineering skills to make a positive impact on people's lives. My academic experience has provided me with a solid foundation in Solidworks and various CAD software, along with proficiency in coding languages, with a primary focus on C++.

• Robotic gripper, I have designed a robot gripper that utilizes a rack and pinion mechanism, 3D printed for precise gripping of an egg. The gripper is equipped with an IR sensor and a force sensor to detect the egg and measure the gripping force respectively. The electronics are connected to a MyRio controller which receives input from the sensors and motor encoder. The controller uses a PID algorithm to control the motor movement, ensuring a smooth and delicate gripping of the egg. In addition to its precise gripping capabilities, the robot gripper was designed with ease of assembly and disassembly in mind. The design allows for quick and simple assembly and disassembly, making it extremely convenient for maintenance or transportation. This feature is particularly useful in industrial settings where downtime needs to be minimized and efficiency is key.
• Knee motion sensor, I have designed a knee motion device that utilizes two IMU sensors to detect the flexion angle of the knee. The device allows for real-time monitoring of knee movement, providing valuable data for doctors to track patient progress during rehabilitation programs and for athletes to optimize their training. The data is wirelessly transmitted via a NodeMCU microcontroller and saved on a Google Sheets file for easy access and analysis. The device is equipped with a graphical representation of the data, allowing for clear and intuitive visualization of knee movement. This feature is particularly useful for doctors to easily identify any issues or for athletes to monitor their progress and identify areas that need improvement.
• Shoe Insole/outsole generator, This project showcases my ability to design and develop a unique and innovative product that combines the latest technology with everyday use. I designed a shoe insole that incorporates a piezoelectric generator that is connected to a PCB. The piezoelectric generator generates electricity when the insole is bent and compressed by the person's walking motion. The electricity generated is then used to charge a phone battery. This project demonstrates my skills in circuit design, materials selection, and product development. I was able to integrate multiple technologies to create a practical and efficient solution to charge a phone battery. This project also highlights my ability to think outside the box and come up with unique ideas and products.

• Automated Lighting: Home Assistant has allowed me to integrate many smart home devices into a one system. This has allowed me to fully automate my lighting by using motion sensors. As a result, lighting turns on and off depending on which room I am in. While this seems simple there are many things to consider when coding to not have unintended effects. For example, I do not want all the lights coming on when I swap sides in bed. This system is working well and helps me save energy in the house as lights are never on for no reason.
• Climate Control: Most residential climate control systems work by setting a heater or air conditioner to a target temperature and it will try it's best to achieve this temperature. This can be incredibly inefficient as it will always be working until you turn it off. I solved this by programming a comfortable temperature range that is set by the user. Therefore, when it gets to cold it will turn on the heater and if it is too hot it will turn on the air conditioner. When the temperature is in the comfortable range it turns them off, saving energy. Of course, this deactivates when I leave the house, open a window or leave a door open for too long.
• Automated Cleaning: Robot vacuums are becoming more and more popular but they still require a human to start them. But, a true smart does not require much intentional input from the user. Home Assistant allows you to send JSON commands to an iRobot Rooma. I have utilised 3 this to program a script to automatically start cleaning when there is no one home and when someone returns home, so does the robot. There are conditions to stop the robot cleaning such as time of day and if it has already cleaned on the given day. This automation means that I always come home to a clean floor.