Xiang Li
Lafayette,IN
Summary
Proven track record in automation and process optimization, including a 15% efficiency gain at Hemp Katalyst. Currently developing UR5 robotic lab automation (Gazebo/ROS) for precision sample handling and spin coater control—bridging simulation to real-world deployment. Skilled in MATLAB, robotics programming, and project leadership, with a flair for turning technical challenges into scalable solutions. Multilingual collaborator (EN/CN/JP) adept at cross-functional teamwork.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Robotics Engineer
Purdue University Mars Lab
Lafayette, IN
02.2025 - Current
- Simulated UR5 robotic arm in Gazebo to automate material science lab tasks, including grasping samples, loading/unloading spin coater, and actuating spin cycles in a virtual environment.
- Designed lab environment in Gazebo with accurate physics and collision models for task validation.
- Programmed UR5 control logic (ROS, MoveIt) to retrieve samples, swap preforms, and trigger spin coater autonomously.
- Pipeline development: Transitioning simulation-tested algorithms to real-world UR5 deployment for lab automation.
Design Engineer Intern
Hemp Katalyst
Hanover, MD
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Optimized hemp decorticators process by 15% through the design of an industrial line for hemp production.
- Managed engineering department responsible for air filter implementation within hemp manufacturing facility.
- Applied engineering principles to enhance functionality, durability, and manufacturability of products in development.
Researcher
Penn State Formula Racing Club
State College, PA
09.2022 - 10.2023
- Utilized Solidworks to create designs for car body frames and suspensions
- Researched racing car structures and actively participated in assembly to optimize design effectiveness
- Conducted vibration and durability testing for car bodies, analyzing data to identify areas for modification and improvement
- Designed formula-style race car for Michigan International Speedway's annual Formula SAE Competition in 2022, achieving 28th place out of 100
Researcher
Penn State University
State College, PA
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Studied centralized or non-centralized patrol algorithms of robots and wrote algorithms with MATLAB
- Used Simulink to analyze each existing robot’s control patrol system and to classify "centralized and non-centralized
- Evaluated patrolling robot challenges and devised solution algorithms and elaborated four planning algorithms and functionalities.
- Simulated patrol robot pathways for optimizing algorithms, coordinating tasks, processing large amounts of data, and accounting for external uncertainties.
- Finished thesis on multi-robotic self-patrolling algorithm: Analysis of Multi-Robot Patrolling Algorithms J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 2419 012100
Researcher
UIUC
Urbana-Champaign, IL
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Led four-member team in designing intelligent patrolling robot for hospital using 3D printing and Arduino language.
- Created electrical diagrams for robots and successfully implemented controller designs using MATLAB.
- Enhanced coding in Arduino IDE and optimized functionality of industrial robot control system
- Developed robotic solutions for diverse target markets.
- Created operational models for autonomous robots.
Research Assistant of Material Science
Penn State University
State College, PA
03.2022 - 07.2022
- Conducted experiments to test various types of Shape Memory Alloy and designed unique experimental contractions including pulley contraction for distance amplifier
- Changed the internal structure of memory alloy with knowledge of titanium memory alloy materials, induction heating and electronic impulsion
- Limited the elongation of two SMA wires within 4% and acquired the cooling rates of the wires using a supersonic detector set up with Arduino
- Assisted the professor in summarizing results in reports
Education
Associate of Science - Artificial Intelligence And Robotics
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05.2026
Associate of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA12.2023
Skills
Software: C/C, Java, R, MATLAB, Python, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, PSPice, Multsim, Adobe Premiere, Adobe PS
Languages: Chinese, Cantonese, English, Japanese (Beginner N5-Level)
- Machine Learning
- Robotics Programming
- Project Management
- System Simulation
- Technical Writing
Timeline
Robotics Engineer
Purdue University Mars Lab
02.2025 - Current
Design Engineer Intern
Hemp Katalyst
09.2023 - 04.2024
Researcher
Penn State Formula Racing Club
09.2022 - 10.2023
Researcher
Penn State University
08.2022 - 06.2023
Researcher
UIUC
06.2022 - 12.2022
Research Assistant of Material Science
Penn State University
03.2022 - 07.2022
Associate of Science - Artificial Intelligence And Robotics
Purdue University
Associate of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Pennsylvania State University
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